SOIL BASICS
ity of nutrients. Currently, I
favor an equal 50/50 ratio
of Alaskan humus to
high-quality coconut
coir—the darker the
better. Once this is
thoroughly and
evenly mixed, I
take two parts
of it and cut in
one part peat
and perlite
at a 60/40
ratio. Perlite
increases drainage properties
and aeration in any
soil or soilless mix.
A chunkier grade is
preferred nowadays, it
seems—compared to the
traditional BB-sized stuff
that used to be found in many
cheap potting mixes. Finally, 10 per
cent high-quality worm castings should be
added to the total volume of the mix. Castings are a readily
available source of plant nutrients that will stimulate growth
and enrich the overall body of your soil mix.
Soil amendments are available by the boatload and more
appear on the market every day. Worm castings, bat and
seabird guanos, kelp or seaweed meals, oyster shell, azomite,
crab meal, poultry litter, pyrophyllite clay, bone and fishbone
meals—these are just a few of the many popular natural and
organic amendments that will enrich the soil and provide
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