Noob Super Soil Recipe Questions

FmSwayze

FmSwayze

Well-Known Member
FmSwayze said:
I'm in the same boat starting with dry organic amendments. I made a seed starter blend last night 2 to 1 coco perlite+2 to 1 vermiculite. Then added 1 part EWC to that and 2 tblsp dr earth 444. Took notes, it may work it may not but it's a start. I'll follow the dr. Earth suggested feeding schedule once things get rolling and take notes/ make changes appropriately.
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This blend does NOT work! Lmao! Not for seed starting! Oh shit! I think the EWC was the problem based on research. Already got more seeds ready and will make a new mix. More basic, no ewc until we have more mature plants.
 
_EQ

_EQ

Active Member
MissinThe90’sStrains said:
Are there any examples of people who have had success in trying to blend organic methods with coco? I haven’t been on this site for too long, but I haven’t seen any yet.
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I think Mr.CanucksGrow on YouTube does something along that line? I know he uses Dry Gaia Green amendments, with some EWC and coco as his mix and top dresses once or twice throughout flower. I’ve also heard he’s a fraud so take it with a grain of salt! He definitely shows some fire in his videos though.
 
_EQ

_EQ

Active Member
FmSwayze said:
This blend does NOT work! Lmao! Not for seed starting! Oh shit! I think the EWC was the problem based on research. Already got more seeds ready and will make a new mix. More basic, no ewc until we have more mature plants.
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Experimenting is part of the fun brothers! After a few solid days of google searching, and referencing different threads and sites. I’ve finally narrowed down my amendment list for my SS mix! For the time being I will be making some teas and experimenting with top dressing on my outdoor container plants, using the organic inputs I’ve compiled. I’m in COM SB so I should be good for a few more weeks. I partially want to see how far I can push these girls while vegging.
 
FmSwayze

FmSwayze

Well-Known Member
_EQ said:
Experimenting is part of the fun brothers! After a few solid days of google searching, and referencing different threads and sites. I’ve finally narrowed down my amendment list for my SS mix! For the time being I will be making some teas and experimenting with top dressing on my outdoor container plants, using the organic inputs I’ve compiled. I’m in COM SB so I should be good for a few more weeks. I partially want to see how far I can push these girls while vegging.
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It really is about the experience and experiments. I'm happy you've settled on a starting point. Can't wait to see the results. Let's gooooo!
 
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_EQ

_EQ

Active Member
FmSwayze said:
*new seed starter mix
2gal coco
1 gal perlite
1 solo vermiculite
7.5 ml Dr Earth 444
15ml Dr Earth Veg.
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Forgive the noobness here but when you say seed starter mix. Does this mean you’re germinating in this mix? Or post germination/seedling mix? Curious to see the results, I was gifted an EZ-Cloner from an old buddy, fucking hate the thing. Much prefer starting from seed but god I’m bad at germinating. Also bad at taking clones lol. Looking for system to get me better results!
 
FmSwayze

FmSwayze

Well-Known Member
_EQ said:
Forgive the noobness here but when you say seed starter mix. Does this mean you’re germinating in this mix? Or post germination/seedling mix? Curious to see the results, I was gifted an EZ-Cloner from an old buddy, fucking hate the thing. Much prefer starting from seed but god I’m bad at germinating. Also bad at taking clones lol. Looking for system to get me better results!
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Yup germination mix* I never thought of it that way. This mix should give me 30 days give or take solid.

I don't have space for clones. Everything will be ran from seeds. I am a noob as well, I dabbled for a few years but was too broke to get good gear. Now I have great gear and just doing too much! I first grew in miracle grow soil, I need to take it back to basics and that's what I'm DOING.

*the ewc killed my sprouts! Looked great at 9pm, next morning completely covered in fuzz! I messed up and I don't think I added enough perlite. So i picked up a bucket tonight just for measuring and it's way better.
 
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_EQ

_EQ

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FmSwayze said:
Yup germination mix* I never thought of it that way. This mix should give me 30 days give or take solid.

I don't have space for clones. Everything will be ran from seeds. I am a noob as well, I dabbled for a few years but was too broke to get good gear. Now I have great gear and just doing too much! I first grew in miracle grow soil, I need to take it back to basics and that's what I'm DOING.

*the ewc killed my sprouts! Looked great at 9pm, next morning completely covered in fuzz! I messed up and I don't think I added enough perlite. So i picked up a bucket tonight just for measuring and it's way better.
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KISS! You’ve got this dude, could possibly be that the EWC just holds too much moisture and mold is forming depending on the color of the fuzz. Could also be beneficial bacterial growth too, don’t quote me on that tho. I’m still trying to understand the whole microorganic, beneficial bacterial/fungal growth aspect.
 
green_machine_two9er

green_machine_two9er

Well-Known Member
_EQ said:
KISS! You’ve got this dude, could possibly be that the EWC just holds too much moisture and mold is forming depending on the color of the fuzz. Could also be beneficial bacterial growth too, don’t quote me on that tho. I’m still trying to understand the whole microorganic, beneficial bacterial/fungal growth aspect.
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Or the coco base holds too much moisture to be used with organic inputs such as dry amendments and castings? This recipe he made with the addition of promix hp inserted for the first three ingredients ( coco, perlite, and vermiculite) would maybe work for seed starting.

or just straight slightly charged coco with a super light nutrient.

Maybe I’m late the the party here and it’s already been discussed sorry if so.
 
green_machine_two9er

green_machine_two9er

Well-Known Member
FmSwayze said:
Peat moss and coco coir are both soil media used for potted plants that have different properties:
Water retention
Coco coir is less hydrophobic than peat moss and holds moisture better. Coco coir also releases water as plants need it. Peat moss, however, can be difficult to water once it dries out.
Sustainability
Coco coir is more sustainable than peat moss because coconuts are easily replenishable, while peat bogs take centuries to recover.
Nutrients
Coco coir is naturally high in potassium and phosphorus, so it doesn't need additional nutrients like peat moss does.
pH level
Peat moss is acidic, with a pH level of 3.3–4.4, while coco coir is more neutral, with a pH level of 5.2–6.8.
Durability
Coco coir can be washed and reused after a gardening project, while peat moss can't be spoiled after use. Coco coir also decays more slowly than peat moss, so it provides structure to soil longer

They found that coir performed on par with peat. Coir has proven to hold moisture well, wet more easily than peat, drain well, decompose more slowly and withstand compression better than peat. Plus coir dust does not have the small sticks and possible seeds that peat has.

A significant difference between coco peat and soil lies in the nutrient content. Soil is rich in nutrients while coco peat is unfertilized and you need to add nutrients to make it fertile. However, plants grow healthier in coco peat compared to soil

I know how to copy and paste as well. That was not my point. Both of these mediums are inert, both have to be amended with fertilizer. That is what I was saying, as in they are the same.
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I’m all for a coco peat debate on sustainability but my money is on using peat for the win if you’re trying to make a positive environmental impact.
 
_EQ

_EQ

Active Member
green_machine_two9er said:
Or the coco base holds too much moisture to be used with organic inputs such as dry amendments and castings? This recipe he made with the addition of promix hp inserted for the first three ingredients ( coco, perlite, and vermiculite) would maybe work for seed starting.

or just straight slightly charged coco with a super light nutrient.

Maybe I’m late the the party here and it’s already been discussed sorry if so.
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I’ve always been told that germinating/seed starting should always be just water no nutrients. And then when the seedling has its first set of full leaves start with a light nutrient mix. Whether you germinate in a paper towel, or cup of water, or straight into a medium. I’ve had success with the root riot cubes and germination. Just plain tap water, once the sprout shows it’s just light spritzing with water. Not sure if this recipe of his is for purely experimental purposes, or if he’s looking to figure out a working recipe for the future.
 
GenericEnigma

GenericEnigma

Well-Known Member
green_machine_two9er said:
I’m all for a coco peat debate on sustainability but my money is on using peat for the win if you’re trying to make a positive environmental impact.
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In striving for sustainability, note that there are different peat products. Peat moss is farmed from the compressed, decomposing portion of the sub-surface strata and takes a long time to be replenished - and its removal damages the land, increasing fire danger. Instead, use sphagnum, which is harvested from the top and not only releases less carbon, but replenishes much, much more quickly.

Coco coir can be farmed sustainably, but loses the claim to eco-friendly when it's shipped from SE Asia to all over the world. It takes a lot of water to process, too, so in drought times it's not friendly. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the industry relies somewhat on slave labor.

Your choice must be among the least bad. And sphagnum seems to be it (still being shipped mostly from Canada). But enjoy it while it lasts. All peat product availability is under assault.

I have considered using sticks from my backyard, but I worry about pH problems. Sigh.
 
green_machine_two9er

green_machine_two9er

Well-Known Member
GenericEnigma said:
In striving for sustainability, note that there are different peat products. Peat moss is farmed from the compressed, decomposing portion of the sub-surface strata and takes a long time to be replenished - and its removal damages the land, increasing fire danger. Instead, use sphagnum, which is harvested from the top and not only releases less carbon, but replenishes much, much more quickly.

Coco coir can be farmed sustainably, but loses the claim to eco-friendly when it's shipped from SE Asia to all over the world. It takes a lot of water to process, too, so in drought times it's not friendly. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the industry relies somewhat on slave labor.

Your choice must be among the least bad. And sphagnum seems to be it (still being shipped mostly from Canada). But enjoy it while it lasts. All peat product availability is under assault.

I have considered using sticks from my backyard, but I worry about pH problems. Sigh.
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Luckily with Spag peat recycling soil round after round is obtainable and preferable because the dirt does get better over time with proper care and practices. This is a one time purchase of medium for potentially a lifetime of use. Seems pretty sustainable option.

and the peat harvesting is all heavily regulated and from my little understanding limits are in place to keep the bogs here long term. I read an article years ago about this and changed my whole perspective as I was an anti peater for a while
 
FmSwayze

FmSwayze

Well-Known Member
_EQ said:
I’ve always been told that germinating/seed starting should always be just water no nutrients. And then when the seedling has its first set of full leaves start with a light nutrient mix. Whether you germinate in a paper towel, or cup of water, or straight into a medium. I’ve had success with the root riot cubes and germination. Just plain tap water, once the sprout shows it’s just light spritzing with water. Not sure if this recipe of his is for purely experimental purposes, or if he’s looking to figure out a working recipe for the future.
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I'm just experimenting. My time is limited which is why I'm running dry amendments. I like coco* because I can make it as needed and it's not taking up alot of space. I'm really having fun tbh, I don't even smoke! Lol it's for my wife, but I love creating! If I had more time I would have followed EQ down that DTE path but I don't.

*I do like hugs and kisses but not talking about that are we! Lol
 
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