What I use for potting soil for Container Plants and Propagation Frames

[@chindabrendel4762]

I really like your information & your honesty about the soil stuff. Everybody else seem to have to much of different things mix together, just so much complications & costly & much of a hassle to go through all the mixtures everybody else recommended, and of course I never follow their recommendation anyway. I use a simple, plain Twin Oak Top soil mix w/ partial shredded hardwood, and I use fish fertilizer every Two weeks to feed them & all my plants are very happy & productive. Thank you so much for sharing, I totally agree with you, no need to fuss or worry too much about to many type of mixtures of soil. Thumps Up!!! for you, Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks a lot for the really positive comment. I'm always trying to make things easier around here and then pass it on to you. Have an awesome day!

[@azariahjoseph316]

InstaBlaster...

[@bradje12]

I have watched garden guru after garden guru and they all seem to have special mixes.... Finally I come to this channel and it is explained simply, no fuss, and thoroughly. Thx so much Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's what it's all about! I try to keep our favorite hobby simple and fun!

[@CuriousMouse1988]

I have done quite a lot soilless mix testing and tried many materials and combinations of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, pumice, sand, compost etc. It turns out that the simplest material, fine bark, turned out to be the best of all. It’s like having peat moss and perlite in a simple single material. The bark fines hold nutrients and water well, and also allow a great deal of air to get into the roots. Plants just love it.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes! Glad you've come to the same realization about this stuff that I have. Happy gardening!

[@rgb5031]

Hi Mike, I did give 'Fir BARK' a try, (based upon your enthusiasm and recommendation), and my indoor plant, (purple passion vine), has gone from 3 small cuttings 5 months ago, to a reproductive monster, (at least 15 x's the size it was when I received the cuttings), and it's needed transplanting twice already, plus has even been producing multitudes of flowers and seeds. I'm going to try germinating seeds in 'Fir BARK' next. Thank you for the information and encouragement!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yeah, no problem!

[@RRaucina]

After Kellogg's outdoor potting soil killed and stunted most plants I used it on, I made my own mix. 1 part home excavated virgin forest soil, medium clay. 2 part composted bulk fine bark and wood fiber, 1 part old composted manure, some sand, perlite maybe moss. Everything thrives and soil looks like something from Iowa. 1/3 the cost of bagged.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Dang, that sounds good enough to eat!

[@dapperdingo]

@@MikeKincaid79 Ha ha!!!

[@charityaes]

Mystery solved! So glad I came across your channel! Everyone makes this stuff so complicated and confusing and it discourages me from getting involved at all. Thank you very much for this simple, unconfusing explanation. I will start looking for “fine” bark readily available in my area! Thanks again!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bentasker8931]

Best landscape info hands down.I’ve watched all your Japanese maple videos after skimming through dozens of other people’s and I’m so glad I found your channel. Thank you for putting out such informative content,keep up the great work!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks a lot Ben! I'm really glad you found these videos too.

[@JAM-zb2vh]

I want to thank you for this video I can tell that you love talking about it.AS long as you love it you will be on top of it. God bless you brother and happy planting.

[@southerntulip799]

Thank you so much for helping me with this. It is so vital. You have saved me a lot of money sweat worry and tears. Bless you Mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Happy to help!

[@katherinegoldstein2966]

In listening to to your comments about different soils, you mentioned Point Defiance Park and my ears pointed straight up! I lived within one mile of that park in Tacoma, Washington during WWII and spent so many days walking over there and spent the day there. Loved that place! Beautiful landscaping and swimming in Puget Sound. What memories!

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's such a beautiful place with beautiful gardens!

[@marianporter1666]

Thanks, Mike. I'm one of the commenters who asked for your potting/transplanting mix. Grateful for this update. Marian Porter

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help, Marian!

[@lindasilvers7680]

I just found your site today.. and I like this you tube .. it’s not boring and you have so much info , you make everything so easy . Thanks so much

[@imlew7853]

Makes a lot of sense. I got a lot pine bark mulch and a commercial chipper and shredder, sand and peat moss. Thanks for your video. Blessing to a lot of gardeners. Soiless medium and Mulch in one ..................

[@MikeKincaid79]

Love the ingenuity. That’s how you have to think when you’re not a huge commercial operation.

[@roseanneatkinson3022]

Here in Utah, Our public dump has been taking in cuttings from trees, shrubs and other greens and they have came up with a wonderful compost. It is $30 per truck load. Good deals.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like a great material for mulch and planting.

[@jacquelyn515]

Thanks Mike for the GREAT Tips on how to look for and buy this fine fir bark and not the double ground fine kind....I would have NEVER thought of testing the drainage like you did.....AMAZING.....You are really a GARDEN WISPER at all you do with growing and rooting plants !!!! Just ❤️ all your Video's.!!!! Looking forward to the next ones !!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks a lot, Jacquelyn! I really appreciate you and love making these videos for all of our gardening family here. Enjoy the summer and happy gardening!

[@themandan9400]

The juice I use is my own too❗ Coconut husk with Aloe Vera in one gallon of water. Shake, not stir. Mint brushes thrive alive and other plants react to this new juice. I'm going to try it on tomato plants.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm sure they will thrive with it.

[@stanskat1]

I love your videos.......I have gardened for 'years"...... always open to learning, and you do a really good job. Thankyou

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@kathleenmills766]

I really like all the information you give that is helping me so much. Yet, I'm still having so much trouble trying to get my roses to propagate. even if I do get it to root, I sometimes get them started in water first, then plant them and 9 out of 10 times they don't make it! I follow your info and I'm still not having much success. Can't seem to figure out the main issue?? I did have a hardwood cutting that was calloused, so I planted it in half potting soil and half topsoil and it did great for about 4-5 days. It even had new leaf growth, yet died a day or 2 later?? I wet thoroughly to start then only spritzed every other day. I used to have a "green thumb" when it came to any plant, yet I guess it's turned brown. Thank you for your info it's greatly appreciated. I can't seem to get access to any fine fir bark.

[@Morning1217]

Great! I learned from you use inexpensive propagation media and not to water cutting to death. I am ready!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You got it!

[@cameliacristofaro1366]

Thank you Mike! That's awesome! Soil can be so expensive, is crazy!

[@cathyanderson8197]

We are both producing our natural black bark with wood chips and right now we buy it - it is pitch black gorgeous aged bark mixed with 50 percent compost. we buy it every year, and it just does very very well with the plants. We use fresh wood chips that are 70% plus green leaves or needles for mulch on top of the soil. They all turn into dirt anyway, just put more on.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like a perfect mulch for just about any plant. They rhododendrons sure love that kind of stuff.

[@unclegranny4257]

Thanks... just what I was looking. After the hurricane they shredded thousands of trees and left literal mountains of mulch... I can get a truck and trail load for $20... hopefully this mulch will work!

[@MikeKincaid79]

If it's fresh, it will work great for propagating and potting soil but if it's composted then don't use for cuttings, just potting soil. Good luck and nice find!

[@elliestell2696]

That was great I garden mostly in containers so it was very good information for me

[@MikeKincaid79]

Getting excited for spring. I'm sure your place is beautiful with containers full of blooms.

[@mrfavela2010]

I love to watch your videos my friend, really good advice to me that im new in all this propagation and growing plants, thanks a lot!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome! Thanks for hanging out here with us on the channel.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hahaha, everybody has a KZbin channel inside of them! Nice singing.

[@GaryYund]

You're a really great teacher! We recently had to do some yard demo to install a wall and I'm really getting into propagating some generic plants we like and gardening in general. It's so much fun to learn and pick up better ways of doing things, especially when starting out. Makes it more fun with little successes :) Thanks and stay well!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help with the right info at the right time! Good luck on your project and have fun in the garden, Gary!

[@gingermilsap7157]

Thank you for your potting soil video! You are the BEST❤️👏👏👏

[@gomezaddams6470]

I would have never guessed that that would work by itself but look behind you! 🌲🌳🌱

[@MikeKincaid79]

This stuff works great and you don't have to add a thing to it.

[@gomezaddams6470]

the Roadies I can really understand because they grow in that kind of environment. just regular stuff is what I'm surprised about but your stuff behind you as flourishing so I believe you. proofs in the giant jungle behind you

[@davidfryer5857]

Gomez l Addams w

[@thatoneguy377]

that's bark is good stuff the con is that it also absorbs alot of your nitrogen when you fertilize because it's just bark that hasn't decomposed fully. I like your videos!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks man. I use a slow release fertilizer and it has the added benefit of helping to break down the bark with the nitrogen just like you're saying. By the time I plant them out, the bark is breaking down and ready to feed the rhody.

[@thatoneguy377]

thanks for the engagement your a cool dude! I also use a slow time release fertilizer in my containers here at my wholesale nursery in Oregon. ... I've been thinking about starting a KZbin channel. thanks bro!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Get it started up and I'll subscribe. I love nursery/gardening channels.

[@craigparry2732]

Mike Kincaid hi mike got a small nursery here in the UK got a huge pile of coarse wood chip could I use that if shred it up a bit love your information will be getting your video thank

[@craigparry2732]

Hi mike I've got a small nursery here in the UK I've been using bagged multiple purpose compost all the time I have a huge pile of coarse wood chip if I shredded it up could I use that instead it would save a fortune I've also got a pile of horse manure love your information going to get your video as I'm starting to propergating shrub cuttings have always grown bedding and perrinial from seed once again thanks keep growing

[@Vilma_Rosa]

Hope i can get this in Ireland, I'm propagating some laurel,you're very good. Thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Vilma! You can use any material that drains well and holds moisture and is inert. If you use peat then make sure to wring it out so it's not too wet.

[@neelamchaudhary2807]

Awesome ,glad that I found your channel on KZbin👍

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm glad you found it too. Enjoy the videos and let me know if you have questions.

[@paddington1670]

you rock dude, your videos are amazing. thank you very much, please keep up the great content, this channel is a gem.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hey, thanks so much!

[@iPheek]

Soil conditioner seems to be my go to! Nice video!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Right on! Do what works for you.

[@miriam3304]

Ai like the vying is explain things....very clear. Thank you.

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome!

[@anthonyivanaglugubjr.2645]

Very Good Testing Tip for Container Potting Soil Mike.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I thought you'd like to see that.

[@anthonyivanaglugubjr.2645]

Mike Kincaid Not only exclusively me but a lot of You Tube Watchers impress by your Water Draining Pot Soil tests. Much of us awaits your plants third important thing Nutrients in the Soil, thanks in advance if you will You Tube do it.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I have done a video on the fertilizer I use kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGalg42te6qYa5I but am currently working on a new video about fertilizer and nutrients.

[@donnafernandez8735]

So happy to find you!! Great advice😊

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you found me too! Enjoy the channel.

[@satanlovesmemoreable]

I wished i watched this two days ago. Just potted up my autumn joys seddum with a couple hoistas , using a triple blend with sand and some grit.

[@satanlovesmemoreable]

Great videos. Subbed

[@jimk6862]

great video. do you find that the bark decomposes after some time, causing less drainage and aeration? for example, would you plant a long-term potted fig tree in a large container using only bark? thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

It will decompose but very slowly over years. Even when it decomposes, it's still more airy and porous than soil. Also, the drainage of the bark is most important for cuttings, not rooted plants. Once they are rooted, it doesn't have to drain as well. It's perfect stuff because of the fact that it starts out inert and drains well but ends up a nice broken down humus eventually, and that's great for plants with roots to grow in. Hope that helps.

[@kathys7283]

Wow, so glad I found your website! Question--do you use wood chips ever or only bark from trees? I would love more info on that. Thank you!!!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Just bark for propagation and potting soil but I do use wood chips for mulch.

[@sharonhoffer3599]

I really dislike buying anything in plastic bags, so bad for the environment! But to get bulk supplies delivered, or pick it up yourself, is definitively the way to go 👍🏼🥳💚

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's the only way to go with this stuff.

[@aaron6841]

Your an absolute stud Mike

[@melissaoleary8196]

Super helpful video. Thank you! Im going to mix my alpaca compost with some vermiculite and see how it drains!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful, and good luck!

[@nickwilson5637]

That double grind would be good for growing gunnera, if you have any left

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've got one growing next to a big fir tree that I planted a couple years ago. It grows bigger leaves every year and I do mulch with bark. Thinking about digging it up and planting away from trees though because they need a lot of water and in the heat of the summer the fir tree really dries the soil up around it.

[@GMAMEC]

Thanks for sharing. You answered a lot of questions that crossed my mind, but never really thought to ask. I am So glad that I don’t have to worry about sterilizing my soil.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Absolutely not. Our society is way to obsessed with cleanliness and sterility. Glad to answer some questions for you and thanks for hanging out here with us on the channel!

[@imklammerUT]

Hey Mike, love the vids esp the fig propagation but have a question on fir bark, namely that I am concerned the pH may be too acidic for plants other than Rhodies etc. Thoughts? .

[@MikeKincaid79]

No acidity issues at all. I plant all of my cuttings in this stuff and they thrive.

[@ibu.pejuang]

I see, found the answer in minute 5.51, so Peat + sand can replace this bark that absolutely I can't find in my place even in google shop, I think I should watch all you video just to figure out more about propagation, thanks again mike!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it helped you out. sand will work well on its own without mixing in peat and is better for drainage.

[@regsparkes6507]

Good and timely information Mike,..Thanks!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to show up when you needed it, Reg!

[@angelasmith4286]

Thank you Mike, you are the best! War Eagle from Alabama!!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks, Angela!

[@FirstName67]

Also buy potting mixes or soil at the end of the season when a store or two will clearance them for cheap then use them next year.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great idea! I always try to buy in the off season.

[@FirstName67]

I buy Miracle Gro potting mix for $1.00.Not a cheap brand just cheap at Walmart at the end of the season.

[@arvellataratuta2150]

Mike, I love your videos and am attempting some simple plant propagation. I have been taking cutting from geraniums with success for quite a few years. My question is about potting soil for plants that will come in the house for the winter. (I also bring in established geranium plants for the winter.). Should I just buy bagged potting soil for indoor plants? This spring we dug under our wood chip garden paths and scraped up all the composted chips. I used it for a new garden bed and in outdoor pots. The flowers have been amazing. I am sure it is from the composted chips with only occasional fertilizing with fish emulsion. I don’t think I could use these composted chips for indoor plants because of knats and other insects. Any suggestions? Thank you,

[@MikeKincaid79]

I buy bagged potting soil for indoor plants. It just seems to work better than outdoor soil or compost.

[@selenanieto8152]

Very good information. Thank you.

[@RRAMir]

Really very informative video... Always learn new simple but effective techniques with great results... Thank you...

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, thanks!

[@StephenTurnerVlogs]

I answered my question. I forgot how KZbin worked slightly and thought you'd get to an earlier video sooner. I'll give the larch bark a bash and see what happens

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you found your answer, Stephen. Good luck getting your potting soil figured out.

[@shelly5596]

I wish we had a grinder! We live on 20 acres of pine and douglas fir trees.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I actually buy mine at a local landscape supply business. You'd need to take down a lot of trees to get this much mulch.

[@zaviahopethomas-woundedsou9848]

Mike, I would love to see you do a comparison of growing some of your flowering shrubs in your pine bark verses the wood shavings with manure that has composted. I would love to know what works best after seeing how your figs took off in the composted mound.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Good idea, I can do that, it's going on the list.

[@nancyates9822]

I really enjoy your videos.and find them very helpful. thanks for sharing.I'm learning so much.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad to help!

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

Hi Mike Ive been using a mix of fine, and medium bark it seems to have worked quite well. I have some Ilex Crenata on this mix, and some others on the ground, and some others on just normal potting mix, and the ones on this bark mix have just shot up in growth! They have put as much as 2x or 3x as new growth as the others it's crazy

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome! Glad it's working well for you.

[@luciepaul1]

Thank you. Showing explained it so much better

[@MikeKincaid79]

You are welcome!

[@robertflanagan1326]

Just found your videos. I will be sharing this with my horticulture class. What if any fertilizer do you use in these pots to make sure there is enough nutrients for plants to establish.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Wow, thanks, Robert! I'm humbled. I use a slow release granular fertilizer. I have a video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGalg42te6qYa5I

[@mommom-jy5jb]

Can I use course fir bark for my roses, since I can't find fine fir bark?

[@thunderr8127]

Mike, I really like your channel and the fact that you respond to everyone's comments. I have question. What source of nutrition do the plants planted in fine fir bark have? Because fir bark by itself is inert. Normally vermicompost or compost or cow dung manure is added to coco peat or peat moss to make a proper potting mix for plants which are going to be permanently placed in containers. So do you add anything like that and in what ratio?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, I add a slow release fertilizer to the potted plants.

[@marylt9463]

Good information for next season. Edmonton's summer is ooooverrrr... sigh!

[@MikeKincaid79]

That's a shame. It gets much colder up there than we and much earlier. I'd love to visit in the summer though.

[@yvonne862]

Thank you, this really helps me with my planting.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Great, Yvonne!

[@Mike1-]

Thank you your videos they always full of knowledge , great way to explain it

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad you like them!

[@barbarawatkins7643]

Thanks so much for all you have taught me thru your videos!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I'm honored to help! Thanks for watching.

[@KellyMorrisPR]

Love your videos! Best explanations yet! But i do have a question about Bark much. If cuttings need inert material to grow in and plants need nutrient dense material how is it good for both plants and cuttings? Help!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks Kelly! So the inert material is used for the rooting process because nutrient dense soils are full of nutrients that will grow mold, fungus, and bacteria, which is bad for cuttings. Cutting are very susceptible to those things and will rot easily. Also, potting soil or other nutrient rich soils are usually much more dense and compact than I would like for cuttings. They hold a lot of moisture and along with the nutrients, that's a bad combo for attracting the bad guys. Once the cuttings are rooted, then I up-pot to potting soil or plant out in the garden and start fertilization.

[@ktsunflowerfarmwaters4831]

What do you think about what people say about barks burning rooting plants?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Never heard of that. I've been using bark for over a decade and rooted thousands of plants in bark.

[@WeaverFamilyFarms]

Excellent video and very helpful! I wonder how random kinds of saw mill dust would work. This is a challenge I have been facing for what to use in propagation myself. I have friends that own a large saw mill somewhat close and they have piles of the wood dust from milling the trees into lumber pieces.

[@MikeKincaid79]

It would probably work if it's fresh and not composted or aged.

[@kihntagious]

Peat is being severely depleted. Best to go local like you.

[@annacoventry5054]

Hi Mike. Great video thanks. Can I pot plants in composted bark mulch without adding anything else as long as it drains and holds moisture? I plan to sell the potted plants this summer.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Absolutely. I do exactly that.

[@annacoventry5054]

@@MikeKincaid79 awesome, thanks!

[@annisaw66]

Thank you so much for this Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Annisa!

[@EstanciaLasToscas]

Hello Mike greetings from Patagonia. Do u think I could use fine ponderosa and Oregon bark, which I have readily available? Regards

[@MikeKincaid79]

I think so, as long as it's fresh for propagation purposes.

[@JanYi2023]

Thx so much Mike!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Any time!

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

Hello, you have a very nice channel here that KZbin has suggested to me by accident! I congratulate you and have subscribed to your channel immediately! Best regards from Austria!

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks for subscribing! Enjoy spring as it comes your way.

[@nosaltiesandrooshere7488]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thank you very much for the nice reception! My pleasure!

[@terencemckenna9760]

Do you add fertilizer when you use the bark for potting soil?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes

[@WeaverFamilyFarms]

Mike, can you make a video on propagation of trees that have been grafted? For example some fruit trees I have are grafted - how can I reproduce them? Thank you. Really wanting to understand and learn this. There has to be a way besides doing a whole new graft to make that tree again such as halls hardy almond

[@MikeKincaid79]

You can air layer many trees but the roots won't necessarily be the best to grow the tree on. That's why people find a good rootstock and then graft. Sounds like you don't want to graft but unfortunately that's the only way to get the trees you're looking for.

[@WeaverFamilyFarms]

Mike Kincaid thanks!

[@WeaverFamilyFarms]

Mike Kincaid I’m thinking about trying to root some cuttings in my basement here soon instead of doing outside where it’s getting cooler! Do you see any issues with rooting them in basement. I actually broke down and bought some small grow lights and a heat mat! Our basement is heated although cooler than rest of our house as it’s a finished basement

[@kims.6817]

Thank you so much for this. Just learn so much for you,

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome, Kim, I'm glad to hear it!

[@Zarina-wd7xt]

Hi Mike, I trying to propogate Arabian Jasmin but unsuccessful. Should I try to propogate in sand only. Thank u

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sand is a great material because it is inert and drains well.

[@devinelove2824]

What do they mean when they say incubate the soil? How to?

[@J18-i1n]

Thanks so much for the explanation Mike, can I use the wood bark to germinate seeds and as a seed starting mix??

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, I germinate seeds in this all the time. I have a series of Japanese maple seed germination videos in which I use this material.

[@LittleJordanFarm]

Good info.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Thanks!

[@tinaknutsen]

Hi Mike, I rewatched this. Question; Does the Fine Fir Bark work for indoor plants that do live in their pots? I am seeing videos that say Peat and Spangnum Peat moss are bad to use for our plants and the environment. I see it mixed in the potting mixes.

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's not bad for the plants but can be harmful to the peat bogs that it's harvested from. People are looking for more sustainable materials like coco coir.

[@redneckradtech1202]

excellent information and explanation. Thank You

[@MikeKincaid79]

Hey, thanks a lot.

[@sherrylynn4632]

So very helpful, thx Mike...

[@MikeKincaid79]

You're welcome, Sherry!

[@pamsury3969]

Can I put plants in the sand in like I have some succulents? I have some ivy I have ponytail palm I have a fig leaf spider plants. Can they be planted in just the bark and or the sand or a mixture of both?

[@MikeKincaid79]

I use bark because it meets all the requirements for a good rooting medium plus it doubles as a great potting soil. Sand is great for rooting but the cuttings will have to be potted up into potting soil or something similar once they’re rooted. Sand is great on its own, no need to mix with anything.

[@bellecraig]

When you refer to "bark" is that the same as mulch, or is it an entirely different medium?

[@RookiePresent]

Yes, I think so. I think the main difference is that mulch has very large particles while bark "mulch" is finer like you see in the video. It's often sold as "fine" pine bark because of this smaller particle size

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yes, it's just mulch that I get at a local landscape supply business. They have different size particles and this is the fine stuff. I have several videos about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iISzfYKCg72HepY

[@bellecraig]

@@MikeKincaid79 Thank you for responding so quickly.

[@bellecraig]

@@RookiePresent I appreciate your responding to my question.

[@RookiePresent]

@@bellecraig You're welcome!

[@rychei5393]

Do you have a landscaping vid. We have lots of sand and clay.

[@MikeKincaid79]

I have a few on here.

[@mimispeike793]

Mike, do you recommend the hot compost method or the cold Bokashi Bran method?

[@MikeKincaid79]

hot compost

[@tinacourville1186]

I watched your video on growing roses. I have two that are doing well, with leaves. What is the next step? Do I plant them in potting soil with a 6-9 months fertilizer or in the ground? It is September and I am in Southern Louisiana, Gulf Coast. I learn so much from you video's. Thank You!

[@MikeKincaid79]

So glad you got your roses to root, Tina. In your climate, I would think they should do just fine in the ground right now. I'm guessing you've still got a couple months over 50 degrees.

[@caslamdq]

Hi Mike, sorry if the topic I´m going to ask for has been already discussed. In regards to bark as a soil, which is better, fresh or composted? The question lay in the fact that fresh bark could have tannins that be harmful to seedlings or avoid germination. And, for the composted bark it could have harmful microorganisms. I can not get fir bark but pinus bark. Thanks!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I've been using fresh bark for years and never had a problem. I've also used composted bark without trouble and actually prefer it when they get potted up. Pine bark will work just fine.

[@randyman8984]

Mike, when you first get your pile do you use it right away or let it sit for awhile? My local place sells what they call "Pine fines", does that sound like the stuff to use??

[@MikeKincaid79]

Sounds like the same stuff, just pine instead of fir. I buy 5 yards at a time and it usually lasts for about 2 years depending on what I've got going on. It doesn't rot in that amount of time.

[@teresamcdaniel1989]

Do knockout roses like full sun or part shade? I got two yellow k o rose bushes for Mother’s Day.

[@MikeKincaid79]

They'll take full sun but acclimate them first. I personally like to give most plants a little afternoon shade.

[@Kinjo2008]

🔴 Mike good content on your channel my friend. I just subscribed. Quick Q... How well does this barj work in let's say a smart pot or self watering container for veggies like Bok Choy, collards or mustard greens? Thanks!

[@MikeKincaid79]

I would use more compost and nutrient dense potting soil for veggies. I just use the fine bark for landscape plants until I get them in the ground.

[@Kinjo2008]

@@MikeKincaid79 10-4, thanks for the reply.

[@Elliotbrown008]

Hi Mike, What do you think about plastic grow bags instead of pots , as I can’t afford to buy new and no one is selling used , thanks

[@MikeKincaid79]

I personally like pots because you can use them over and over, and they are very durable. There are lots of used pots out there. Have you scoured Facebook marketplace, Offer up, and Craigslist?

[@billgrubbs1]

I bought a yard of fine bark and it is described as 3/8 minus. Is that what you use or is it finer? It drains quickly and seems to hold a lot of water when I tested it. Just wondering if this is double ground or triple ground which. you said holds too much water.

[@billgrubbs1]

I found another supplier that describes their fine bark as screened with 1/4 screen. Is that too fine?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Just depends on whether or not it drains well. The 3/8 minus sounds like my stuff.

[@kriswhite1344]

Great information

[@MikeKincaid79]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pineappleporcupine5717]

can you use this soil for potted pine and rhododendron?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Yep

[@joacimvagtskjoldask7029]

Hey! Love your vids! Keep it up 😄 just one question.. do you know what ph the bark is? Will it affect the cuttings? Thanks!

[@MikeKincaid79]

It's fairly neutral but I've never tested it. Been using it for about 12 years or so and it allows me to root just about anything I want to root.

[@joacimvagtskjoldask7029]

@@MikeKincaid79 Ok! I have fir bark at my local gardensenter but saw it had 5.0 ph and could not find any info on it.. Do you think its fine to use? Or should i go with just peat or sand or rockwool? 😁 thanks!! 🌱🍀

[@joserey3586]

If I want to plant Gardenias in pots permanently inside the house, What soil do I? Do I have to repot every two years?

[@MikeKincaid79]

Use a well rounded potting soil. You will have to eventually re-pot them once the roots get root bound but that will depend on how much light and water it gets over time and how fast it grows.

[@peterdurant9530]

you'r all right man!!!!!!

[@jenniferjones5017]

Hey Mike!! Big fan, here!! Will sawdust work? I thought using fresh wood mediums robbed plants of nitrogen. Can you clarify this for me please?

[@MikeKincaid79]

The material I use is pretty much pure carbon, so I have to supplement with a good well rounded slow release fertilizer that’s heavy on nitrogen. If I were going to keep plants in pots long term then I’d use a more nutritious and pre-composted potting soil. Hope that helps!

[@jenniferjones5017]

@MikeKincaid79 yes! Thank you!