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Old April 26, 2007   #7
jdwhitaker
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Andrews, Texas
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I think the problem may have been that pine bark, like fresh peat, sometimes doesn't want to take up water. Even dark colored bark that has been aged or composted seems to do this. Once you get it to soak up moisture, it holds water quite well. Hot water and a drop or two of soap can help speed up the process.

Quote:
I was thinking of stretching the mix the other way,(6:1:1 ?) for economy. I can buy the fines for a fraction of what the peat costs me. What I’m getting now is very composted, almost soil like.
That could be fine for short term use, though I would be hesitant to cut down on the ratio of perlite. Perlite, or some other mineral component that doesn't break down, is important in maintaining the structure of the mix. Without it the mix will really collapse when the organic components begin to break down. 6:2:1 would be good, and you might consider leaving the peat out entirely.
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