TLO problem?

[Iheartmj]

I've mixed 4 gallons of TLO mix including Bio Tone Garden Tone, Epsoma Potting Mix, Blood & Bone Meal, Chicken Manure, Crab Shell, Greensand, Kelp Meal, Lima & Perlite. I put a seed in a scooped out area filled with Bio Tone Start Mix Nov 7th, so far nothing has sprouted. I think the problem was I allowed it to get too dry, little pieces of manure are hard as rock. Today I mixed more but ground everything into small small pieces with my hands. I noticed my mix smells like amonia, is that indicative of a problem? I'm unsure if I added too much/little Perlite in my mix. Please look at my pics of my soil mix, the white you see is Perlite, is that too much?

 

[swampman]

If it Smells Like Amonia Id Say Its Anerobic Or Dead ...
I am Not to Sure But would Turn it up and aerate it a few times.First ..

I would think.it smells like Fresh earth as thats what i always get ...
Ill ask From Above but we should have some.Correct info soon !! has alot of Great Info while.you wait ..
How To Compost - Instructions For Beginners

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I've mixed 4 gallons of TLO mix including Bio Tone Garden Tone, Epsoma Potting Mix, Blood & Bone Meal, Chicken Manure, Crab Shell, Greensand, Kelp Meal, Lima & Perlite. I put a seed in a scooped out area filled with Bio Tone Start Mix Nov 7th, so far nothing has sprouted. I think the problem was I allowed it to get too dry, little pieces of manure are hard as rock. Today I mixed more but ground everything into small small pieces with my hands. I noticed my mix smells like amonia, is that indicative of a problem? I'm unsure if I added too much/little Perlite in my mix. Please look at my pics of my soil mix, the white you see is Perlite, is that too much?View attachment 297102View attachment 297103View attachment 297104

How long did you allow that mix to cycle?


Is the chicken manure composted?


In a mix that 'hot' you may want to start in a light mix ( sphagnum peat and perlite).


Dryness could have been a big factor as well. Seeds need to be in a moist environment.

 

[Nugget]

As does beneficial bacteria and fungi =)