Soils ain't soils - Bunnings, supermarkets, specialty stores, compost?

[Pikey]

I have access to compost but not sure how good it is, what's the rule of thumb, if there's slaters in it then it's healthy?

I have tried it previously and it wasn't that good but admittedly I didn't add in any perlite or coco, which I now have.

j

It's more about what goes into the compost ie. what it is made of. A compost made of just lawn clippings and some kitchen scraps will not contain the same nutrients etc as a compost made from a mix of animal manures, various plant matter and other inputs.

Have a read through this thread, there's some good info -> https://www.theserratededge.com/forum/threads/easy-as-organics.454/post-30877

 

[Jaz]

there was (I'm told) much more shit going into their soils/potting mixes. A lot more chipped pine (of some questionable sources to say the least) and "only just" composted garden waste

I've heard many complaints about wood chips in potting mix and stuff like bread ties, etc. clearly taken straight from garbage collection.

Apparently when the wood chips break down the soil becomes too toxic for cannabis.

j

 

[afghan bob]

If u only just starting out, i would try canna terra and some sorta A+B type of nutes

Lash out and get a E.C meter, and away u go

 

[Porky]

I was talking to someone in the industry the other day and apparently a lot of "big soil" applied for (and got) exemptions during covid in relation to standards and certification.

Due to demand and bulk transport being effected, there was (I'm told) much more shit going into their soils/potting mixes. A lot more chipped pine (of some questionable sources to say the least) and "only just" composted garden waste. I noticed it myself in some of the Rocky Point gear and even some of the Searles (who apparently did not apply for exemptions) stuff was putrid shit that made me question the quality of their products

Yeah I didn't know that mate. It was around 2020 I noticed the quality declining.

 

[Indy]

What type of kelp would you guys recommend?

Reason I ask, I use to use a A+B part nutes that had a kelp additive, and I reckoned that made all the difference to it. Which brought me to this question, which type/brand would you recommend for a soil mix?

 

[afghan bob]

I use kelp meal from Hydro Experts
Apparently it breaks down slow and keeps working 4 entire grow so i mix in 2 entire mix instead of top-dress

 

[Jaz]

It was around 2020 I noticed the quality declining.

Just go to the Bunnings site and read the 1 star reviews of the soils, many complaints about too many wood chips and trash in the mix, their seedlings dying, etc.

How many people really cry about their chile seedlings dying? I have a feeling these were all cannabis growers that previously bought the soil when it was decent quality and now see their hard earned paying for good beans, going down the drain

j

 

[Pikey]

What type of kelp would you guys recommend?

Reason I ask, I use to use a A+B part nutes that had a kelp additive, and I reckoned that made all the difference to it. Which brought me to this question, which type/brand would you recommend for a soil mix?

For feeding Seamax Organic Fish & Kelp is my go to. Otherwise, same as Bob, I just use kelp meal in my mix. Hydro stores are a bit exy though & I found I can get it from pet supply places for a bit cheaper. Only difference is they call it seaweed meal, but it's exactly the same stuff (Ascophyllum). The last lot I bought was ~$40 for 5kg delivered... but I'm sure I can find it cheaper somewhere

 

[Jaz]

For feeding Seamax Organic Fish & Kelp

How similar is this stuff to Charlie Carp, etc.?

j

 

[Pikey]

How similar is this stuff to Charlie Carp, etc.?

j

Charlie Carp is just whole mushed fish. The Organic CC is whole mushed fish + kelp, so similar to Seamax but also different.

CC Organic NPK = 2.0 : 0.4 : 0.75
Seamax F+K NPK =10.3 : 2.5 : 2.5

 

[Pikey]

@Indy - If you don't what the added nutes from the mushed fush, but just the kelpy goodness this one is good too -> Searles Seamax Organic

EDIT : By the way, thanks for asking the question. You've made me realise that I left the kelp meal out of that mix I posted pics of... hopeless fuckin' stoner

 

[Sedge]

Seamungus.

 

[Pikey]

Seamungus.

Looks like good stuff. Have you had any experience with their GOGO (mobile) Juice?

 

[afghan bob]

If u've innoculated with mykos or great white when transplanting, i'm not convinced if gogo is worth the money
Black Strap molasses should do as good at third of price

 

[Pikey]

Yeah, was just curious if anyone had tried it. From my preliminary investigations (squeezing the bottles at Bunnings) it seems like there is definately life in there as they are hard... maybe I should continue my "investigation" next time I'm there (read: drop a bottle and if it pops feast on view the goo inside)

 

[afghan bob]

I've tried it in 2 grows and really didn;t notice anything remarkable
But yeah only way u gonna know 4 sure is bust one out 4 ureself and give it a go
U gotta remember i'm pretty hopeless in scientific breakdowns of how things work so smart money's on giving it a go ureself

 

[Sedge]

Looks like good stuff. Have you had any experience with their GOGO (mobile) Juice?

I have an unopened bottle that i have not got around to using yet ,,but I got that for my veggie patch..

dont Think it’s much benefit for my little indoor pots ,,?

 

[Jaz]

I would not class Canna Terra as soil, it is basically an inert medium with a small amount of nutes to get young plants started.
If you want proper soil, check out Easy As Organics

What about blending the two? Surely live matter would populate into the inert medium, converting it into soil?

j

 

[Porky]

Yeah, was just curious if anyone had tried it. From my preliminary investigations (squeezing the bottles at Bunnings) it seems like there is definately life in there as they are hard... maybe I should continue my "investigation" next time I'm there (read: drop a bottle and if it pops feast on view the goo inside)

I've used gogo juice on and off for a few years now. I'm not sure if your talking about a different product mate but the stuff I buy is a liquid. Thick brown chocolate milk like stuff. Has a very strong organic smell to it.

 

[Billygoat]

What about blending the two? Surely live matter would populate into the inert medium, converting it into soil?

j

I don't know enough to comment on that, but it is a very dense mix when I used it several years ago, blending in some perlite or the like would make it go a bit further and add in some "air".

As for adding in cheap potting mix. That would be like using some cheap shitty Castrol engine oil in with ya Royal purple to save a few bux. seems counterproductive to me.