Perlite Soiless and Soil-Based Growing Mixes

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Perlite Soiless and Soil-Based Growing Mixes

Most growers develop their own "special" growing mixes based on years of experience. They also use different mixes for different plants. For the new grower entering the field or the grower with no former experience with horticultural perlite as a soil amendment, a frequently asked question is "where do I start".

This Perlite Plant Guide provides a starting point. The grower or home gardener can begin with one of the following formulations which can be modified to meet special needs of the environment or the plants being grown.

We can't say any one mix design is better than another since so many different ones are being used today. Nevertheless, if you have never made your own mix, here are some basic formulas.

SOWING/ROOTING MIX:

This is a basic mix for a wide variety of plants. It is a 1:1 mix.

Perlite	50%
Peat	50%

ROOTING MIX:

This mix is often used for propagating delicate cuttings such as geraniums, carnations and fuchsias. It is a 3:1 mix.

Perlite	75%
Peat	25%

SEEDLING MIX:

The seedling mix is often used for bedding plants, tomato plants, etc. It is a 1 :1 mix.

Perlite	0.5 yd ³
Sphagnum Peat Moss	0.5 yd ³
Ground Limestone	5 lbs.
Super Phosphate (0-20-0)	2 lbs.
Potassium Nitrate	1.5 lbs.
Fritted Trace Elements	2 oz.

POTTING MIX:

This is a general purpose mix using a compound fertilizer. It is a 1 :3 mix.

Perlite	0.25 yd ³
Sphagnum Peat Moss	0.75 yd ³
Ground Limestone	7.5 lbs.
Compound Fertilizer	11 lbs.
Trace Elements

POTTING MIX (2):

This is a general purpose mix using basic fertilizers. It is a 1 :3 mix.

Perlite	0.25 yd ³
Sphagnum Peat Moss	0.75 yd ³
Ammonium Nitrate	10 oz.
Super Phosphate (0-20-0)	2 lbs. 10 oz.
Potassium Nitrate	1 lbs. 5 oz.
Ground Limestone	4 lbs.
Dolomite Limestone	4 lbs.
Fritted Trace Elements	10 oz.

CONTAINER MIX:

This mix is for trees, schrubs, and vines in containers, tubs, and hanging baskets. It is a 1:2:2 mix.

Perlite	0.20 yd ³
Peat Moss	0.40 yd ³
Sterilized Soil	0.40 ³
Ground Limestone	4 lbs.
Fertilizer	same as either of the potting mixes

Information given herein is from sources considered reliable, but no guarantee of accuracy can be made or liability assumed. Your supplier may be able to provide you with more precise data. Certain compositions or processes involving perlite may be the subject of patents.
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