Pine Bark Fines for 5-1-1 - Texas

9 years ago

Okay, I have been reading a lot of posts on soil mixtures for pots and it sounds like almost everyone has had success with the 5-1-1 mixture. I am going to be growing blackberries which grow best in pH 4.5 to 6.5 so should I add some lime to the mixture of just use gypsym and epson salt?

Pine Bark Fines do not seem to be easy to come by. I can find pine bark mulch.

Lowes: Evergreen Pine Bark Mulch (http://www.lowes.com/pd_92116-66882-92116_0__?productId=1112343&Ntt=pine+bark&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dpine%2Bbark&facetInfo=)

Living Earth: Pine Bark Mulch (http://livingearth.net/products-services/products/landscape-mulch)

Home Depot: Soil Conditioner - Pine and other forest products
(http://www.homedepot.com/p/American-Countryside-1-5-cu-ft-Soil-Conditioner-171-16/205684778)

Any one have experiences with these and could tell me which one would be best? There is also a pine bark mulch at Calloways.

Also, since I am in Texas should I add more peat moss to my mix to retain more moisture?

This is my first time planting any fruit in containers so I want to get it right!

Thanks

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Comments (4)

garybeaumont_gw
9 years ago
Being in Texas, you will probably get enough calcium carbanate (lime) in your water to increase pH, especially if you are in the limestone area (Dallas or west of Dallas).

I use a mixture of 5 gallons peat moss, 5 gallon pine bark, and 5 gallons of cypress mulch with 2.5 gallons (20lbs) of expanded shale. I have also replaced the peat moss with Coconut coir. It was $15 on Amazon for 11 lbs compressed that expanded to 17 gallons. Coconut coir is suppose to last longer. It is now about $20, a little pricey.

I would add more peat to the mix of the 511 since evaporation rates are much higher in Texas than in say, zone 5. Blackberries can also take more moisture than other plants,(They grow in southeast Texas gumbo).

The most important thing is to have a container big enough. I planted some in a leaking 4 ft by 1.5ft goat trough. The roots will only grow about 12 to maybe 18 inches deep.

Gary From Beaumont, Texas
nialialea
9 years ago
I would be very careful with anything sold as "soil conditioner" at Home Depot. I bought a similar product (different brand) from there for a couple of years and it was great stuff. Then the last time I bought it (a year or so ago) it was full of plastic bits and what looked like chewed up pallets.

I found all of the pine mulch available in this area (near Houston) was too big. It's possible a true nursery would have it and I've heard of people finding the right stuff at some, but given that all the places around here seem to cater primarily to landscapers, I haven't had much luck!
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thunderbear48
9 years ago
I've been using their Pine Bark Soil conditioner for years, and your not far from New Waverly, TX were its made.

It has a great smell, and is partially composted.

Soil Conditioner
http://www.landscaperspride.com/soils.html

Product #: 2-55-02
Size: 2 CF
Per Pallet: 60

For more information on Landscapers Pride products, services, and pricing, please contact Suzy Fredregill via any one of the following:

Physical Address:
Landscapers Pride
146 FM 2793
New Waverly, TX 77358

Mailing Address:
Landscapers Pride
PO Box 368
New Waverly, TX 77358

(877) 261-4769 Toll Free
(936) 295-2870 Local
(936) 295-2210 Fax
info@landscaperspride.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Bagged Soil Ammendments/Potting Soils
thunderbear48
9 years ago
I've been using their Pine Bark Soil conditioner for years, and your not far from New Waverly, TX were its made.

It has a great smell, and is partially composted.

Soil Conditioner
http://www.landscaperspride.com/soils.html

Product #: 2-55-02
Size: 2 CF
Per Pallet: 60

For more information on Landscapers Pride products, services, and pricing, please contact Suzy Fredregill via any one of the following:

Physical Address:
Landscapers Pride
146 FM 2793
New Waverly, TX 77358

Mailing Address:
Landscapers Pride
PO Box 368
New Waverly, TX 77358

(877) 261-4769 Toll Free
(936) 295-2870 Local
(936) 295-2210 Fax
info@landscaperspride.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Bagged Soil Ammendments/Potting Soils