PERFECT SOIL: WHAT IS IT? 2/9/19 | LIVESTREAM

[@daledefratus1567]

The demo with the Sponge and PWT effect is good. Possible to show how Container Depth affects Aeration and Water Holding Capacity. First Turning the Saturated Sponge Flat, then Sideways, then Vertical. More and more Water drains from Sponge, with every Phase.

[@daledefratus1567]

Have greatly enjoyed all the Videos, very informative. Will you be covering Ca Native Plants in Future Videos. The Most challenging Plant has been Manzanitas, especially in Containers. I recall You repotting Manzanitas in Past Videos, How were the results of the Soil Changes? Manzanitas seem to be very sensitive to water in summer months. Have killed Plants with only one Irrigation in the summer :-). Hope to see any Native Plant Info, and your Personal Experiences covered in Future Videos. Manzanita and Ceanothus have been the most challenging in Containers. I also remember bringing some Ca Live Oak Seedlings to your Nursery about a year ago in D40 Tree Conetainers.

[@GarysBestGardening]

We have always had trouble with manzanita and ceanothus in the past. We recently repotted some plants and used our top pot potting soil, making sure to get all of the organic material off of the roots, and they survived. We could try to fit in native plants into a class soon, or possibly have an entire class on only native plants.

[@daledefratus1567]

I remember from the John Naka Bonsai Book, He liked Pure Sand for rejuvenation of Plants. The weight of Sand is the main reason ,People don't use it that much. Any Thoughts on the use of Calcined Clay ( OilDri etc) or Calcined Diatomaceous Earth in Potting Mixes? Wanted to Experiment with Sand/ or Pumice with 10 to 20% Calcined Clay/or Calcined DE content.

[@GarysBestGardening]

We do not have much experience with either of those mediums, nor have we seen any research about them. We are always looking for new ways to pot plants though! If you know of any good articles, please let us know and we will be happy to read.

[@daledefratus1567]

@@GarysBestGardening The Calcined Clay is the same as Clay Spheres in the Lecture, just Cat Litter size. Calcined DE is marketed as Axis, or other Oil Absorbents. more Plant Available Water than Clay Products. Used in some Bonsai Mixes. epminerals.com/products/axis-soil-amendment Pumice seems the best Choice anyway. Also in your article on Soil Mixes, You mention using more Sand, in your Home Mixes compared to Top Pot. Do You still Use more Sand in Personal Mixes?

[@GarysBestGardening]

@@daledefratus1567 Both of those definitely are viable options then, as long as you can get a hold of them. And yes, we would recommend more sand. We just can't put much more in our mixes just because they would weigh a ton. A 1cuft bag of sand would weigh about 100 lbs.

[@bradspaugh9827]

They have large particle diatomite floor cleaner stuff at auto shops. Works good for what you are talking about. Also another natural volcanic material with a matrix composistion that can retains water and fertilizer is sweet zdp horse stall freshener. You can add 5-10% of these to your soil mix along with coco husk, coco coir, pete to make super soil.

[@JamesMacpherson1]

Hi Gary What types of fruit tree would handle flooding (2 inches) for a week or two a year on sand flats? Currently growing kikuyu grass on it here in south west Australia

[@GarysBestGardening]

Pears, Pomegranates, and Apples have all been fruit we have dealt with flooding. We have grown pomegranates in particular which have been flooded for months at a time.

[@JamesMacpherson1]

Thanks Great presentation Best I’ve seen Hope to see many more

[@antonyllamocca1635]

I use frog potting mix 1/3 and perlite1/3 and vermiculite 1/3 is that okay. Ever I started doing that my trees in pots started to do much better. What can you say about vermiculite?

[@daledefratus1567]

Most Forestry Container Nurseries are using a 1:1 Ratio Sphagnum Peatmoss:Vermiculite in Seedling Conetainers. A 1:1 Mix of Sphagnum Peatmoss: Perlite or Pumice is a Good Mix. Gary's Acid Mix is this Ratio. The Old General Basic Cornell Mix was a 1:1:1 Peat:Perlite:Vermiculite Mix. Probably a little more Water Holding Capacity than a 1:1 Peat:Pumice Mix. Gary's Mixes address long Term Stable Mineral Based Growing Mixes for Container Culture. Vermiculite is Expanded Mica as Video Explained, Higher Water Holding Capacity than Perlite/Pumice etc. Vermiculite is not Mechanicaly Durable as Pumice,Sand,Perlite, Compresses Easy. Limited to use in Small Containers etc.

[@kenkj2034]

no till garden