Here at FoxFarm we get a lot of questions about our potting
soils. Now that it's spring and everyone is transplanting their seedlings and
filling up their containers, it's a good time to think about choosing the right
potting soil for the job.
We put a great deal of thought into our soil blends, mixing
in organic nutrients and making sure the pH level has been adjusted so that
plants are able to fully utilize all the nutrients in the soil. Adjusting the
pH level also means the plants won't get stressed by having to adapt to a soil
that is too acidic or too alkaline. All of our soils are pH adjusted between
the ranges of 6.3-6.8. This ensures an optimal growing environment.
Helpful Hint: testing for pH in soil is very different than
when you test in water. Testing the runoff from a container is not always
accurate as the water just drains out nutrients. If you want to use your
current pH instrument instead of one calibrated for soil, you must test your pH
with a slurry test. Take ½ cup of soil and mix with 1 cup of water. Let it sit
for 30 minutes and test away. We recommend that everyone test their pH as it is
a top cause for many plant problems, but spend the extra money on a better
meter and keep the tip clean.
Our soils have enough nutrients already in them to get your
plants through at least their first month of growth. If you are in a dry
environment that requires heavy watering, and your plants are already blooming
or setting fruit, you will need to begin adding supplemental fertilizer after two
weeks. For seedlings and young plants that are still growing, begin
supplemental feeding after four weeks. For plants with a fast crop like
tomatoes, we recommend that you begin feeding with Big Bloom after planting,
and then incorporate Grow Big after 1-2weeks. If you are a dry fertilizer kind
of gardener, we suggest amending either Happy Frog or Ocean Forest with either
American Pride (for flowers) or Marine Cuisine (for shrubs, trees, ornamentals
and veggies) before planting. You only
need to add them to the soil 1-2 times per year and you can continue with any
other liquid fertilization program if you like.
We call Ocean Forest “the ultimate potting soil” for a
reason. Into one bag we’ve put everything
we think plants need, including premium earthworm castings, bat guano, and
Pacific Northwest sea-going fish and crab meal. A light, aerated texture is
important in a potting soil to ensure that it both holds moisture and also
allows for good drainage, so we use composted forest humus, sandy loam, and
sphagnum peat moss, and a larger grade of perlite for aeration and drainage.
Our Happy Frog Potting Soil has the added benefit of
soil-dwelling microbes and fungi that help break down organic matter and feed
the plant roots. Happy Frog has the same earthworm castings, bat guano, and
composted forest humus that make up all our fine soil blends. And as always, there are no cheap fillers,
no topsoil, and no sludge. It’s nothing but the best.
Once you’ve made an investment in great potting soil, you’ll
find that the rest takes care of itself. We'll be back soon to talk about one
of our favorite fertilizers for spring.