Make Your Own Potting or Container Soil In 2020

Make Your Own Potting Soil and Save Huge! Potting or container soil is one of the largest expenses of having your own backyard garden. Although it is readily available at most garden centers and home improvement stores, what you find there is often overpriced, and most certainly underwhelming.
In this video I show you how to make your own organic potting mix right at home, for the fraction of the cost it would be to buy a mixture that is no where near as good. The mix can be used for pots, containers, small raised beds, and even as a seedling mix!
Learn how easy it is to make the base mixture, and then move on to the misunderstood world of amendments as we take the mixture to the next level.
If you can't find the coco-fiber locally, its readily available on Amazon: Affiliate link: you can order it from Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Vg7Kk4 or Amazon USA: amzn.to/3efHSxE
All of the ingredients are available at either your local feed store or garden center (and sometimes hardware stores in season). If not, here is my Amazon links:
Alfalfa Meal
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2VlvTFN
Amazon USA: amzn.to/39XYXbO
Glacial Rock Dust
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3eaq8Uf
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3b0rzTc
Oyster Flakes
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2yReL3l
Amazon USA: amzn.to/39XA3Jp
Canola Meal
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2ViHuph
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2JYyKiE
Rock Phosphate
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/34ozeZ2
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2VlmONc
Epsom Salt
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2XpncNu
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2RrRACW
Dolomite
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/34p7uDs
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2RpRVq4
Elemental Sulphur
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/34sTfOg
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2JWYX16
If you're just starting out gardening in 2020, this inexpensive set of tools from Amazon can get you and your veggies up and running this spring! I know there is a fevered and renewed interest in gardening and many of you are seasoned vets. But remember that there's a whole population out there that hasn't gardened before. Let's help them out and encourage as much as possible! Affiliate links below:
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2xXLfbG
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aoN1AN
Amazon U.K.: amzn.to/2XrQA5A
The 10x20 nursery trays are a gardener's NECESSITY. Put that new DIY potting mix to use as your make your own seedlings and starter plants. Use the Amazon Afilliate links below to find the right ones for you!
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2JFB4uM
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2wQCeBd
Amazon U.K.: amzn.to/2xepyEi

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If you're just starting out gardening in 2020, this inexpensive set of tools from Amazon can get you and your garden up and running this spring! I know there is a fevered and renewed interest in gardening and many of you are seasoned vets. But remember that there's a whole population out there that hasn't gardened before. Let's help them out and encourage as much as possible! Affiliate links below: Amazon USA: amzn.to/2xXLfbG Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aoN1AN Amazon U.K.: amzn.to/2XrQA5A The 10x20 nursery trays are a gardener's NECESSITY. Use the Amazon Afilliate links below to find the right ones! Amazon USA: amzn.to/2JFB4uM Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2wQCeBd Amazon U.K.: amzn.to/2xepyEi And if you can't find coconut husks locally: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2Vg7Kk4 Amazon USA: amzn.to/3efHSxE

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@Benjamin Owen right in Benjamin! Happy growing!

[@conqueryourfuture6134]

Do you ad a potash later?

[@pearlblackburn1224]

Hi Jeff thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us. I was wondering the 10×20 tray is great looks sturdy, what can I used it for seeing there is no holes in it? Thanks 😊 Oh I just starting to plant potatos will move on to garlic next 😋

[@ameedalgo]

​@@pearlblackburn1224- would you drill/ 12345- holes?

[@elisabethjones4917]

I was hoping to understand the "for a fraction of the cost" a little bit more. However, you didnt have a comparison between total cost or simple mixes or difference in fertilizer amendment. Please point to a video you've already done or discuss this topic further. At this time I'm not my second go around, but I never seem ti have enough dirt or healthy soil. This will be my season year composting and I'm making some fertilizer on my own, like ground up banana peel and dried, crushed egg shell. I'd love to be able to tell ans in actually saving time and money, or will i end up spending just as much in the long run. 🤔🤔🤩 Please help!

[@aomai3016]

Thank you for not only giving out great info, but even including links to the ingredients in the description. Greatly appreciated!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey no problem, thanks for watching!

[@LadyGoza]

I search many, many DIY potting soil videos, and this is the best one. Thank you!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate that young Jedi! :-)

[@patriciapeirce6689]

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions and providing such valuable information! I have already replanted some of my potted plants but for the rest I will get the ingredients needed to make my own soil for sure!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Patricia, let us know the results! 🙂

[@dkora6138]

This is one of my favorite videos about potting soil mix. Thank you for sharing, brother.

[@brentsealy9623]

I was only able to find a fraction of these ingredients last year and my tomatoes and plants loved it. Looking forward to using it again this season.

[@oulaneoulane7054]

I recommend this video to everyone in the world...great video! 😃

[@chuckchuckbobuck5274]

I'm trying this for my first fall planting today. I'm looking forward to see how well it does! I'm in zone 6a, so I'm doing a make-shift low tunnel, but I think it will work just fine

[@benthere8051]

I just found your channel and couldn't agree more with your choices. Your videos are a fantastic resource.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks so much Ben! Appreciate the support! :-)

[@benthere8051]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms - I searched your videos and didn't see anything on growing long beans. Long beans were the star performer in my garden last year. I planted about 30 seeds and harvested about 30 gallons over the season. I got about 1.5 quarts every 3 days. The beans are about 18 to 24 inches long and about the thickness of a pencil. They are great when stir-fried, good in soups and stews, and they make amazing pickles. You won't be disappointed.

[@deniseabraham7956]

Great information! Thanks! I will use this with my compose made from last winter.

[@AngelinAfrica]

You have inspired me & Dog to start our container garden and start a video blog on KZbin. ❤❤❤😊 thanks. You are the BEST 😍😍🥰🥰👏👏🤩🤩

[@anacaceres4277]

Thank you for sharing! I love your channel, I'm learning as I go and plant new vegetables.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Ana! Thanks so much for watching. Always happy to have new gardeners along for the journey! 🎋🌱🍈🍓🌶🍆🍍🍅

[@samasonedderman]

Thank you for pointing out the disadvantages of relying on peat. Stella

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hopefully if enough people change.... ;)

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Seeds vs Starter Plants? Ever wondered which was better in your garden? Wonder no more!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHrSZ6h3dreja7c

[@chrishereford5969]

Thank you for that, it was really very useful information. Guess I'll never forget that now! God bless!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Even if you do forget it, Google ensures that it will always be here for you to watch again, LOL! Thanks, stay safe!

[@angelicaescalon6866]

Thanks for sharing. More power to you!

[@soccrwrldcup]

Thank you, this will help more than you think!!!

[@abbafitness]

Thanks for the video. Just way I was looking for.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Awesome! Appreciate the support!

[@carinyaenterprise9674]

Your plants always look super healthy 😍

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks! Its not always the case. Everyone always has setbacks.....but after growing and knowing a space for years....you know how to push the limits of what to grow and not to grow. Once there's little room left to experiment....there's also little room left for error! Cheers, happy growing!

[@zee.234]

So very helpful, thank you! Love your channel.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Awesome Zahida, thanks so much for the support!

[@zee.234]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms You are welcome!

[@kitrobbo1696]

Good video Thank you kid from Australia

[@lexiatel]

That is brilliant...! 😍

[@caleyhall]

Thanks from New Zealand 🇳🇿 Appreciate it!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Caley, thanks for watching! :-)

[@caleyhall]

Was handy, I use KZbin instead of google and there’s thousands of clips so I comment on the ones that are most informative so I get a supply of good content. Ur doing everything right bro! I’m in a cool coastal climate with a short summer so it’s a battle to grow anything..

[@Susanna79.]

Wow thanks for all this info- I hope I can find it here in Melbourne Australia 👍🏼😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Susanna, best of luck with your DIY soil and your garden this year!

[@raghunandhans4200]

Great stuff. Can you make a video on to maintain or refresh this every season? Can we re use , if so to what extent?

[@Julian-yk1sx]

Ok I'm so glad I found this. After my first 100 bare roots that failed I finally tried making my own with coco fibre but now this is going to super charge my plants.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Julian, best of luck!! :-)

[@matthewingerson]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms This might be a stupid question, but are all of the additives fine for growing vegetables for human consumption, or only for flowers? I ask because I'm looking at this product -- www.amazon.com/Pounds-Azomite-Organic-Essential-Minerals/dp/B00AJALC2G/ -- and it says "Azomite is not certified for human consumption".

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@matthewingerson I ONLY grow vegetables to eat. What amazon means by "not safe for human consumption" is that you can't eat the stuff. Lol. It's fine as as soil fertilizer/amendment. :-)

[@matthewingerson]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms -- Thank you so much! First timer here. I could ask plenty more questions, but I'm just going to wing it. Thanks again!

[@dennisjones4554]

Im a new subscriber. You have great content bro.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on, thanks so much Dennis! Appreciate the support!

[@honeybee2356]

I never knew about coconut fiber! Kool idea thanks.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Definitely much better alternative than peat moss. Thanks for watching!

[@yickyhite1725]

Thank you good sir!

[@micjubba709]

Awesome that diy compost will have to make some and need some new rsised beds for some peppers and cucumbers

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

For sure! Remember though, that this is purely a potting mix.... Don't go filling an entire raised bed with it! $$$$!! Ha ha!

[@DennisSchmitz]

Started using Coco coir/compost/worm castings for basically everything this year. Great stuff

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

It is for sure Dennis. Plus it smells nice and is so easy to work with!

[@jdmInteriors]

Dennis: What % of each do you use? I have all three, but not sure how to mix.

[@curtflirt2]

@@jdmInteriors Mix the same amount for all three pretty much

[@alysonwright5544]

Where do you get the oyster flakes and canola meal?

[@deltadtb29]

@@alysonwright5544 Amazon

[@jamestyrer6067]

THANKS FOR THIS INFORMATION

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers James, thanks for watching! 🙂

[@erikab1501]

Thank U for explanations and going straight to the point. I wonder if you can suggest a more economical way to enrich the soil.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Erika, thanks for watching! Honestly, if you start with a dynamite compost, then mixing it 50/50 with the coco-fiber you're actually pretty good. If you do want to add anything, shoot for the Alfalfa and the Rock Dust. Those are the two that I never miss and are also the most inexpensive. Remember also, this isn't a mix to be filling raised beds with. This is a potting/seedling/container mix. Unless you're a pro-style operation, you won't be going through yards of this stuff. Cheers!

[@beezeeoink]

thanks for sharing

[@michaelsherron5750]

Dude, I just watched your "baking soda" video and the frame where you didn't have your hat, I thought you had a wig, now watching this video and I realize that's your hair! 🤣

[@melvina628]

Wow! Thank you.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

No problem, thanks so much for watching!

[@nellyvazquez7774]

Thank you!

[@Jan-qq9xc]

I liked your video. I wish you had this in print form in the description so I could take a screenshot.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Definitely Jan! Blog is coming soon where all of the videos will be released as articles! SOON!🍅🍅🍅

[@livableincome]

Awesome.😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers! Thanks for watching. :-)

[@robertraffaniello7991]

Great video. The amendments are numerous. I may just buy potting soil.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yeah, it's one of those things where you don't need them all.... But each one does certainly add to it

[@JessH1]

I have no idea where to even buy all those extra ingredients. I've never seen them at our stores

[@beebob1279]

Me either

[@aenorist2431]

Online is the answer, pretty much as always.

[@carolynchannell1616]

I am new to your channel and love all the info, however, I am a little confused. I have some of the amendments, can I use all that I have using 50% compost/peat and 10% amendments with my existing plants that are in flower boxes/vegetables in garden/herb cuttings directly around the plants or am I too late in the game? Also, are there amendments or formula's that I should stay away from/use for different vegetables/herbs/flowers or is it one size fits all kind of thing?

[@legend88ls]

First, nice mix and am subscribing to a lot from your video. But I have a couple of questions since I am having trouble sourcing some of these ingredients even at local feed or nurseries. From a scientific standpoint Elemental Sulfur will not efficiently change the PH of soil so I question its use as a primary amendment for that purpose. Wondering if an organic acidifier will serve this purpose better if there is a known PH issue? Second, some of my containers are quite large and have seen some suggestions to fill the base with loose recycling material (cans, jugs) and a weed barrier to conserve soil without sacrificing growth. Do you recommend or have tried this? Thanks for your time.

[@rosemariewhitakerreynolds2432]

Hello, I am new to your Chanel and thank you for all the wonderful techniques. I already applied your technique on my strawberries. Anyways I do raised beds here in Jax FL; do you happen to have recipe for garden bed soil? Thank you in advance and look forward to more of your teachings.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Rosemarie! Cheers to you! This video right here my recipe for potting mix, but you're right, no economical to fill raised beds with. I think you'll have to source that out. Its the one drawback of raised bed gardening....that initial cost of both the beds and the soil.

[@Paper_nylon]

hiii jeff! i noticed you didn't use perlite in your mix. do you find that its sufficient for drainage? doesn't coco coir hold lots of water? I feel like we're always being sold vermiculite and/or perlite into our potting mixes and I worry that without it, my plants won't do well but I noticed your veggies are growing great. so maybe it's not necessary after all..

[@EXTREMERC416]

Oh boy getting those amendments individually,

[@varietymom2931]

Love this video! Last season, it took a very long time for vegetables to produce. Not sure why, so I am definitely trying this potting mix. 🤞... I have a bag of Mo Koko Premium Select Coco Substrate. Any thoughts? (Still have the receipt if I need to return 🤣)

[@brandyjaques6865]

It’s June 2023 here in zone 5b, and we’ve had a record May rainfall, and June looks about the same.too much of a good thing. I’m worried about all my plants, whether it’s in grow bags, raised beds, or in ground. I’ve tried to keep many of them covered, but I can’t cover them all. Adding soil amendments has been a challenge because everything is already wet! Other than adding soil amendments like slow release fertilizer and bone meal, fish emulsion for the washed out nitrogen and other nutrient deficiencies, do you have any other suggestions? How can I add oxygen to the soil to prevent root rot when everything is already wet? What about fast acting fertilizer like miracle grow (just a small home garden not organic)? Should I add it even if everything is already wet and doesn’t need water? Thank you soo much for your expertise, I love your garden quickies!

[@Cathy.C.]

Wow, I love that you have Amazon Canada links!! Rarely do people do this even when they are based in Canada. All the additives you suggest, how much of each additive would you put in say a 5 gallon container? BTW thanks for posting these great videos!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Cathy, thanks for watching! Remember too, a lot of this stuff can be found local, although usually in large quantities. Some bulk bag-your-own places exist as well. For the amendments, I try to make the total amendment load around 10% of the total volume of the mixture. I don't measure, just eyeball it. You can't burn or harm the plants with these things, so a little bit extra won't do any damage. All the best this season!

[@silentepsilon888]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms ... I think the question Cathy had (and me too) is not how much of the ready-made amendmend you add to the potting mix, but how much of each amendment ingredient do you use to make the amendment mix. Do you use equal amounts of each or do you need more of the salt versus the rock phosphate, etc.?

[@curtflirt2]

@@silentepsilon888 Yeah he Never really explained that

[@benthere8051]

He did - equal portions of all the suggested amendments.

[@LawnNOrder]

I’m just getting started down this glorious rabbit hole. Do you mix all the amendments mentioned in this video to your seed starting mix? Which ones would you say are the most important to always add to a homemade soil mix? Thanks for putting out such great information.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey, thanks for watching! Seed starting mix is a bit different... Seedlings don't need all those nutrients because they have all they need from the seed insides for a couple weeks. It won't hurt, but generally, seed mixes are nutrient-lacking.

[@cynthiaamitrano8915]

Cool beans. Hope I can find coconut husks.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

If not, Amazon sells them. But they are usually readily available even at hardware stores this time of year!

[@lynnjones5850]

I just found your channel and I am enjoying the content and how you present it. I live on Vancouver Island as well, probably just north of you. Where do you buy Natura Beyond Peat? I have been buying Sunshine Mix #4 but it has peat in it and I would like to change to a peat-less mix instead. Thanks.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

So awesome Lynn....small world! Beyond Peat you can get in 2 and 4 packs at Home Hardware and Buckerfields. Home Depot has a different brand, but same thing/price. :-)

[@saminairfan45]

New subscriber.... pls do a video how you fertilize your container plants

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks for the support Samina!! Yes, now that the growing season is underway our attention will definitely need to turn to fertilizing the smaller containers and pots that are closed systems and require more inputs. Definitely on the way!

[@andreb877]

Hi great video, excellent information. Now, you said that the ammendments make up approximately 10% of your mix...but...what is the ratio of each of the amendments?

[@francisandrecyk5591]

Love your channel and thanks for sharing. One questionis where I can buy the coconut fibre. Thanks again.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Francis! Coco fiber blocks usually become more available as we get into spring. Home improvement stores and garden centers everywhere carry them

[@MicheleReikiHealer]

Thank you for sharing! Do you have a recommendation for replacing Canola meal? I am allergic to canola

[@francisandrecyk5591]

Thanks for the quick response.Last question. Thinking of growing my own pickling cukes and also wondering if this potting mixture will work.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Most definitely Francis. Cucumbers love the light, airy mixes!

[@thedaydreamer7972]

Nice videos, I like your work,,,,,Question,,,,when we talk about soil, compost and manure, if we obtain these products from our local nursery how can we be certain that they are safe to grow food in? Is there a way we can test to be sure that they are getting quality in their loads that they provide to their customers? Im not talking about OMRI listed bags of these products, but large piles that they have for sale there. I need to be sure that what Im growing in is safe,,,, TY for all your videos

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Therein lies the problem. You have to simply trust the source. Unless you have the technology to test for toxins, chemicals, or heavy metals, how can you know for sure? Might have to do some digging (no pun intended) to find their source....backtrack to the origins of the materials. Until you can sufficiently supply yourself, there's not much else you can do.

[@vers1957]

After watching your video i wondered if all the amendments are in equal parts by weight or by volume?

[@brittanysimmons2525]

Hi! Quick question, do you make your own organic compost? If so, how do we make that? If store bought, what brands do you recommend that are good quality and not too expensive? Thanks! I am just now starting my gardening journey, and I am so excited! I took a Cannabis Science course at St. Louis University, and it made me realize that knowing how to grow plants is a great skill to have, and it is so fun!

[@IjeomaThePlantMama]

He has a compost video if you haven't seen it already!

[@mythilitos]

Do you top dress with the amendments through out the grow? Or supplement teas instead? When and how often during a grow cycle?

[@sharonh.5586]

I read through many of the comments, but didn't find an answer (and I know there have been a ton of questions about compost lol)...My question is, can I just use composted sheep/cow manure (for the compost part)? Thanks! (New subscriber here!)

[@CrowntailHalfmoon]

Thank you Sir for sharing👍 Incredible channel & excellent information. Could you explain what the ratio of the ammendments? I understand the compost and cocopeat is ratio of 1 to 1 but how do you measure each of the other ingredients and amount used to make the potting soil complete. Eg. If using 5 gallons each of the compost and cocopeat how much is the combined ammendment and their individual quantities? 2. Do you use all the ammendment listed? If not which ones u use combined? Lastly can you explain how you do the peppers hardening so they can be place outside in garden? Thank you.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey, thanks for watching and for the support! Once I have the 1:1 mix of compost and coco, I take my amendment mix and make it 10% of that volume. So if I made 10L of the base mix, I'd add in 1 more liter of the amendments. They can be whatever quantity, and sometimes I don't have all of them on hand. Honestly, if you just had the rock dust and the alfalfa meal you'd still be golden.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

For peppers (or any plant), I simply take them outside on calm overcast days at first for a few hours....every day for a week. Then start increasing the duration and within about 3 weeks most plants are fully hardened off! Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6SwdHpmZtCliMU

[@jtcowboy5518]

Thanks for the info! I need to locate coconut coir locally. Can this mixture be use for adult plants also during repotting or transplanting?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey man, oh heck yes, it works great for adult plants. I use it for all my transplanting of plants into their final growing spots in the garden. Definitely!

[@vidya1031]

Such a nice recipe for potting soil 👍 Can this be used for raised beds too?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks VS. Definitely.....although don't fill the whole bed with it...use it more as a topping mix. :-)

[@queenbarbee902]

Right on

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Bee!

[@wuiwu6900]

Thanks for this very informative video. However, can you give the ratio for the amendment additives, please.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I use the amendments in equal parts (1:1:1:1:1:1:1 etc) to a total of around 10% of my total mixture.

[@carolynkovacs5412]

OK I am the loudmouth viewer that complained about the $200 worth of additives i bought!!! Sorry, I did not see the small part about the 10% of the mixture going into your huge mix of potting soil and Coco ground up whatever it is. But I bought it all at Amazon because I did not have one inch of any of it in my potting shed. I have always just used potting mix and used a well know fertilizer that u mix with water, yeah that one. Well it works great but I am turning a new leaf and want to see what I can do organically this year. I apologize to you profusely and I will keep my loving comments to myself from now on until I make sure I have it correct. lol No, really I do apologize, it might have cost u some viewers and I sure hope not. You are a good farmer and you know what u are talking about because I would not have purchased all that stuff if not. I assume I will have even some left until after St. Peter comes because I am a 74 yr old little brat that has been gardening all my life and I never spent that much on a few items, but, I have all the confidence it will do me justice and my tomatoes and all my veggies I grow yearly will be bigger, better and more sumptuous than anyone's that grow the ones I grow!!! lol, Ok, so I apologized and I also had to look up most of the words I used because I cannot spell anymore and I used to know how to spell anything, but lately me and old Webster have been a couple. I hate that guy!!!! You are very handsome and that is why I listened to u in the first place which cost me: no I will not tell it again!! My boyfriends and all my husbands were dark haired like you are and were just as cute. I hope your wife appreciates you and if I am ever in your town of_____________USA I will stop by for tea, even though I drink coffee and coke mostly. I hate tea and water, but they do go together well. Ok, see you again and please tell how to grow more southern plants as I live in hot, hot Florida and in the northern region of it, where it is still hot, hot. Good Day all and God Bless!!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ha ha never any worries Carolyn! Let us know how the new mix works out for you this year! Epic bounties I hope! :-)

[@speskor]

Thought that was so nice of you to admit your wrong and apologize for it. More people should take their cues from you. We as a community should admit a fault but even more forgive those who do. You are a great example of how more people should be.So Thank You . By the way I'm do it all the time when baking. Someday I remember to read a recipe completely through and then go back in second check and make sure my measurements are right before I start baking

[@fredkalt3343]

Hello, thank you for your exceptional knowledge on potting mixes. I do have a question. When mixing the compost and coconut fiber with the additional ingredients/amendments, how much of each must I use in order to get the right mixture, as all the these come in various pound ratios. To get to 1 percent is very confusing. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

No worries Fred, hopefully I can clarify. The coco fiber/compost is easy....you want a 50/50 ratio. To have the amendments at 10%, you'll need 9 parts coco-fiber/compost to 1 part amendments. If the amendments are all at an equal ratio....just make a batch using equal parts. Add 1 part of the amendment "mix" to 9 parts of the coco-fiber/compost mix. It doesn't matter actual liters.....just get measuring scoops and do it all in parts. Mix all amendments together in equal ratios...at 1 part of it to 9 parts compost mix.....done. :-)

[@fredkalt3343]

The Ripe Tomato Farms thank you so much. It now makes sense.

[@garymiller37]

Like you receipt for planting mixture, where do you purchase small quantities of these ingredients..

[@amymatsumoto9933]

Great video. I ordered all my ingredients, but I'm one of those people that like to use a recipe. Could you give measurements, at least for the amended ingredients?

[@codetwoAJ]

Question for The Ripe Tomato Farms - Given all the compost and other nutrients in the mix, is there a need to fertilize at all before indoor seedlings are planted outside? Generally, how long will the nutrition last in the mix before additional liquid fertilizations needs to be applied?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

That's just it....there isn't any need for it! And when the plants go outside, they are being planted into heavily compost-amended beds with lots of organic mulches.....I haven't bought a commercial fertilizer in nearly 10 years. I do augment with Seaweed fertilizers, compost teas, and fermented weed fertilizers....but that's it! :-)

[@lindadempsey2468]

What about adding crushed eggshells as an amendment? I save and freeze my eggshells and then put them through a blender to add to my soil mix.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Definitely! Extra calcium, why not! :-)

[@Lilmissbaker3173]

I actually powder my eggs shells in a nutra bullet, this makes the calcium available right away. Happy gardening!

[@cameron4994]

Pretty sure you can only make the calcium available by chemical reaction with an acid like cider vinegar. Otherwise would take years to break down enough to be available.

[@fatman7817]

Add a few tablespoons of 5% vinegar to your two gallon hand watering can. This makes a HUGE difference in absorption of calcium and nutrients.

[@parislady1925]

Could you please help out. You used the term potting mix and potting soil, which are different. Could you please tell me which one. And what size bag of mix is it 5, 10 or 20 lbs? And you used 1 brick of coconut fiber at 5Kg for 11lbs. So are you saying to use 11lbs (or 5Kg) of potting mix or soil if it’s a 50/50 ratio? And when mixing the “Amendments” (8 total) are those a cup each for balanced ratio? I really want to get this right and grow come garlic for my Mother she loves it so. Could you please help and give me the exact amounts. Thank you.

[@hendrikdebruin4012]

Very interesting. I live in one of the smallest countries in Africa though. Coco fiber or any of the other exotic additives? You might as well try and dig for gold. So what do you do then? How do you produce a decent soil?

[@egopat5073]

HI I'M A NEW GARDENER FROM THE UK. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HIS GREAT VIDEO. WHAT MEASURE/QUANTITY OF THE INGREDIENTS SHOULD WE ADD IN THE MIX?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks man! I use 10% total volume of the amendments.

[@chuckguffey6631]

Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks for watching Chuck! Cheers.

[@froggpond1301]

Thank you for sharing this great DIY. I am really just starting out,. I don’t have a garden per se, I made raised beds that sit on my deck. When mixing your amendments do you use a 1 to 1 ratio of each “amendment”? Then using a 10% ratio of that healthy amendment mixture to your potting soil mixture?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey there, yes, I try to stick to a 1:1:1:1:1 etc ratio of whatever amendments that I add. And that amendment mix comprises 10% of the total mix. Cheers!

[@froggpond1301]

Thank you 😀🖼

[@michelleromano8637]

Can I use dirt in my backyard with the other half coconut fiber, or do I need to buy dirt as well? Thank you

[@Grace-bq8qg]

You inspire me in container gardening. I’ve been watching your videos for over a year now, I used your links to order supplies and make my own soil. I hope you don’t mind sharing your recommended brand of organic compost and I hope it’s also available here in US. TIA

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I've been using Sea Soil brand for the last 4 years or so. I think it's available in the Pacific Northwest...... Not sure where else though

[@Grace-bq8qg]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarmsthank you so much. I have another question, sorry I just thought of it now as I keep rewatching this video, is it okay to premix the amendments altogether in a tub and store them that way for future use?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@Grace-bq8qg yeah, I've found if you keep it on the drier side, it stores quite well.

[@Grace-bq8qg]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms You are a blessing! This is going to be my first time gardening. I hope all goes well.

[@kategleason6481]

I'm wondering, if I use our compost, wouldn't I need to sterilize it before using in an indoor potting/starting mix? Great info thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Kate, I haven't had any problems with it yet indoors... Far less problems than I've had with store bought pre-mixes lately, that's for sure!

[@kenzalhunter]

Newbie question: when you say mix 1:1, is that by weight or by volume?

[@lindadempsey2468]

I also have alfalfa pellets. Can I break these down easily to make an alfalfa meal?

[@MultiWater123]

How much/% of each of those above product are you incorporating into your potting soil? Also what is the source of K? Thank you so much; I really like this!

[@paulafernandes5988]

Hi how are you today and yours? I was wondering can you use the organic potting soil for the beds of your garden as top soil???

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

For sure you can Paula. Either store bought or make your own! :)

[@daciasdiy1861]

Are all those things expensive. ? How much do they cost ? Then what kind of soil do u use ?

[@jessietan4277]

thank you for sharing.. I am just starting to do highrise veg patch.. the Veg I buy from the wet market , sometimes has a bitter taste in it.. Was it a crop rotation problem? What is the time allow for the soil to recover after harvesting? thank you.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Jessie. Taste can be a function of heat, maturity, water content, and yes, even nutrient levels. I haven't seen low nutrients cause bitterness, but I wouldn't discount the possibility! Soil doesn't have a timeline to recover, I prefer to re-use my potting mixes using a couple different techniques: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3iZd6qhqsmqbK8 Cheers!

[@colleenjerns9239]

I’m curious is the canola meal does anything to resell insects as canola oil is often used in pesticides

[@chuckguffey6631]

Thanks for all the links for the products you use. I have tried to find a good organic potting soil but so far , no luck. could you recommend one that I could order online. Thanks for any help you can give, and keep the video's coming.Chuck

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Chuck! I've heard good things about these two from Amazon USA when in a pinch: amzn.to/2XCe48k and amzn.to/2ymq9Ur. Or, if you're in Canada, these two have good reviews: amzn.to/2XEioE0 or amzn.to/2xwz85A Cheers man, Happy Growing.

[@MichaelRei99]

The Ripe Tomato Farms phew that us some expensive stuff

[@implus32]

hey, ive got a question..cocopeat is expensive where i live. so i was thinking if i could use sawdust instead as substitute or maybe mix them in certain ratio.. would it work? i just learnt that saw dust sucks off nitrogen from soil, just wondering if i could increase the amount of vermicompost in that mixture to compensate that nitrogen...it wpuld be cheaper for me to use twice the amount of vermicompost and saw dust than using cocopeat n compost...any suggestions??

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey, thanks for watching! I would not use sawdust in my soil. I would either puff up the soil with rice husks, super shredded straw, or some other light material. I think you'll be in for really bad results with sawdust, even if you compensate with extra nutrients. HOWEVER.....I would 100% experiment with it....and in fact, I'm going to as well!! Let's figure it out!

[@robertraffaniello7991]

Do you recommend miracle grow? Other supplements? I was told that miracle grow contains some unwanted contents.

[@JodyTheMagician]

Is seaweed meal also a beneficial supplement?

[@cammieklund]

Are all of those added products tested for naturally occurring heavy metals though?

[@mikem7949]

Sooo just curious. It's about $120+ give or take. It'd be nice to know some ratios, and how much soil you can make altogether. Thanks anyway

[@liaa5655]

hi ! im on my way to grow chilli plants indoor because i get some great seeds. But this is the first time a try to grow a plant from seeds. The plants grow nicely, but i will need to put them a bigger place somtime. All this ingridients what you mention ( the meals) only can i get in my country as rabbit and horsefood compact little tablets for forage. The oyster is for fishing. Can i use them for planting??? Are they bio stuff? is the same what you buy bigger dose? great channel thx

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes, for planting growing plants is great....but for seeds and seedlings, they don't need any extras. Seeding soil doesn't need any of those additives.

[@liaa5655]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thx for the answer cheers

[@tracisusong6991]

Hello. Once mixed do I need to use immediately or can it be stored?

[@nathanielhogan1341]

Hello! I FINALLY have all your ingredients! I have Kelp Meal instead of Canola Meal, and AZOMITE instead of Rock Dust. I blended my Alfalfa pellets into Meal. My question is: If I’m using Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Soil, and Peat Moss, do I really need to add the Dolomite and Sulfur to the mix for PH control? I have them, but need to confirm if I really need them in my potting

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Nathaniel, Kelp Meal is awesome stuff! Not everyone has access to it! With the ingredients, you don't need much to super charge the soil. It seems like a lot, but even a little bag goes a long way! You can skip the Dolomite and Sulphur unless you have pH issues. :-)

[@nathanielhogan1341]

Thank you, Sir! Canola meal is next to impossible to find. Your Canola link took me to Kelp Meal. I’m ready to try my luck with Big Bell Peppers in pots. THANK YOU!

[@nathanielhogan1341]

One last question! Would Bone/Blood Meal combo be considered overkill to add to this mix, or should I just stick the ingredients in your video? Thanks!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@nathanielhogan1341 For sure Nathaniel...anything slow release is great. Even wood ash and crushed seaweed would work as well. Its not a defined list that can't be altered.....experiment and tinker with it....especially with organic slow release amendments! :-)

[@hectordina5126]

How many kg does coco bricks have? What coco do you use is it coco brick or coco tiles?

[@barbarafugazzotto6589]

Hi, I live in Uk and I want to try the soil like you do. Have you ever used biochar? Many thanks Barbara

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey barbara, thanks for stopping by! I haven't used biochar yet, but I have friends that swear by it. Fulvic acid too.

[@cqammaz53]

Where do you purchase your added minerals?