Metro mix 360 Vs metro-mix 700

[newgardener_tx]

I am getting ready to start the seeds. Can't find metro-mix 360 or Pro-mix but I got a bag of Metro-Mix 700. Can I use it to start the seeds in the four inch cell? Not planning to transplant them before I put in the ground. Thanks for your advise. 24F tonight.

[lucylou]

I'm in the same boat as you this year so I checked the Metro-Mix website and they say not to use the 700 for germination, just for growing in larger pots.

Not acceptable for some propagation applications.

Not sure why but apparently it is more coarse than the 360 and tends to hold more water. I think I'll keep looking for something else.

[mtbigfish]

yeah I am trying to find ProMix plug grade with biofungicide but can only find it w/o biofungacide - I have ProMix BX with biofungicide so I may just mix the 2 - at least I will have dmaping off protection
Dennis

[dice]

Metro-Mix 700:

http://www.sungro.com/products_displ...20&brand_id=17

(Bookmark to save to lookup descriptions of Sun Gro products:
http://www.sungro.com/products.php
)

[mdvpc]

What I dont like about all these mixes now is the "starter nutrient charge." They all seem to have them, some have a lot more than just a starter.

[johno]

Originally Posted by mtbigfish

yeah I am trying to find ProMix plug grade with biofungicide but can only find it w/o biofungacide - I have ProMix BX with biofungicide so I may just mix the 2 - at least I will have dmaping off protection
Dennis

Cinnamon powder sprinkled on the growing medium works well against damping off, if you can't find what you want w/biofungicide.

[mtbigfish]

johno
with or without aspirin on white toast? Is this a for true or do I feel my leg being pulled?

Dennis

[johno]

The aspirin comes later.

But really, I've been using it for a couple of years now after reading about it somewhere. No damping off for me. 'Course, I keep an eye on the moisture, too...

[newgardener_tx]

I didn't end up use the metro-mix 700 for seed starting since it says not to use for 4 inch cells.

I screened some miracle-grow potting mix, triple power compost from HD and mixed with jiffy seed starting mix to use as base, then covered by only jiffy mix. 70 types of tomatoes. We will see.

[David Marek]

Try to find Fafard 3B mix. It comes in a 2.8 cu ft bag and should cost around $15 each. Fafard has several mixes but this one seems to be a common one. Usually only in garden stores. Recommended uses are bedding plants, hanging baskets, seed germination and propagation. It is my one-size-fits-all. I sow on the surface and cover liberally with vermiculite.
They also make one called germinating mix (super fine) good for small plug trays.

mdvpc, I also don't like the types with "starter nutrient charge". I have used them, watering only with rain (pure) water, and salt crystals still form on the soil surface. I have not tested the EC, but I'm sure it's high. Poor little seedling roots.

I also use powdered cinnamon. I can't say for sure, but it seems to have a drying effect on leaves and will also discourage bacterial problems. Get the cheap bulk kind.

[mdvpc]

David: Fafard 3B I have never seen. Will look for it.