I have been growing Veggies (Cherry tomatoe,peppers,carrots,ect..) in containers with outstanding results. I use a perlite/peat/soil mix along with a 3-part fertilizer and additives. Im planning to expand my garden and with this mix I am using it would get expensive. I am new on here and I am not familiar with "Al's" mix's which has lead to this question.

How much bark can I get away with?
Maybe I will post some pics :)

Frequently the soil/water/air relationship is extremely limiting in container culture, with water retention excessive and air lacking if optimum growth/vitality is the objective. Since aeration and water retention are inextricably linked to soil particle size, we can make some pretty definitive observations about the relationship. One observation is you can't start with a large volume of fine ingredients (peat/compost/coir/sand/topsoil ..... and add some perlite and/or pine bark and expect to avoid excessive water retention and the compaction/lack of aeration that is inherent in the use of these fine particulates. You have to start with larger particulates (like pine bark fines) as the primary fraction (75%+) of the soil to ensure that you're able to take advantage of the superior aeration and reduced volumes of perched water the more open soils offer.

The recipes I use and that have found favor with so many are not as important as the concept, only the best ways I have found to implement the concept. Many tinker with them in hopes of improving them to suit their individual needs & growing styles, but generally there has been little reason or need to deviate much from the suggestions, and a thorough understanding the concept will never detract from your growing experience.

Good luck Good growing!

AL

Thank you so much for the info. I see if uses different sized parts they will fill in with eachother this is why I am going to use your 5-1-1. Thank you so much for this recipe. I will post another when I use it.

Thanks!

AL