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| Hi guys!
I will be planting flowers for the first time and I have no idea which type of soil to use. My flowers will be in pots and it gets extremely hot where I live, so water retention is important. I will deeply appreciate any advice, I am new to gardening. Thanks!! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by TheMasterGardener1 none (My Page) on Fri, Feb 24, 12 at 0:13
| Miracle gro potting mix can be found easy. It is what I use and stand by it. It holds water very well. I Do not fertilize until a month in then I use Miracle gro water soluble fertilizer at 1/2 strength, just a tip. Happy growing. |
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| You want potting soil which will be peat moss, coir, or finely shredded bark, or a combination of those with either perlite or vermiculite added for drainage. There are many brands available, some very expensive others not. Some may have slow release fertilizers added others won't. |
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- Posted by toxcrusadr (My Page) on Fri, Feb 24, 12 at 12:03
| Just don't try to use garden soil, topsoil, etc. for containers. It won't work very well. |
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| Can you guys recommend me some brands sold at Lowes?? I really do not know what all that means. I am quite new, so I would n't know the difference of peat moss, coir, garden soil, topsoil, perlite, vermiculite, etc.. I also need a recommendation for mulch, they sell different kinds. Thanks! :D |
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- Posted by toxcrusadr (My Page) on Fri, Feb 24, 12 at 15:56
| For pots and containers look for something that says potting soil or container soil. Not topsoil, garden soil, compost, manure or mulch. You will have several choices at different price points. The cheapest stuff will work but probably not as well. The most expensive is nice if you can afford it but there are diminishing returns. I usually go for the middle on this type of thing. Mulch, you can pretty much use whatever appeals to you. If you are looking for durable mulch that will not break down, use cedar or cypress. If you don't mind if it breaks down and enriches the soil, use shredded pine, or local yard waste mulch (your city may have a free pile?). Most of us are not that fond of the crumb rubber stuff because it never goes away and you can't get it all out if you change your mind later. Hope this helps. |
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| luisito8m - try the link below for information that will help you determine what might be an appropriate soil. Al |
Here is a link that might be useful: Much more about container media if you click me ....
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| There are very good potting soils available at $1.98 per 2 cubic foot bag and there are others with major brand names on them that sell for $9.98 per 2 cubic foot bag. More then likely you will also need some fertilizer with the less expensive materials, but I have also found that even then the less expensive materials are much less expensive. I'd not get too hung up on brand names. |
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