This year I used an organic potting mix for the first time. I didn't realize that it would be any different and forgot I had made the change. When I bought the soil, I was really happy that the big bags sold at Costco were organic. Later I began to wonder why my tomatoes weren't growing as fast and were pale. The onions got yellow at the tips. Some things grew just as well: the peas and even the peppers. The main problem was really the tomatoes. In addition to the organic soil, I seeded them in smaller pots than usual.
Finally it occurred to me that they needed more nutrients. I transplanted them to bigger pots (birthday party cups!) and gave them some fish emulsion. I want to get them planted out in the garden soon in a bed with lots of compost and some TomatoTone.
6 comments:
I usually plant my seeds in regular soil in small cups and they grow big really fast. This year I tried the organic mix too.. its been over a month and all the plants look sickly and yellow. Thanks for the tip. I will add some nutrients.
Good idea. Sometimes gardening can be tough too and having that kind of idea helps a lot of gardener reading this.
Hi Kathy! Is there anything in the production process of the cups that the plants might dislike?
Marian (LondonUK)
Have you tried adding Volcanic Basalt to your garden yet? Cascade Minerals has a Remineralizing Soil Booster that is great for adding trace minerals back into the soil. There's been some neat greenhouse trials also that have taken place with sweet results. Bigger plants, more produce, great taste, and nutrient analysis came back higher than those grown in normal potting mix.
I also used this potting mix for my tomatoes and they were also very pale. I transferred them outside and fertilized them and they are starting to look better. I would be really curious to know other's experience with this potting mix.
Last year I tried using the regular Miracle Gro potting soil for my tomato seedlings and within a week of the transplant all my plants turned pale, yellow and sick looking. I actually thought it was due to over-nutrition as Miracle Gro adds nutrients to their potting soil. This year I used plain non-fertilized organic potting soil and did much better.
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