Live Stoner Chat New to growing

[Waximus]

is this a good soil to use FOXFARM OCEAN FOREST POTTING SOIL and is it all i need or do i need to add perlite to it

Hi jessy OF is a good soil, but there are things to consider:
1. It can be too hot for auto seedlings, some strains in particular, so I recommend planting the seed(lings) into a small amount of a nute-free soil, at the center of the ocean forest pot. Just dig out a beer cup sized area in the pot, and use something like Sunshine #4 mix, or even plain coco, if available. That gives the seedling time to establish itself before hitting the high nute OF..
2. I'd add perlite to it, and do when I use it, as the OF can get compacted. The perlite keeps things fluffier.. I do 1/3 perlite to 2/3 soil, and get good results.
3. Fox Farm also makes a Light Warrior soil, that is not as hot as the ocean forest. You might find that a good soil to consider.
Also, Fox Farm has had some issues in the past year or so, in that their soil pH, right out of the bag, can be pretty low. I've had a couple bags that were, but none recently. A really good idea to test the pH right from the bag, to adjust if needed before planting seed
Hope that helps :Sharing One:

 

[elsamurai]

test the ffof ph and if all is good do what Waximus said. I've done this with my auto's and have gotten great result's with no burn

 

[ThaGreenBandit]

I had some great results with OF. 1/3 perlite, 2/3 OF, as Wax mentioned

 

[faded187]

Yep. I always use again. Where im at its awesome again. Ph 6.7.. no gnats so far this batch... pretty airy and non sticks.. im pretty impressed compared to 2 years ago.

 

[tag60435]

I have used Fox Farm Happy Frog mixed with coco, about 10%, and additional perlite, 15 to 20%. This seemed to work well in the beginning, but I am noticing some soil compaction 7 weeks in. I will change the next mix to add some additional perlite, which should help with that. But so far this has worked with the autos I'm growing.

 

[faded187]

Hey tag. Are you using tap water? That could be from sodium buildup no? I know when I used to use tap water it would get like concrete on top of soil. Take forever for water to go through. They got a product called sledgehammer that works great. Just sayin brotha. Peace

 

[tag60435]

Hey tag. Are you using tap water? That could be from sodium buildup no? I know when I used to use tap water it would get like concrete on top of soil. Take forever for water to go through. They got a product called sledgehammer that works great. Just sayin brotha. Peace

No tap water for my babies. Only collected rain water, Ph typically runs mid 6's with an tds reading below 50. Since I am running organic nutes I have not bothered keeping tabs on the ph or tds as long as my plants remain healthy. I did check it once a few weeks ago with nutes all mixed in and everything was still within acceptable levels. My plants have been doing well so I have not become alarmed, or worried. I wonder if its not a result also of the added molasses, just gumming things up. But If it gets much worse, I will do a dunking of the pot into a tub of water to soak the soil and then allow to drain. I will then manipulate the pot to loosen the soil and then allow to dry out. This has worked on the occasional tropical Hibiscus that has become compacted. I have not had nearly the problem since installing a drip watering system for all my outside plants.

 

[faded187]

Maybe could be the sugar buildup from mollasses. But like ya said if they look good, then their doin good. Lol

 

[jessyfromgcf]

just got my soil today and bought a bag of perlite also

 

[ThaGreenBandit]

Did you test the pH of your soil yet?