How to Make Seed Starting & Potting Up Mixes on a Budget: Materials, Mix Ratios, My Formula

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks! Here is how you can support me, more videos, and The Rusted Garden... The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSG Visit my blog, The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com Thanks... Companies I am Affiliated With... Bentey Seed Company bentleyseeds.com GreenStalk Garden Vertical Towers: lddy.no/4eal Vegega Metal Raised Beds:www.vegega.com/?ref=le64f3gm3 AgroThrive Water-Soluble Fertilizer: bit.ly/3qx7rot The Rusted Garden 'Scan & Grow' Seed Collection www.therustedgarden.com/search?type=product&q=qr Just scan the QR code and watch a planting video: Follow me on Instagram instagram.com/therustedgarden/ Join The Rusted Garden Homestead FB Group facebook.com/groups/Therustedgardenhomestead Follow me on TikTok www.tiktok.com/@therustedgarden My Books The Modern Homestead Garden: amzn.to/43iXbyx Growing and Edible Landscape: amzn.to/3NgMUxj Visit My Amazon Store Front I earn from any eligible purchases you make. www.amazon.com/shop/garypilarchiktherustedgarden Become an affiliate of The Rusted Garden and Earn 15% on sales. Sign up here: the-rusted-garden.goaffpro.com/create-account

[@hoosierpreppingnurse]

I made my own seed starter this year based on your videos. I have had an outstanding success with the seeds sprouting. In the past I bought seed starter. It seemed more wood chips than anything. Had less than stellar success with that.

[@kimparker1752]

I am in Central Missouri and Lowes sell large cubic bags of peat moss. I bought 6 bags 2 years ago, store them in my covered barn typically use 1 bale per spring and fall seed starting season. Currently at Lowes they have 3 cu. feet bales for 19.98. Makes a lot of starting potting mix!!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep thats what I use. Its good stuff Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@annakramar5088]

TIp: Wear a mask or mix it outdoors. Mix perlite with a little water has fine dust particles that can go air borne . Do not breathe in. Even potting mix, people may find they are allergic. Always read instructions on the back of the product bag.🌻

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good tips. Thanks Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@lidip8700]

Oh darn!! I just mixed a bunch with vermiculite & starter mix in my home atrium

[@juliekovach9784]

Where I live, Jiffy Mix are the small boxes of corn muffins, pizza crust, etc. sold on the baking aisle at the grocery store (and manufactured here in Chelsea, Michigan, home of the actor Jeff Daniels!)

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Here to LOL. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@ralexlu]

this synchronicity is insane. i needed this video!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Excellent. More to come Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@hiroyopoetker]

Very great video and perfect mix! The small percentage of worm casting is ideal for getting some biology in the mix!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

The biology does help and will multiply in the containers. So it is great to do. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@athomas897]

Short sweet and informative. ❤

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thats my goal Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@Gabriella-lb1yw]

Gary, thank you teaching how to make this mix! The Jiffy mix here in NJ is up to $15 to $25 per bag. Uline just delivered the vermiculite within one day from PA! Total cost with shipping $121. The boxes are about 4.5 tall! Even if the jiffy went down to $7 in the store, your mix is a great way to save.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Wow that is getting so expensive. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@sensenisok]

Even cheaper at big box stores . Look in insulation isle for vermiculite.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good tip. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@garthwunsch]

Insulation vermiculite is different from agricultural grade and all the info I've seen says to not use the industrial product, I just can't remember the exact reasoning right now... but certainly worth researching.

[@pal8h]

Can't go wrong with this staying mix! I screen the peat moss to catch the larger chunks/sticks but that's not completely necessary.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It works well. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@revens-j3k]

I do too,as it is better to drop in the plants Ive germanated from the paper towel and baggie method.This time lm going to use MI gardeners method of paper towel in a condiment container with a lid so the seeds can grow upward.l germinated impatient seeds(18 days usual) in 5 days.

[@wheretheseedlingsare9646]

Thank you Gary

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

One of my favorite subjects

[@se5594]

This is exactly the mix i came up with last year. Worked great

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Its good stuff. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@darkstarpyro5358]

Solid info Gary, Adding a wetting agent like yucca powder with the initial watering is something I add to this.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good tip. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@birgitelisabeth9661]

I just ordered the Vermiculite from Uline. Minimum purchase is two bags (4 cu ft each) for $39. So the total is $78, plus $40.50 for shipping to Chicago, plus $4.88 for tax. You would buy Vermiculite-Grade I for horticultural use. Thanks for the video, Gary!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It's good stuff. Seems pricey u front but it really reduces cost as you buy in bulk. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@jamilemmond3393]

Thanks for your recipe! I was pricing seed starting mix and 😮

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep making it is the cheapest way to go. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

FYI my very first year gardening I brought my homemade compost in to help an indoor plant and I couldn't understand why I had tons of flies in my house. I mean tons! It took a long time to realize where they came from.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah brings in eggs unfortunately

[@jeannettecantley4558]

Great information thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share for sure. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

Thank you very much - Robyn

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Glad to share. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@justsayin5609]

To clarify: Vermiculite is for water retention. Perlite is for aeration. Lots of comments with this question.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks. Currently on Sale... buy 1 get 1 60% off vertical planters sale 2/14-2/21 at GreenStalk Garden. Use my code and get an extra $10 off. My link to GreenStalk Garden and discount code: Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the $10 discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@Judten1]

Hello! If your mixing large amount of any soil for your garden and you have a friend with a cement mixer, borrow it! Mixes this really nice for you. 👍

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That is golden. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Thanks, Gary. Shouldn't you add dolomitic lime to adjust the pH since peat is acidic? If the pH of the mix is off it can affect nutrient absorption.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Its not as acidic as we are told but you can add in some for sure. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@JeffreyKangas-g3p]

Hi Gary. Im looking to do seed starting inside for the first time this Feburary/March. How much do you consider the PPFD or the light density when seed starting indoors? Do you care about the brightness or just want a certain number of lights?

[@reginaldanglin4264]

Hey Gary waz up. Lol. Man i joined one of your channel. Haven't been hear for a min. But , but i haven't forgot ya. Your channel is Educational at best. 10/10. Keep it simple reggie. Man save a lot of money. Yes looks so beautiful like black Gold. Can you use peat moss and sand with compost? Old time said use sand. 2nd can u grow in Mulch.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks so much. Sand give it weight and can make a fine mix. It mostly helps for drainage. Using earth in it is very similar. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@QivSeudo]

I don't have fungus gnats but I have damping off disease with peat moss. Would boiling water prevent the disease?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It sure does. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@sypher0101]

Many seeds I've seen ask for "well drained soil". if peat moss retains water, & vermiculite retains water, wouldn't using both make the mix too wet?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yeah thats one of the catch phrases that dont make sense. Holding moisture is fine. Not letting excess water drain through and leave air pockets behind is bad. So the materials can absorb, but excess should drain away. Please visit my new blog www.therustedgardenblog.com The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4aarkDD

[@jefffarris9238]

Uline is very competitively priced but they have a 2-bag minimum for each, at $39 per bag. If you bought perlite also, that would be 4 bags (@160 dollars), just so people know. There is another brand, PVP, where you can buy just one bag. "Horticultural Grade Vermiculite". The "medium" seems very close to Gary's "fine".

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks. The labeling does vary. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@michelerichard5523]

Is Peatmoss not acidic. Someone mentioned adding Dolomitic lime to balance out the PH to a neutral level. I believe it is 1 gallon Peatmoss, add 2 tbsp of the lime. 🤷‍♀️

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

It is more acidic and you can put some lime in it to buffer it. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@Heelsfan74]

Gary, you changed this seed starting mix ratio from your previous videos. Before you stated a ratio of 6:1 peat moss to vermiculite and here you stated 3:1. Did you find this new ratio worked better for seed starts and do you use this new ratio for potting mix as well? Thank you

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I found the latter works a bit better. Both do work. There are just a lot of ways to make it but these are the ends. I wouldnt go higher or lower. I like 3:1 for potting mix. Please visit my new blog www.therustedgardenblog.com The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4aarkDD

[@natemarin7839]

Where do buy Perlite? Thanks for the Uline source for the fine vermiculite

[@gjsmimi4474]

Usually garden stores and the big box stores that have garden sections (Home Depot, Walmart, etc.) sell bags of perlite.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont use a lot and have found bags at big box stores at times. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@rickyamsbaugh7397]

Where did you get your metal buckets from and how big are they

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Those are from Home Depot by their trash cans. I dont know the size. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@Rachnic1]

Can i just crush the coarser vermiculite into finer pieces or will that not be the same? I guess could sift out the larger pieces if crushing isnt a good idea

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I think it is a bit of work to crush it. You could if its not an issue. I depends how course yours is.

[@walkwalk69-ho5lt]

Should organic lime be added to the peat moss due to the pH ?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

You can. I dont do it but a little bit does increase the pH. www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@juliekovach9784]

Buy Gary's new book everyone! It's fantastic!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks for the book support!

[@NatalieDiorio]

Hi. What size is your cup? 8oz or 16oz? Thanks, Natalie

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I don't know actually. It just picked it for it is size. But it probably around 32 ounces. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@NatalieDiorio]

@@THERUSTEDGARDEN I was thinking it might be larger. Otherwise,I would be sitting there waiting for the cows to come home before my bucket got filled. 😂

[@garthwunsch]

As he explained, it doesn't matter what size it is because you are using ratios, not precise measures. Sometimes my container is 2 or 3 gallons... depends on how much mix you need.

[@lynngraffigna5152]

Link for the vermiculite?

[@wojomojo]

what about coco coir instead of peat moss?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

That will work. I experimented with it in the past. Please Visit The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@TravisTarver60]

I’m a little confused? Watch your channel as a favorite. I’ve often heard you refer to Perlite as “eye candy” and not needed. I basically quit using it when mixing. It either serves a real purpose or it doesn’t?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

True. And I say you only need 2 ingredients. It the big bags you buy its eye candy for like for filling containers and raised beds. There just isnt enough it to matter. It has little value. In seed starting and potting up it can have value for drainage at about this ratio. But its about the quantity that matters and I probably should have clarified way back. A few pieces popping up isnt much but eye candy.

[@Harmonylovess]

Do you have a recipe for raised beds or grow bags?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep search making container mix. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@michaelvittori8525]

Good video !! What do you use for your outdoor potting mix?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I actually make mine. Look up making container mix on why channel. Please Visit and Thanks! The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/ My new Podcast: The Rusted Garden Homestead https: https:bit.ly/443SSGL The Rusted Garden Journal, for the written DIY recipes and more garden information: therustedgarden.blogspot.com

[@CaffeinatedOwlC]

Just curious: Im using Coir this year, and I prefer to hydrate/wash/sterilize first. It’s also a lot easier to measure out wet. Will the recipe change drastically by doing this? Like, should I go to 6 to 1, since the coir expands so much? Or am I just overthinking things? 😅

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I dont think it will matter much. Just eyeball it and add more vermiculite if you feel it needs more. Just use this as a guideline. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@johnlibby7900]

I know you’re zone 7 Maryland. What area in Maryland. I’m in the Frederick county area.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Im in Howard County www.therustedgarden.com/ - Seeds, Starting Supplies, Neem Oil, Peppermint & Other Oils, Calcium Nitrate & More.

[@tracisusong6991]

Hello. How long does the mix last once mixed unused? I have a small space but want to make my own seed starting and potting mix for my containers.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

In theory, years. The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4aarkDD

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

In theory, years. The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4aarkDD

[@thomasjent8198]

If you don't use all the moist mix can it be stored in a container with lid for a few days til you use it again?

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Inside yes. A loose lid is okay. If it dries, regular tap water is fine. Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@pegsol3834]

❤

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Thanks Thanks! Over 1500 gardening videos on my YT channel. Here is how you can support me, & The Rusted Garden... Please Subscribe & The Rusted Garden Seed & Garden Shop: www.therustedgarden.com/

[@Cobbmtngirl]

Please use coco coir instead of peat moss. The peat bogs are being removed for gardens. They are a vital habitat.

[@jonathanborchardt891]

Coco coir killed my tomatoe seedlings. 200 seedlings and a months grow time lost. .ost seeds did not even germinate

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

So sad. Coir itself should be a direct kill but I found a combo or peat is best. Get your GreenStalk Vertical Gardening Towers now for a spring series. Grow Vertically! Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@vernajoy441]

I just checked line and you have to buy 2 bags of vermiculite @ $39 each and $40 shipping total $129.00

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Its a big outlay but if you use it often, it is a good way to go. The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4aarkDD

[@justsayin5609]

If you must make your mix indoors, this nurse recommends wearing a mask with the dry peat moss.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Good tip. Currently on Sale... buy 1 get 1 60% off vertical planters sale 2/14-2/21 at GreenStalk Garden. Use my code and get an extra $10 off. My link to GreenStalk Garden and discount code: Use the Discount Code THERUSTEDGARDEN on GreenStalk 'Vertical Tier Systems'. Use this link and enter my code for the $10 discount greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=therustedgarden

[@ALADAR16]

the last bag of jiffy mix i got was like 95% peat moss, what a rip offf

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Yep mostly peat And Please Visit The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Neem Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Peppermint Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C Rosemary Oil: bit.ly/43IJl9C

[@elyria649]

Peat moss is an incredibly unsustainable ressource, please consider using coco coir instead!

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I did research. Coco Coir is quite damaging from clearing forests is South America, to cost of processing is fossil fuel and water, and cost of shipping across the seas and the carbon foot print. Canadian bogs are managed quite well. Not perfect but better than people think.

[@garthwunsch]

Peat moss mining is highly destructive to both the environment and climate. It is a massive carbon sink and once disturbed, the carbon is immediately released into the atmosphere as more greenhouse gas. Yes, it is renewable, but it may take a 1,000 years to regrow... literally. Last spring I developed a peat and coir free mix that worked beautifully... never had such good seedling growth, but I do use very high grade compost. I deal with fungus gnats etc. by using biological controls. The peat fraction of my mix is made from composted and finely shredded wood chips.

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

Not everyone has access to high grade compost unfortunately. So saying dont use it, really doesn't work at this time. Its all about choices. As I use peat at times, I refuse to buy plastic water bottles and such. Swap out what we can do to help the environment. Cheers.

[@dvssayer5621]

And cow farts are destructive too. They are killing us! Away with cows! 😂

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

Rusted garden, unless he edited it out after your reply, I don't think you said not to use peat. He was just saying what the problems are with it for anyone interested. As far as a good compost goes, that's something we can make from our kitchen scraps and yard trimmings, well curated materials of course, but our common waste materials nonetheless.

[@justsayin5609]

Your recipe would be nice....

[@garthwunsch]

@@justsayin5609 I keep modifying my potting mix depending on what materials I have, but here's a good starting point... 2 parts shredded aged wood chips (this is my peat moss component, but unlike peat moss it isn't high acid so I don't have to add anything to raise the pH) 2 parts finished compost (whatever kind I have, or sometimes several kinds... Johnson-Su, thermophilic, vermicompost etc.) 1 part good garden soil 1 part perlite. Growth was like nothing I've ever seen in nearly 70 years of having my own garden... dad gave me my first plot when I was 10 and gave me free reign to do and learn - God bless his ancient soul... he died at 97. I'm presently working on trying to eliminate this commercial input with biochar. The perlite is strictly for drainage so the biochar may do the same job and also provide a strong nutrient base. Have 27 tomato plants under lights in my workshop with attached heated greenhouse in central Ontario zone 4a...Snow Country! My first goal is to see if there's such a thing as too much biochar in a mix - I have reason to believe this is possible. Once this is ascertained, I'll run a test with good high nutrient potting soil augmented with varying rates of perlite and biochar to see what effect each has on growth. I'm hoping the biochar works, but I think the challenge is going to be how much water it retains. The mix has to drain well. Hope this helps.

[@pushedbyabreeeze]

Have you tried coco coir instead? It’s way more sustainable than peat moss and does the same thing. From what I’ve been reading peat moss is not sustainable at all. Have you heard this? Thoughts? 🙏🏼🤍🌱

[@THERUSTEDGARDEN]

I have used it but I dont feel it's that much more sustainable for these reasons. Forests are cut down for coconut trees. Tremendous amount of water and energy used to process it. The cost in greenhouse gas tanker ship it overseas is very high. Bottom line is European peat was badly managed but Canadian peat is well managed and bogs are repaired for future decades. But it is a cost on either side. Thanks. Thanks so much for your support! Cheers & Thanks, Gary! The Rusted Garden Vegetable Seeds & Home Garden Supplies: www.therustedgarden.com Earn 15% and become a TRG Affiliate for our seed & garden shop Sign Up Here: bit.ly/4aarkDD