What should I add?

barryla61 · March 26, 2012

I've been growing tomatoes in tubs for years now using my own mix of composted manure, potting mix, compost and some sand. I know this is not "the reccomended tub mix" but it works well for me, at least I think it does, the plants always grow out of their concrete wire cages - 6 ft.
Just cleaned and bleached my tubs and I'm looking for any suggestions as to what I might add to make my mix better. Peat? Pine bark fines? Perlite?
Thanks,
Barry

dpurdy · March 26, 2012

In the past I've used 5 gallon bucket, used equal parts of top soil, perlite, peat moss, and compost. I also add about a handful of bone meal and 1/2 cup of lime. Some people like to sterilize their mix and some don't. It's a personal choice. This mix has worked fine for me in the past when using containers.
DP

elight · March 26, 2012

Barry, are these self-watering containers or traditional containers?

amideutch · March 27, 2012

Barry, if it aint broke, don't fix it. It sounds like your aggregate blend seems to be doing well. Only suggestion I can make is use MycoGrow Soluable and Actinovate on seedling plant out. Both are organic and will help protect the plant from soil borne disease and make nutrients more available to the plants. Ami

Worth1 · March 27, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by amideutch

Barry, if it aint broke, don't fix it. It sounds like your aggregate blend seems to be doing well. Only suggestion I can make is use MycoGrow Soluable and Actinovate on seedling plant out. Both are organic and will help protect the plant from soil borne disease and make nutrients more available to the plants. Ami

I agree.

Worth

barryla61 · March 27, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by elight

Barry, are these self-watering containers or traditional containers?

Not self watering

barryla61 · March 27, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by amideutch

Barry, if it aint broke, don't fix it. It sounds like your aggregate blend seems to be doing well. Only suggestion I can make is use MycoGrow Soluable and Actinovate on seedling plant out. Both are organic and will help protect the plant from soil borne disease and make nutrients more available to the plants. Ami

Will Tomato Tone do this?

amideutch · March 28, 2012

Quote:

Will Tomato Tone do this?

No. Tomato Tone has no Mycorrhizae and does not contain the same Bacteria strain used in Actinovate. Actinovate can also be applied as a foliar during the course of the growing season as it is an excellent fungicide as well. But you can add Tomato Tone to your aggregate mix to supplement the nutrient requirements of the plants as they grow. Ami

March 26, 2012	#1
barryla61 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Bedford, VA Posts: 256	What should I add? I've been growing tomatoes in tubs for years now using my own mix of composted manure, potting mix, compost and some sand. I know this is not "the reccomended tub mix" but it works well for me, at least I think it does, the plants always grow out of their concrete wire cages - 6 ft. Just cleaned and bleached my tubs and I'm looking for any suggestions as to what I might add to make my mix better. Peat? Pine bark fines? Perlite? Thanks, Barry

March 27, 2012	#4
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	Barry, if it aint broke, don't fix it. It sounds like your aggregate blend seems to be doing well. Only suggestion I can make is use MycoGrow Soluable and Actinovate on seedling plant out. Both are organic and will help protect the plant from soil borne disease and make nutrients more available to the plants. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'

March 26, 2012	#2
dpurdy Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Norwich, New York Posts: 255	In the past I've used 5 gallon bucket, used equal parts of top soil, perlite, peat moss, and compost. I also add about a handful of bone meal and 1/2 cup of lime. Some people like to sterilize their mix and some don't. It's a personal choice. This mix has worked fine for me in the past when using containers. DP

March 26, 2012	#3
elight Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Allentown, PA Posts: 349	Barry, are these self-watering containers or traditional containers?