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Soil & Soil Amendments

Garden Soil Amendments

Garden soil amendments are essential for those reusing soil or coco husk to grow in. The good health of all garden plants doesn’t come down to fertilizer or watering. Plant health is only as good as the soil they are planted in.
A good soil is the very foundation of a healthy garden.
Often, however, the soil that is present in a yard isn’t healthy enough on its own to meet the nutrition requirements of garden plant. This is especially true of new construction sites where all or most of the top soil has been stripped away as the home is being built.
Although, the general contractor replaces the topsoil as they regrade the entire yard it is inevitable that some of the nutrient deficient clay or sand subsoil has gotten mixed in during this process. Continue reading →

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Coco Husk and Coco Mixes for your Indoor Garden
Coco husk and coco mix have so many uses in both the outdoor garden in hydroponic growing that it would be difficult to list the all. It is the natural byproduct produced when the coconut husks are stripped down for extraction.
Coco husk garden materials are homogenous material made up of millions of micro-sponge capillaries which holds up to more than eight times its own weight in water. Therefore, coco husk is often used in a peat-mix or mulch for garden use.
Coco byproducts have a neutral pH of 5.7-6.5 which is well within the range that most plants thrive which makes it attractive for hydroponic use. Because it retains water so well, coco husk is great in garden situations where it cuts back on constant watering. Continue reading →

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What is Perlite and why is it in my soil?
Almost every gardener is undoubtedly aware of and has used perlite in some form or another. Perlite is the tiny white pearls that is found in every potting or plant starting mix.
Perlite occurs naturally as an amorphous volcanic glass and has a high-water content and readily swells as it is heated.
In hydroponic growing it is sometimes used as a porous plant anchoring material and as an excellent plant starter. Perlite is valuable for horticultural use because of its high permeability and low water retention. This property helps prevent soil compaction and keeps soil loose and great for speeding root growth.
The Value of Perlite in Soil & Soilless Mixes
Perlite is probably best known for its water drainage properties which makes it a great additive for soil and potting mixes. It is also excellent for soil aeration and is used for almost every potted plant. Because of all the diverse uses perlite is one of the few compounds utilized in every form of horticulture from retail florists to commercial perennial greenhouses.
Perlite is excellent for filtration and is often used as an alternative to diatomaceous earth. The only drawback to perlite, however, is that it is not a renewable resource and whatever is here is all there will probably ever be.
As a wrap-up here are the uses of perlite to the gardener.
- Soil mix
- Hydroponic planting medium
- Seed and cutting starter
- Soil amendment
Because of all the horticultural uses of perlite the chances are good that you have already used perlite and will further utilize it in the future.

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Determining your growing method

Finding the right balance of plant count vs available light energy is important for a successful harvest. The method in which you grow your plants is equally as important and will determine how many plants you grow as well as how large.

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The Definitive Guide To Traditional And Hydroponic Grow Media

We’ll look at soil, soilless, coco, clay pebbles and growstones, rockwool, and perlite as well as other amendments you can add to improve your grow media.

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Plant Nutrient Tips

There are a variety of nutrients ranging from organic to synthetic and blends in between. Some are good in soil, some are good in hydroponic growing environments. Choosing the correct one is important to a successful grow.

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How To Brew Compost Tea

If you are looking for an easy and effective way to defend against pests, strengthen your plants, and hydrate your soil try compost tea! It's a great organic way to efficiently use composting for your plants.

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