Grow Citrus ANYWHERE! | Potting Tips | MicoClimate | Hardiness Zones | Organic Sun Block Protection

[@FknNefFy]

I kinda like how you print out stuff like a school presentation lol. Very efficient. You do a lot to prepare for your videos and I appreciate all the info you have shared!

[@jamiealsabrook4889]

This is soooo helpful! Most internet advice on lemon trees doesn’t go into the science of it. And god knows what climate they are growing in! In the matters regarding drainage and potting soil especially, this video gave me the tools needed to adapt it for my local climate. The nursery I work at thanks you as well as I have been pestering them with my need to understand the scientific details haha I’d love to see a video from you explaining the details regarding winter care indoors for those of us (zone 7 here) that experience low temps. Things like positioning to maximize continued yield, humidity, etc. thanks so much!

[@loriewilson22]

I have had so many of my questions answered in the 3 or 4 videos of watched. I am addicted to ivorganics you tube channel. I am looking forward to trying all of these products to feed my plants and trees! Thank you!!

[@lem.7528]

Like your bird house demonstration. So easy to understand how the sun light works. Thank you so much!

[@cindypetri7711]

I would like you to do a video about how to protect our citrus trees during rare deep freezes like we just had in Texas for several days in a row. Many of us lost our citrus trees and want to know how we can keep them alive, especially if they are fairly mature. Thank you!

[@pumpkinspicelatte6461]

I find your videos to be extremely helpful for people like me that don't know much about plants, but want to try and grow tropical fruits indoors up in Canada. Thanks for the info 👍

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Stephy Le, Thank you so much for taking the time to write me... And just keep in mind that each growing season is a fresh start to build upon last years lessons learned... May this be your BEST growing season to date!!! Keep me posted! Charles :-)

[@Tatusiek_1]

you cant grow tropical fruits in canada unless you have some expensive equipment

[@dmartin5774]

Thank you for your sharing your expertise with the public! You are an EXCELLENT teacher, and I appreciate your perspectives more than I can adequately express. Please consider recommending reliable vendors online who market citrus trees. I am enjoying the experience of growing a lemon tree under a grow light successfully, and want to add other citrus fruit trees. Thanks again!

[@FruitTree]

I name dropped your product in my new citrus video. I haven't used your product yet but heard good things. I've had several comments saying how well it works with our AZ heat.

[@IVOrganic]

Good morning & thank you for your support!! E-mail me at [e-mail] I have a few ideas for us going into this next growing season! Charles :-)

[@JacobHatesRunning]

By far the best guy to go to for citrus tree information! My improved Meyer is coming in the mail today and I can’t wait to get off work to up pot it using all your info

[@jeremythompson1199]

I just painted 10 pecan trees and 8 fruit trees with IV organic paint. And ordered more to do all my potted plants. I love knowing they're protected now.

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Jeremy, Can you share some pictures with me at [e-mail]? I know a pint can can cover approximately a dozen 3 gallon fruit trees. I am curious how much product you had to use to protect 18 trees? Thank you for writing us!!! :-) Charles

[@bentorres689]

Jeremy Thompson by NBC:

[@davidgarlinghouse2261]

Great! wish I had seen this last year when I started citrus pot planting.

[@IVOrganic]

You’re welcome David! Charles 🌱👍

[@chris432t6]

This is very inspiring and informative. Very cool videos that cover just about everything. Love em. Think I spent over two hours watching and listening to them.Thank you

[@robertsoliani7729]

Your daughter is sooo cute! She reminds me of my daughter! Love all the information. Thank you!

[@IVOrganic]

Thank you Robert! Charles 🌱👍

[@janetstjohn1574]

I am so grateful yu are on youtube! Thank you

[@rysolarpanels78]

Thank you. I enjoyed your attention to all the details. Very informative video. It pleasure to view the entire video.

[@nahnisjourney1406]

I had no idea lemons were beneficial to good health. Thank you for sharing.

[@grandmac7794]

One of my favorite citrus video's. I plan to repot a couple of citrus trees in spring, was going to use half rain barrel. I may look for large clay pot after this. Best exclamation of potting mix I have seen.

[@MrVPNG]

Very informative stuff, Charles! Love the way you cover the topics in such an easy way to understand, and thank you so very much for addressing my inquiry. Awesome birdhouse ;)

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Vu! Thank you again for your support and positive comments! :-) Have a great weekend! Charles

[@kiapatteri8672]

Funny how different some ends of gardens can be! Here in Brazil the sunniest spot in the garden is actually the close to the east end of the garden, which receives sun from morning till sunset. It is there where I have all my plants in pots packed into! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Kia Patteri, Thank you for the compliment! :-) That's an interesting point! Thank you for sharing! :-) Charles

[@WiredPirate1]

Appreciate you making these videos I find them very helpful. Especially liked the part about the cold hardiness. Shout out New Orleans or no la

[@gapey]

I have a calamondin in a pot. Didn't realize it was that cold hardy. I usually bring it in for the winter though. I should repot it though as its still in the nursery pot it came in. It got infested with red mites last winter.

[@learnandplay9811]

You are amazing man.. wish had come across your channel before

[@clrkkdd12]

Thank you I've been researching for about the past 3 weeks these videos it's up in the top three I've seen I think I feel comfortable now to start making my purchase this is a wonderful video much appreciated

[@chileanchinch]

Thanks for sharing so much information. Very informative and I learnt so much. I’m starting with a potted grafted lime tree. I’m in Canberra, Australia. Thanks again

[@robertrios4885]

Lots of good knowledge here. Will be buying some citrus soon....... Thanks for sharing and looking for your next video!

[@IVOrganic]

Thank you SO VERY MUCH for the compliment Robert Rios! Charles :-)

[@ramonamacabugao1967]

Thank you for this great info. I love all your videos. Like us we love lemons too.

[@orkids5551]

Hi Charles, excellent video. Now I’m off to go air layering &transplantedlemon tree.

[@senthilkumarflash]

Thank you for making this video. Even my local garden centre in Canada didn't provide me information on soil type for Citrus tree.

[@hudsontoo1212]

Dude. You're the best- your stoke stokes me

[@annettesereno9617]

that was the most fantastic video I have seen. I live in Tuscon AZ with climate like yours and that was so helpful about the direction of where to plant. I tried dwarf peach and they did not last 2 weeks . but i do want to try the lemon tree and this was so helpful I can't tell you how much. I was thinking of starting it in a grow bag and then putting it in a pot. what size pot and how often do you water? I may have more questions later but thank you so much. You were really prepared. and camera person did a great job too.

[@matthewkheyfets1309]

I've had really bad experiences with potting mixes that contain any sort of peat moss in them. Potting soils never worked, a mixture of even compost and potting soil didn't work. In fact, that was a pretty awful mix results wise. I then decided to switch mediums completely. Now I am getting my best results, probably still not as good as other gardeners, but it's pretty good considering everything is in containers and sunlight is somewhat of an issue. My mix isn't exact in terms of ratio but its main two ingredients that make up probably at least 75-85 percent of the mix is half coco coir and have vermiculite. To this, I usually add a decent amount of worm castings and then this year I added Dr. Earth super bloom fertilizer to help with fruiting. Then I water occasionally with fish emulsion and water. It's been fairly successful. The tomato plants love it, i'm actually getting decent peppers and I have squash plants that at least can produce one per pot, even tho one of the plants are in a pot that is ideally only for small house plants. My question: Anything about this mix would concern you? Or what could I do to improve the mix? And finally, would you be willing to try this mix?

[@nyeranch4897]

Lovely gardening shoes!!

[@janinejackson9477]

Hello Charles, Depending on how these go over twelve months being affected by all seasons will depend on what I add to my collection but I hope to grow an orange tree inside as well, and a peach tree. One new addition at a time allows moving it to see where the plant likes it in the room, once established I will add another plant. Might be good to suggest for indoor plant growing to point out to feed your soil for the plants and don't sit plants in saucers of water but water when soil just dries out to reduce root rot. I really love your advice and you inspire me. Thank you Charles.

[@myrnaherrera1390]

I want to see the progress on the lemon that you planted .

[@tharwayamoe1032]

GREAT LOVE THE GARDEN

[@30chrismuc]

Great explanation - yuzu even grows outdoor here Thanks from munich, Bavaria , Germany

[@himateesookhai5302]

Hello, thank you this video is very helpful,where can get a list of the cold tolerance for citrus? that is very convenient for new gardeners ,have a good day

[@GennadyPikovsky]

Awesome video. Where did you get that ceramic pot?

[@mitchsiripanya3870]

Very informative, Thank you

[@cameron4994]

Mighty bold assuming I have 4 sides to my house 😄 I live on the west side of a mountain and I'm having to deal with west and north options only. I wish I had a garden somewhere in the country.

[@FknNefFy]

Oh my God! I wish I saw this video a little sooner I just struggled all summer trying to have a potted garden on my balcony with like half sun and no space to walk around and lots of bags of dirt and jugs of water and I got about five snow peas one small tomato and a potato the size of a grape😑I wasn’t sure if it was worth trying next year so part of me is excited to notice I don’t know why I didn’t see this particular video and I knew about all these ingredients just not that I needed All three!! OK I’m down to try again I already have some little seeds in cups anyway and all these canvas pots and dirt and compost bin on my balcony ... Might as will give it another shot. I know it’s part of gardening but I don’t have patience for things I’m not good at and I have tried this few times in the past. I thought I gave it a really good effort but I was working against the elements so thank you for this video hopefully I get maybe a full salad this year

[@janinejackson9477]

love it :However when talking about directions to grow inside it might be beneficial to point out what part of the world you live in and that it is different for other parts of the world and how. For example in Australia the best side of the house to grow in front of a sunny window is north, which I have great success. I grow a lemon tree, keffir lime, and vegetables and house plants for oxygen all indoors. I experiment to see where the plant is happiest in the room. I also like the fact that in Australia north is earth, south is fire, east is air and west is water. Based on this as well as the sun set and sun rise, my plants are situated. I have not lost any plants yet.

[@zeeshansyed]

Were you able to post a progress video of the same plant?

[@darlenepowell5948]

My friendly deer are eating my Meyer Lemons off the tree that I just bought. I haven’t planted it in the ground yet. I put plastic bags on the tree to scare them away and it works!

[@sampolo6834]

Would love for you to give info on a moro blood orange tree. By the way good video

[@chisexton5845]

Ice did number on our citrus trees here in the Houston area this year. Can you recommend any recovery tips? Maybe a separate video. Thank you.

[@terriesmith8219]

I saw your paint "white wash" in the Busy Gardener video and I'm definitely ordering it! Thanks!

[@gregbrooks9546]

Charles, What product do you use to keep Japanese Beetles off your fruit trees.

[@bernardbarroga1497]

Can you please list down the soil mixture that you just mentioned??! Thank you so much. You’re just an amazing gardener.

[@timehasbegun5828]

Great video . Detailed !!!

[@IVOrganic]

Thank you so much Mari! :-) There was so much more to go... but it had to end somewhere. Keep on the lookout for a Part II to this video where I discuss the following topic that should be released any day: ""The Wimpy Plant Test" | Avoid Over Watering Your Potted Plants | Goodbye H2O Meter & Dirty Knuckles!" Thank you for your comments and support! :-) Charles

[@Steven-eh9qs]

Can you do an update on your tree? it's almost a year later. are you using the same soil? how that workin for you?

[@nahnisjourney1406]

I'm in Zone 8B, and I'm attempting to grow Meyer Lemons from seeds. I just planted the seeds indoors under grow lights. I ordered my seeds online. I'll do this until I find some actual plants to purchase.

[@elainecorpuz4136]

Hi Charles! Thanks for this wonderful and very informative videos! Just bought calamondina nd avocado trees and banana plant. Avocado is not doing well, i admit that i overwatered it! Will you advise to use the soil you just recommended from this video? I will grow them indoors because its already getting cold here in Chicago. Also would you recommend purchasing grow lights for my trees? Thanks Charles!!!

[@zoeflores1073]

REMARKABLE video an person 💖...

[@presidentoxford]

Wonderful post.

[@biglou4452]

Awesome video:'l learned something new....

[@mgfons]

Have you tried using rice husks instead of perlite? I read they work well and are cheap

[@nickschmidt8918]

you have good tips by the way I'm going to try this year

[@IVOrganic]

Thank you Nick! :-) Charles

[@owenmccormack2531]

Love your videos! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge! I live in socal as well and i want to buy your 3-1 organic paint. are there any stores in socal/LA area that sell your product?

[@niome437]

Hi I live in south texas..I have a medium size lemon tree ,my mom planted the seeds and well I want to know how can I move it to another area or a pot?

[@hectorcordero9452]

Hello Charles, would this mixture be good for planting a ultra dwarf bare root cherry tree in a pot? Thx

[@ramonamacabugao1967]

How long does that mixture of IV Organics last after it has been mixed?

[@silversurfer702]

I need a update please. How are the trees doing?

[@JessieblingblingVlogs]

great video ,and thank you.

[@IVOrganic]

Thank you for your support Jessieblingbling Nails! Have a great weekend! :) Charles

[@paulhieber5418]

Why do you not put compost in with the vermiculite/perlite/peat mixture?

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Paul Hieber, You certainly can-- However, many home gardeners do not have compost and I tried keeping this somewhat "simple." But otherwise, you are right! Adding compost will add a lot more elements to the soil for a much healthier plant/ tree! Thank you for sharing this suggestion! Charles :-)

[@EddieMunozep]

Great video. I have 6 citrus trees that i want to put in pots.Great ideas for the potting mixture. Do you go any larger than the pots shown in the video? Do You pull out the tree and trim the roots after a few years in the pot? Thx.

[@desmonddsouza4339]

Hi Charles Is there a difference between peat moss n palm beat brick Thanks

[@ccnbutter]

Thank you for all your videos. They are super informative. This is a very easy and affordable soil mix. I made myself a 1:1:1 mix and I also want to add coconut coir, do you think it is a good idea? I also want to use the same mix for mangoes. IS that a good idea? Also, I know sand can also be useful in the mix. Can I get the sand from a lake beach? some background - I "accidentally" started growing citrus and now I am hooked (4 months ago a grapefruit seed sprouted inside a cut grapefruit and I planted it). I never thought about growing any citrus because we live in Toronto, Canada where there is little sun and my window is facing west and we get very little sun (if any at all for many days).. I went out and bought a soil mix, without having a clue that a specific soil is needed for citrus, which turned out to be peat moss and I planted the seed in it. The plant is growing now but as I am learning more about the soil I obtained perlite and vermiculite and I want to replant it into a 1:1:1 mix of perlite/vermiculite/peat moss mix but I also want to add coconut coir. Now I have 4 more store bought clementine seeds which have sprouted, several mango seeds that are sprouting and a pineapple.

[@glenc4173]

I love growing in 10b 😎

[@robertevans8024]

OMG ! If you saw the bird house in my yard that my daughter painted, you might mistake it for yours. Same colors and patterns/drawings. I wouldn't be surprised if it was done on the same day. 😂

[@edwinthompson6510]

Hi Charles your video is just great could not have found it at a better time .... In the process of setting up a new garden ... I really want citrus trees / bushes around my patio ... Not altogether decided what varieties yet...?? ... Maybe you could advise me as im in the same location as you are...LA.... By the way Charles your daughter is a little Princess .... As you were filming something attracted her attention by the steps What ever it was she didn't take a liking to it.. she backed away to where the chairs were located... Charles she's so cute your well blessed my friend Edwin J Thompson ll................ Ed

[@desmonddsouza4339]

Thank u for your videos Can we use the same mixture potting mix for any fruit tree

[@IVOrganic]

Thank you for the compliment Desmond D'souza! And yes, you can use the potting mix used in this video for any fruit tree. Please keep me posted on your growing successes! Charles :-)

[@michealinak]

Love your videos.

[@otis2804]

I’ve tried this mix with my Roma tomatoes and it is the best. Will the same mix work well with succulents in pots? Thank you!

[@rebelstudio9378]

Buying worms and adding them to the garden and potted plants will also help to aerate the soil.

[@michealinak]

Thank you Charles! I am really interested in your products, Do you a website, where I can order your products from? Thanks!

[@IVOrganic]

www.IVOrganics.com 🌱👍

[@rogerajl86]

Hi! Can I use performance organic miracle gro for a key lime tree ?

[@DaveM-mp6yu]

Have a look at Bob Duncan's videos from " fruit trees and more". He grow lemons and limes outside in Canada using Xmas tree lights for warmth keeping his plants at or above 0C or 32F in winter.

[@charlescarabott7692]

Great lesson on citrus fruit growing

[@MrRodgerMoore]

Great videos! I know citrus don’t like their roots being disturbed. But how do you manage root bound new trees when up potting? Are circling roots a death sentence? How would you cut back the roots they can spread and benefit from the new mix.

[@comfortablynumb143]

Hi! Citrus question. I have a Meyer Lemon tree I put into the ground about 13 months ago. It is still on the smaller side but gave me a few blooms in March but they all fell off. I’m so jealous of everyone else’s because theirs just keeps blooming and producing all year long and mines not doing squat! Can you give me any pointers? I live in Florida, zone 9b. I feel like I should be growing citrus with my eyes closed... but not happening. 😥

[@jonassx100]

I use equal parts of coir , moss , compost and perlute

[@VeganChiefWarrior]

how often should we water citrus and bananas in summer charles?

[@kyletourville7147]

I really enjoyed your video. Very good soil mixture. However I think I didn’t add enough peat moss because I made the mixture last night for my Meyer lemon tree, watered it and this morning I had to water it again. Should I add more peat moss or is it ok to water it daily? I do use a moisture meter to check the roots and soil before watering.

[@norahedwards1695]

I’m in the UK kindly asking is it possible to grow Avocado tree fully in this climate here I’ve got a plant about 2feet tall 👍🏻

[@DragonButter32]

is there a follow up to this? what do we do with first flower bloom. how long does it stay in container berfore we plant in ground. how and do we prune it if it is still in the container...is it supposed to lose leaves in winter.... is is supposed to bloom flowers in december? what do i do next?

[@zintere91]

Say you were in zone 6B. Would you change your soil mix at all?

[@DailylifePH835]

Great video and I like your results. I still have a question. Is it possible to grow American lemon here in the Philippines, without any doubt? Will much appreciate an answer. :)

[@dbboi33]

Let's continue!🤪

[@77paisa]

Can a mature tree thrive on this soil in a larger pot? My Gem avacado I think got cold feet although I used Miracle grow cactus and Citrus soil. Noticed the soil retained too much moisture. Your videos are great and informative, just picked up my first can of IV organics 3 in 1 protector. Keep those videos coming.

[@VinnyChirayil]

Hi Charles, don't you think that drainage and aeration should begin FIRST with the pot and THEN the soil ? You have rightly prepared a soil mix that has good drainage and aeration but then put it in a pot that is poor in both areas - one hole. Is there a specific reason why you are not using air pruning pots ? Wouldn't a large net pot or a pond basket of a similar price as your current pot, be much better in terms of drainage, root aeration and also give the extra benefit of air-pruning, leading to denser roots and higher yields ? Appreciate your thoughts on this.

[@VinnyChirayil]

In case I want to send email to you, should I use the one provided on your website contact page ?

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Vinny, Thank you for suggesting alternatives that have worked well for you-- However, before I respond, can you e-mail me an image of a pot you find on Google, for instance, explaining the type of pot you are referring to above. I want to be sure that I answer you properly, and those who read the comments can follow our discussion. Thank you! :) Charles

[@IVOrganic]

[e-mail]

[@cristyschranz1544]

Thank you for this informative great video. It makes me feel confident now to start planting my own lemon tree. Where can I get all this products?

[@FknNefFy]

Check his website..., if not then Amazon. Duh. If not, google.

[@deborahruthtrotter2154]

Thoughts on rice chaff in one's potting mix?

[@orkids5551]

Hi Charles, where can I buy the 3in 1 guard product? You mentioned in 1 of your videos that it will be out in the market. Im fr CA too. My baby lemon & guava plant leaves are being eaten by ? idk who, do I’m hoping this will help me. thanks. I love watching all your utube videos. Congrats on your certificate. I saw your website IV organic

[@ryuge84]

Can this mixture also work for calamondin plants? Would you recommend the Miracle Grow cactus, palm and citrus potting soil? It appears to contain mainly tree material.

[@IVOrganic]

ryuge84 Hello 👋Yes, mixture can be used for Calamondin too! The MiracleGro product can work, just be careful that synthetic (chemical) fertilizers have not been added, as is often done by that company. Good luck! Charles 🌱👍

[@toniomalley5661]

IV Organic miracle grow is the same company that makes roundup the weed killer that kills the bees

[@deborahruthtrotter2154]

Sphagnum and peat moss are the same thing? Good to know.

[@mezleona]

Hello, I live in Tx, dealing with heat, humidity, bugs all year round! Your CA clay soil as you call it, it not even close to the mess clay we have in TX I bought 2 avocado plants, and need to report them. Both have a branch right next to the graft. Should I cut it off? Or is it ok to leave it There pretty big, I would hate to damage it with the pruning. Could you tell me if it needs to be cut off, or OK to leave it Thank you... I been looking at your product and it looks great! As soon as I can I will get some for my citrus! The drop much that you do, I been doing all along to improve this clay soil... The painting of the trees is used very often in MX. I'm familiar with it, I'm happy that you came up with this product. In MX it's just white paint or lime mixture

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Mezleona, Can you e-mail me a picture of the avocado tree-- showing where that branch is coming off near the graft. You can reach me at [e-mail]. The rule is that any growth below the graft should be removed. If the growth is coming above the graft, then the branch is of the desired avocado variety, and you should keep it! I hope this helps! :) Thank you for your support and let me know if you have any other questions! Happy Gardening! :) Charles

[@mikeramos5709]

Corpus Cristie?

[@JoseGonzalez-gt3fn]

Love your video's , can you do one on figs how to plant and fertilizing them . keep up the great video .

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Jose, Thank you for your support! :) Would you like me to demonstrate in ground; or potted? Happy gardening! Charles

[@JoseGonzalez-gt3fn]

Potted I live in Indiana and have to bring them in for the winter , i have four verity one a Chicago hardy .Thanks .

[@IVOrganic]

Will do! Just give me a week or two to organize. I have a potted fig that I need to graduate to a larger pot size. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-) Charles

[@WONDERring]

+IV Organic Hi. Looking forward to a fig video. I have a green one in ground that had 4 huge ones but the rest are not ripening. Is there something I can do?

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Odette381, Maybe we can do this crazy test together... Try adding just one drop of olive oil (or any other vegetable oil, if you do not have olive oil) using a Q-Tip to the "eye" of the fig. This method allegedly doubles or triples the ripening time. The more logical step would be to add an organic fertilizer that has a high (5%-10%+) phosphorus content; which is the middle number on your fertilizer bag. Be sure the other numbers are lower than the phosphorus percentage because there is no need to stimulate much growth at this time of year. We have a lot more work to do on our figs! Charles :)

[@jnineneuorpe8841]

Hi, Thank you for your video. I am newbie and live near Santa Monica, CA. Please, can you tell where you purchased the Meyer Lemon plants, particularly the dwarf plant? It's been a while since your video, but I hope you see this. Stay safe..

[@IslamicKaffir]

Hey, great vid. How often do you refresh or repot the mix? What I tend to not like about using that much peat moss in a soil mix is that if it ever dries out because you neglected to water during an especially hot day, the mix tends to become hydrophobic and requires lots of water to fix. Root pruning might be an idea for another video. Have you heard of the 5-1-1 mix, btw? It's a mix of 5 parts bark mulch (screened to 1/4-1/2" uniform size), 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite, a certain amount of dolomitic lime depending on amount of soil (to cancel out the acidity of the bark mulch, though the pH will creep up quick fast if you're watering with our LA city water). The mix provides superior drainage, porosity, aeration, etc. Of course you have to water it more often, but the mix lasts 1-2 years or even more depending on the vigor of the plant. It's been a foolproof way of avoiding root rot for me. What I like about it is that it's impossible to overwater and it's easily to flush out whatever salts are left in your soil fertilizer. Another mix is called gritty mix, which is one part fine bark mulch, turface, and crushed granite. This is common among bonsai growers who really know their stuff when it comes to container gardening.

[@IVOrganic]

Hello Guest03281, Thank you so much for the compliment! :-) It is recommended to re-pot your potted plants every 3-5 years. I have a few plants that I need to be repotted in the upcoming month or two and I will be sure to demonstrate pruning root-bound roots. Thank you for sharing!!! :-) Charles

[@IVOrganic]

I just saw you comments relating to potting mixes.... great idea with the crushed granite. However, I know bark based soils may work well for orchids, I typically shy away from the idea of mixing bark mulch into the soil as it can rob the soil of nitrogen (and other nutrients) as well as rot if not sufficiently aerated. Bark mulch has tremendous benefits when applied as a top dressing, for retaining moisture, enriching the soil as it breaks down, and also inviting many beneficial microorganisms that combat diseases that may cause root rot and other soil diseases. Thank you again for your added knowledge on this topic.... I will follow through on researching your suggestions further. Thanks again!!! :) Charles

[@IslamicKaffir]

Bark or regular wood chips? Basically, the mix is devoid of any nutrients and you have full control of fertilization (similar to your mix). I believe for pine bark mulch, the nitrogen immobilization is negligible because the bark breaks down very very slowly (because roughly half of bark tissue is made of lignin). The walk-on bark on my property takes 3-5 years to decompose, for example. Also, ideally, for this mix one uses partially decomposed fine bark pieces. I also fertilize with a non-organic soluble product (it's easy to flush out the salts monthly with this very well draining mix). I know you would not approve of it, but I don't see much benefit of using organic fertilizers in containers, I save it for my plants in the ground. I'm getting super good results, better than anything I've used in the past. Whenever I repot, I get to see how really rigorous and massive the root growth is, plants seem to really love this aerated medium.

[@IVOrganic]

You're a true scientist Guest03281! :-) Sounds like you have tried everything, listened to your plants, and now have the perfect formula that works best for your plants! I would be comfortable using a partially decomposed fine bark in a potting soil mix--- Thank you for clarifying! :) Regarding feeding, (1) why would you not use a liquid or granular fertilizer for your potted plants? (2) Do you use a saucer on your potted plants to capture those nutrients that would otherwise wash away, at the risk of increasing salinity? (3) Why flush the plants monthly? I understand the benefit of 1, 2 or 3x per year-- But not sure if you are washing the benefits away with a monthly flush? (4) And last, what kind of potted plants do you care for this way? Indoors? Fruits? You have peaked my interest!!! :-) Charles

[@IslamicKaffir]

Thanks, I have a physics background, though, not biology. I actually don't flush out the soil that often, maybe once or twice a season, mostly in the summer. During our rainy season, I have a 500 gallon rain water supply topped up for use in my large container garden (9 55 gallon recycled Coca Cola syrup barrels) so I tend not to worry about salt build up so much. Rain water is so much nicer, and has a lower pH for the soluble fertilizers to work at their best. Yes, I have drain plates to capture the fertigation effluent and reuse. Here's the fertlizer I use: www.hydrostackypot.com/images/D/Dynagro%20Chart.gif It's called DynaGro FoilagePro 9-3-6 NPK. Regarding why I don't feel it's necessary to use organic ferts in containers is because there's a pretty limited soil food web in containers unlike in the ground. As the bark breaks down in my container mix, I still get all kinds of healthy fungal activity and mycelial masses. Also I feel the non-organic fert works quicker since it's in a form immediately available to the plant, and the plant does not care where the N-P-K comes from, as long as it in the right balance, which depends on the plant, but for many the ratio is 3 parts N, 1 part P, and 2 parts K. In organics, you have to wait for the stuff to mineralize, and the ratios tend to be a little weird. Any fertilizer with a P greater than 1 in the NPK ratio is completely unnecessary. For citrus, I've read in research papers that most citrus absorbs NPK in the ratio of 5-1-3. Source here: st.hzcdn.com/simgs/106293ab07d9dc48_9-5504/home-design.jpg In the nutrition and fertilizing section states: "They must be chosen according to the replacing minerals and their ratio. 1 (N): 0.2 (P2O5): 0.6 (K2O)", which is indeed a 5-1-3 ratio. This is from Page 42 of the research book Citrus (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiles) by by Angelo Di Giacomo and Giovanni Dugo. Presently, I know of only one fertilizer that has the perfect 5-1-3 ratio that citrus require, and that is Peters Water Soluble Fertilizer 25-5-15. Peters 25-5-15 is the fertilizer that I've seen the the citrus growing gurus use. Although DynaGro's Foliage Pro does not strictly have the perfect nutrient ratio, it is close enough to be a good fertilizer to use on containerized citrus trees. Also, using a little bit of slow, controlled release fertilizer like Osmocote Plus in the container helps to keep the nutrition levels even, thus avoiding the constant uneven nutrition peaks and valleys. I mostly care for various kinds of fruit trees that do well in the LA climate, lots of citrus, both in ground and in pots (I wish my backyard wasn't paved with so much concrete!).