New Grower Soil PH

[GoAuto6]

Rough Calculation Guide:

Here's some good info on ph.....
If your runoff pH is higher than your starting pH, use this equation to determine your soil pH:*
Soil pH = Runoff pH + Difference

If your runoff pH is lower than your starting pH, us this equation:
Soil pH = Runoff pH - Difference.

For example, say your the starting pH of your solution before it goes in is 6.5 and the pH of your runoff is 7.0. The difference is +0.5, so using the above equation:
Soil pH = 7.0 + 0.5*
Soil pH = 7.5

If your starting pH is 6.5 and your runoff is 6.0, your difference is -0.5 and using the above equation:
Soil pH = 6.0 - 0.5
Soil pH = 5.5

 

[Waira]

Thanks GoAuto6! That's actually a nicely put together chart.. :check:

 

[Nugget]

Yep its straight up awesome =) answered me a question i was asking on my thread like 2 seconds after i posted it. Thanks Goauto6!

 

[brd1984]

yeah very nice pal.

does it make a difference how much perlite you put in? as i have seen lots of soilless mixtures done before?

Cheers

BRD

 

[Waira]

<update> Ahh, found some info from good ol' Jorge's book: start with 1 tsp/gal, let it sit for a few minutes, recheck pH; should drop a full point from starting pH; add or dilute accordingly.....

 

[thud]

does it make a difference how much perlite you put in? as i have seen lots of soilless mixtures done before?

There is a strong case for soil growing. It's simple, it"s reliable, it's cheap. Because you start with pretty much everything in your soil, you will never see some deficiencies. Maybe I could turn a 3' plant into a 6' one with hydroponics, but I don't want 6' plants in my tent. Perlite is a soil conditioner, it provides no nutrients to the plant. If we were to grow in just it, then we would have to provide all the nutrients and would in effect be doing hydroponics.

The purpose of these soil additives is moisture control. They absorb water like a sponge forming a reservoir which feeds back to the soil as it dries, keeping it moist. Peat is good because it not only provides the sponge, it provides nutrients, at the cost of acidity. Vermiculite is better than perlite at this holding water sponge effect. What perlite gives you is drainage too. It provides air spaces in it's structure. I add vermiculute, peat and sand to my soil, the sand is there to give drainage. I then adjust my ph up with dolomite lime which prevents Ca/Mg problems. The bulk must always be composed of soil, not additives, that is where our plants will feed.

Probably the easiest solution is to stick to buying bags of pre mixed brand name soil. Just grow in it as it comes.

 

[stoking]

I have mixed soil 50-50 with perlite, be aware will be watering more often.

Only way I can explain it is this, mix the perlite in by hand, when soil starts to feel lighter, stop when you get a feel you like.

Nothing in life is absolute but somewhere 25-50% is a magic number that will work for you.

People who tend to over water, or have lots of time to be with the plants like a light soil. Lazy fat people like me, tend for more of a heavy soil.

The subject of soil, soil amendments and nutes will bring lots of different opinions, as everyone has a bit different technique and adjust things to their needs.




As you are not in final pot, when you transplant, you can add a layer of perlite to new pot, and carefully knock away some of the not perlited (If such a word exists), and be able get it a bit more airy.

A fan as well even in cooler temps helps water to evap as well as helps strengthen stems.

My books over.

 

[stoking]

Rough Calculation Guide:

Here's some good info on ph.....
If your runoff pH is higher than your starting pH, use this equation to determine your soil pH:*
Soil pH = Runoff pH + Difference

If your runoff pH is lower than your starting pH, us this equation:
Soil pH = Runoff pH - Difference.

For example, say your the starting pH of your solution before it goes in is 6.5 and the pH of your runoff is 7.0. The difference is +0.5, so using the above equation:
Soil pH = 7.0 + 0.5*
Soil pH = 7.5

If your starting pH is 6.5 and your runoff is 6.0, your difference is -0.5 and using the above equation:
Soil pH = 6.0 - 0.5
Soil pH = 5.5

Exactly. Good to see this post around here, works well and is what I tried explaining, but was to mediated find the info. GoAuto to the rescue.

 

[brd1984]

yeah thats some good info cheers. You would never think of putting a fan in a colder greenhouse

My final pots has had a new mix now of about 30-40% perlite in, bonemeal and a decent potting soil. Ph is now bang on the money.

Just watering now to contend with lol.

 

[stoking]

blood meal is great to add in as well.

Make sure temps dont decrease drastically and should work well, even on low.