Quote Originally Posted by Twentyinches
Thanks Mr. Clandestine, that makes sense, now you said a soil flush...is this something you HAVE to do? or just for Ph testing purposes? if so would one just drill a hole or 2 on the bottom of the pot to do this, then just pour about a gallon or 2 depending on the size of pot and let it run out and test that water? if i am correct... also is it wise to have rocks on the bottom of the pot?
I have read a few things online etc but it never fails that something contradicts what I read so this is why I ask

thanks again everyone!
First of all, no problem!

Secondly, you don't necessarily have to do a soil flush...but it's generally recommended to do one at least once a month or so. It will help to clear out some of the excessive fertilizers/salts that eventually build up in most soils, regardless of the quality. And yes, drilling a few 1/8-1/4" holes in the bottom of your pot would be more than sufficient for collecting run-off. But I was simply stating that this is a good way to test the overall pH of the soil. You can experience nutrient lockout and a list of nasty maladies from soil with an excessively acidic or alkaline pH, and many growers like to rest assured that their soil pH is at least consistent.

Adding rocks/gravel to the bottom of your pots will help drainage, but it's not a necessity. I like to add a small amount (less than half an inch) of perlite to the bottom of my pots, and mix at least 30% perlite into my soil to aide in aeration. This isn't always necessary, especially if you have a quick draining soil, but without it my soil would turn to mud pretty quick when saturated. It's really up to you, and you won't be making a wrong decision either way.

The internet is full of contradictions & varying ways to do something. I've found that this site is generally spot-on when it comes to good advice. There are a lot of growers here who really know what they're talking about...so rest assured that you can count on most of the information given by the consistent visitors and moderators. I've been here for less than a month, and have already uncovered a wealth of information that would have taken me years to discover from books, magazines, etc. For that reason, I have a feeling that I'll be hanging around for a long time to come.

Take care, and good luck with all of your future growing endeavors! :rastasmoke: