I have used this amazing mix for six years now and the very first pot I ever did is still growing strong. I think the best piece of advice though was using a cement mixer. Bought one on e-bay for $100 and it's been worth every cent.
Peter, Thank you for share this information. I have 3 tropical fruit trees, 2 of them are dying, after I saw your video, I re-pot them with your method, they look healthier and grow more leaves. It is magic, I am going use your potting mix for next year on my raise bed as well. Thank you again.
Here is a summary of how I make 100L of potting mix: - 50L of a quality retail potting mix (may say 'premium' or 'professional' on the label). - 50L of a course (sharp) sand (I use a 'lawn blend' from a large soils retail outlet). - 200-300gms of clay (such as a clay-based cat litter). - 100-150gms of zeolite (often easier to obtain as a swimming pool filter replacement, such as Zeo-Clor). I also add 10-20gms of a quality rockdust-based organic fertiliser into the mix (these products are well crafted, not just 'cracker' dust from a quarry or a mine), but this is optional as you may want to use other sources of nutrients.
Peter Coppin Whoops! I shouldn't work late at night and make mistakes. The rates of clay, zeolite and rockdust are for 10L of mix, so for 100L of mix should have read: 2-3Kg of clay 1-1.5Kg of zeolite 100-200gms of rockdust-based fertiliser
Peter Coppin I can't really understand the part that the sand with the potting mixture expand the lifespan of the potting mixture to 15 years. This explanation is very important to me, since I am in the process of growing exotic tropical fruit trees in containers. Please could you explain a little bit better how does the sand improve the lifespan of the potting mix? I would really appreciated. Thank You.
Hi Enrique, Standard potting mixes are made of mostly organic matter, which slowly breaks down and disappears. You then need to re-pot every year. Adding sand makes the mix more like a real soil, and that sand lasts forever. All you then need to do is regularly add mulch to the top of the pot, and this breaks down to replenish the organic matter in the mix. Cheers, Peter
Hi Vincent. The kitty litter clay is added at a minimum of 7oz per 2 gallon bucket of mix. Yes, perlite can be a replacement for the zeolite, staring at 10% by volume - say 1qrt per 2gallon bucket, but you can go as high as 20 or even 25% by volume as this will help make the mix a lot lighter in weight. Both the kitty litter and perlite need to be thoroughly mix in with the soil/potting mix. Only the expanded clay is put in a layer at the bottom.
thank you for sharing your knowledge, I've learnt so much! Also I love love love your idea of using shade cloth - wow I wish I had seen your video earlier!
Peter, just finished viewing your 3-part series and found it to be a wealth of information. Have managed to easily track down both the cheap plastic drums and potting mix components here in NZ. I'll add castors to the plastic containers but may have to add a plywood base for rigidity. My question is whether you have had any experience with growing normal (not dwarf) mulberry trees in containers and whether it's practicable? Any comments would be much appreciated.
Peter...Great video, very informative. For plants like blueberries that requires more of an acidic medium. Any tips to add to your potting mix formula. Thanks again.
MARCUSLUCAS2009 Marcus, the mix is slightly acidic, and with the amount of organic matter (which buffers out pH problems) it is perfect for blueberries. No need to add anything else to make it more acidic. Cheers, Peter
Thank you so much for this informative series Peter! I love how you explain why you use each product. I plan to pot a red centre lime in a wine barrel and was wondering how much Zeolite you recommend in the 100L mix? Thanks again, Christine
Excellent informative video ,I regard myself as a well informed gardener ,but I learned so much from you today that it made me feel like a beginner again igniting a strong desire to get busy and plant some fruit trees in pots .Thank you for not just rehashing the old use a good potting mix line we get from television ,as I was getting a little frustrated when my long term pot plants were sinking into the pots as some dropped by half in about 12 months as the organic component of the mix compacted and rotted away .As a side note what do you think of adding charcoal ,bio char instead of vermiculite as it seems to have similar properties.Any way thank you for this treasure trove of information regards Tom Adair.
hi peter i just wanted to ask you this one simple question, i found a potting mix ,by a GARDNER&BLOOM WHICH has sand lime pine bark and other natural componets, its made here in CALIFORNIA NEAR ME ,BY KELLOGGS COMPANY, ITS FOR CITRUS AND TROPICALS, I WONDER IF I SHOULD REDUCE THE SAND INPUT IN MY WINE BARRELS,could you tske a look at the product and tell me what you think. thanks
Hi Peter, Thanks for sharing your expertise. Would this potting mix be ok for a dwarf mango Iriwn tree? I just bought one from Daleysfruit and will be my first time trying it out. How do you normally store the leftover Zeolite, expanded clay and rock based minerals. I am from Sydney and I hope the tree will grow well. Thanks again.
+Riz Matias All the leftovers can be stored out of the rain just so they don't get wet then dry and stick together and get hard to work. If they're bagged carefully then put out of the weather they should be perfect.
Hi i love you videos please can you give me a recipe to make this soil mix for my fruit tree and please give me the names of the product you are used so i can look for them i live in California in north hollywood thank you so much i am going to use a 100 L pot
How much zeolite do I add to the potting mix? I understand that the base potting mix and the clean sand is 1:1 by volume but how much zeolite do I add to the soil mix. I've watched and rewatched the soil mix RUclips. Finally found the zeolite nearby my home in the USA. I'm just not sure how much to add. Can you or someone familiar with the mix tell me how much zeolite to add to the potting mix?
Hello Peter, I'm just getting in to this and loved your videos. I did have a question about the sand. I went to the hardware store and found "playground sand" that was described in the following way: "washed and screened, and contains no organic matter." The latter part of this description makes me a little skeptical. Would this work, or perhaps a better question, what type of sand am I looking for? Thank you in advance for any guidance.
Thanks for your comment, and I'm glad you like the videos. Playground sand would be an expensive way of doing it. I use a washed river sand I get from a local soil supplier. Seed-raising sand or 'sharp' sand is also good. Basically, all you need is a course-textured sand that you can feel confident does not contain any serious soil-borne diseases. Cheers, Peter
Hi Umberto. Yes, I top the mulch up once or twice each year, making sure it's never less than 35-40mm (1.5 inches) deep. I don't compost leaves, rather just rake them up and add them to the mulch. I add rock dust and trace elements at the start of each growing season. Cheers, Peter
Hi! I can't really understand the part that the sand with the potting mixture expand the life of the potting mixture. This explanation is very important to me, since I am in the process of growing exotic tropical fruit trees in containers. Please could you explain a little bit better how does the sand improve the lifespan of the potting mix? I would really appreciated. Thank You.
I can't really understand the part that the sand with the potting mixture expand the lifespan of the potting mixture to 15 years. This explanation is very important to me, since I am in the process of growing exotic tropical fruit trees in containers. Please could you explain a little bit better how does the sand improve the lifespan of the potting mix? I would really appreciated. Thank You.
Hi Dev, my apologies for the delay in replying to you. The bigger the pots the better, a minimum of 70 litres (18 gallons). I prefer 100 litres, but they are very heavy to shift around.
Hello, great video.... could i use compost instead of potting mix? Just starting out so really dont yet understand the whole concept of getting a good potting mix together, and i have some fruit trees on the way so really need to get something ready! Thank you in advance.
Hi, sorry for the delay in replying to you. Yes, you can use a quality compost instead of potting mix. However, you can increase the ratio of the sand/soil mix, say four parts sand to three parts compost. Cheers, Peter
Hi Peter, great info. I have learnt a lot, so thank you. I have some queries on the cat litter and zeolite, in the video and wondering if you could help. They sound similar, ie they hold on to moisture. If so, can I just use one and not both? If just one can be used, which one would you recommend is better and by how much, in 100L mix?
+dvutubeclips Thanks - I'm glad you found them useful. Clay adds more fine particles for better moisture & nutrient holding properties. Clay-based cat litters may or may not have some zeolite added, so I still add some. See my post below from 8 months ago for a summary of my mix, though I now add up to 1Kg of clay and up to 2Kg of zeolite.
+Peter Coppin This is a great video, Glade you made it, Thanks. I do have a question in regards to the comment you made. ( quote - I now add up to 1Kg of clay and up to 2Kg of zeolite.) I this the total amount you are now using or is this in addition to the original mix? Thanks in advance, and happy planting
Hi Fred, sorry for the delay in replying to you. Zeolite is great to add to potting mixes - I actually do it quite a bit (up to 100gms per litre of mix). Just be aware that it can lock onto some of the water and fertiliser until all gets going properly.
Hey Peter, thanks for the great video! Any chance the kitty liter could be bad for the plants? (such as the silica which is a carcinogen) Thats my only reservation...do you have any suggestions for a substitute for the kitty liter?
+Paul Montagna Hi Paul, my basic knowledge is that kitty litter (one of the sodium bentonites) is not a health issue. Indeed, many of our sands such as here in WA are silica based. Cheers, Peter
Paul, I consume silica for health on a daily basis. However, there are some versions of silica that are not food grade and I think you are confusing the tiny, silica packets that come in standard packaging and that read "do not eat" with the other types of silica. For example, diatomaceous earth is available in food grade and non-food grade. The food grade can be consumed, sprinkled throughout your home and will not harm you or your dogs, cats, or other animals. However, the non food grade product cannot be eaten or used around people and it is often sold in aquarium stores as a supplement for fish aquariums. Now, back to your comment about silica. The silica used in kitty litter is of the food grade variety. It would need to be or these companies would have thousands of lawsuits from guardians of deceased cats. Don't you think? :)
Lots of good information but spoilt by bad practice of using a gravel drainage layer. These are counter productive and actually worsen problems with perched water
Hi ,,, i have a question what is azomite, ,,,,can i use azomite in my trees i can find rock dust :(,,,,,,,when is a good time to transplant the trees in pot
san100183 Azomite is a mineral-rich crushed rock, and from what I read it could be a very good alternative to the proprietary rockets-based fertilisers. It will be cost-effective if you are in the U.S. (it's not available here in Western Australia so I've never used it).
diegartenfrau Using Pumice to lighten the mix and improve aeration would be a good idea. I haven't used it because of the expense (we don't have a local source here). The benefit of Zeolite is that it stores water and traps many nutrients so they don't leach out of the pot.The bottom layer is blue metal - you can use gravel.
Thanks Peter, getting our trees ready now. You were very helpful with your video
Thank you Peter for this great tutorial. I'm renting and wish to have some dwarf trees in the back. I think i've just hit gold!
I have used this amazing mix for six years now and the very first pot I ever did is still growing strong. I think the best piece of advice though was using a cement mixer. Bought one on e-bay for $100 and it's been worth every cent.
Peter,
Thank you for share this information. I have 3 tropical fruit trees, 2 of them are dying, after I saw your video, I re-pot them with your method, they look healthier and grow more leaves. It is magic, I am going use your potting mix for next year on my raise bed as well.
Thank you again.
Here is a summary of how I make 100L of potting mix:
- 50L of a quality retail potting mix (may say 'premium' or 'professional' on the label).
- 50L of a course (sharp) sand (I use a 'lawn blend' from a large soils retail outlet).
- 200-300gms of clay (such as a clay-based cat litter).
- 100-150gms of zeolite (often easier to obtain as a swimming pool filter replacement, such as Zeo-Clor).
I also add 10-20gms of a quality rockdust-based organic fertiliser into the mix (these products are well crafted, not just 'cracker' dust from a quarry or a mine), but this is optional as you may want to use other sources of nutrients.
Peter Coppin Whoops! I shouldn't work late at night and make mistakes.
The rates of clay, zeolite and rockdust are for 10L of mix, so for 100L of mix should have read:
2-3Kg of clay
1-1.5Kg of zeolite
100-200gms of rockdust-based fertiliser
Peter Coppin
I can't really understand the part that the sand with the potting mixture
expand the lifespan of the potting mixture to 15 years. This explanation is
very important to me, since I am in the process of growing exotic tropical
fruit trees in containers. Please could you explain a little bit better
how does the sand improve the lifespan of the potting mix? I would really
appreciated. Thank You.
Hi Enrique,
Standard potting mixes are made of mostly organic matter, which slowly breaks down and disappears. You then need to re-pot every year.
Adding sand makes the mix more like a real soil, and that sand lasts forever. All you then need to do is regularly add mulch to the top of the pot, and this breaks down to replenish the organic matter in the mix.
Cheers, Peter
thank you so much for your tutorial video's. I have learnt so much, looking forward to more :) stay blessed mate.
Might be a dumb question, but can you use beach sand?
Hi Vincent. The kitty litter clay is added at a minimum of 7oz per 2 gallon bucket of mix.
Yes, perlite can be a replacement for the zeolite, staring at 10% by volume - say 1qrt per 2gallon bucket, but you can go as high as 20 or even 25% by volume as this will help make the mix a lot lighter in weight. Both the kitty litter and perlite need to be thoroughly mix in with the soil/potting mix.
Only the expanded clay is put in a layer at the bottom.
This is gold! Thanks for the info.
thank you for sharing your knowledge, I've learnt so much! Also I love love love your idea of using shade cloth - wow I wish I had seen your video earlier!
if your tree grows too much u dont need a replacement, just read something about root pruning, then try to prune the tree as much as you can
Peter, just finished viewing your 3-part series and found it to be a wealth of information. Have managed to easily track down both the cheap plastic drums and potting mix components here in NZ. I'll add castors to the plastic containers but may have to add a plywood base for rigidity.
My question is whether you have had any experience with growing normal (not dwarf) mulberry trees in containers and whether it's practicable? Any comments would be much appreciated.
Cement mixer! What a great idea! Not sure where I will find one of those (hire one maybe) but still an excellent idea!
Great video, thank you!
Peter...Great video, very informative. For plants like blueberries that requires more of an acidic medium. Any tips to add to your potting mix formula. Thanks again.
MARCUSLUCAS2009
Marcus, the mix is slightly acidic, and with the amount of organic matter (which buffers out pH problems) it is perfect for blueberries. No need to add anything else to make it more acidic.
Cheers, Peter
organic matter
.
potting mix
.
coarse sand
.
top dressing blend
.
soil organisms
.
Soil microorganisms are microscopic microorganisms 🙂
.
clumping kitty
.
soil improvment🙂
.
zeolite
.
river sand
.
pumping kitty liter
Thank you so much for this informative series Peter! I love how you explain why you use each product. I plan to pot a red centre lime in a wine barrel and was wondering how much Zeolite you recommend in the 100L mix?
Thanks again,
Christine
Hi Christine and thanks for your comments.
I add 1Kg Zeolite per 100L of mix, though you can go higher if you wish, say 2Kg.
Cheers, Peter
I the US look into using Azomite for the "rockdust" fertilizer.
Excellent informative video ,I regard myself as a well informed gardener ,but I learned so much from you today that it made me feel like a beginner again igniting a strong desire to get busy and plant some fruit trees in pots .Thank you for not just rehashing the old use a good potting mix line we get from television ,as I was getting a little frustrated when my long term pot plants were sinking into the pots as some dropped by half in about 12 months as the organic component of the mix compacted and rotted away .As a side note what do you think of adding charcoal ,bio char instead of vermiculite as it seems to have similar properties.Any way thank you for this treasure trove of information regards Tom Adair.
Tomadair1 I haven't tried either charcoal or bio-char, but my feeling is that it's a great idea Tom.
thank you omg.
Thank you sooooo much
san100183 Sorry, I made a mistake, so please see a reply to my own post.
Hi Peter, Great video series. If I didn’t want to use kitty litter, what else could I use that’s readily available. Cheers.
Hi Peter I just saw ya wine barrel where do u put the holes u state u put holeson.the outside or inside I trying figure that out
How would your process differ if the wine barrel has no bottom? Thank you!
if this works you are an angel
hi peter i just wanted to ask you this one simple question, i found a potting mix ,by a GARDNER&BLOOM WHICH has sand lime pine bark and other natural componets, its made here in CALIFORNIA NEAR ME ,BY KELLOGGS COMPANY, ITS FOR CITRUS AND TROPICALS, I WONDER IF I SHOULD REDUCE THE SAND INPUT IN MY WINE BARRELS,could you tske a look at the product and tell me what you think. thanks
Hi Peter, will this technique using the expanded clay that creates a reservoir be harmful for Avocado trees grown in pots and make them have root rot?
Hi Peter, Thanks for sharing your expertise. Would this potting mix be ok for a dwarf mango Iriwn tree? I just bought one from Daleysfruit and will be my first time trying it out. How do you normally store the leftover Zeolite, expanded clay and rock based minerals. I am from Sydney and I hope the tree will grow well. Thanks again.
+Riz Matias All the leftovers can be stored out of the rain just so they don't get wet then dry and stick together and get hard to work. If they're bagged carefully then put out of the weather they should be perfect.
I live near central Florida USA, we have a hot humid climate for much of the year. Would this potting technique be appropriate for my trees?
Hi i love you videos please can you give me a recipe to make this soil mix for my fruit tree and please give me the names of the product you are used so i can look for them i live in California in north hollywood thank you so much i am going to use a 100 L pot
san100183 Thanks for your kind comments. I've answered your question in a separate post above. Cheers, Peter
How much zeolite do I add to the potting mix? I understand that the base potting mix and the clean sand is 1:1 by volume but how much zeolite do I add to the soil mix. I've watched and rewatched the soil mix RUclips. Finally found the zeolite nearby my home in the USA. I'm just not sure how much to add. Can you or someone familiar with the mix tell me how much zeolite to add to the potting mix?
Hello Peter, I'm just getting in to this and loved your videos. I did have a question about the sand. I went to the hardware store and found "playground sand" that was described in the following way: "washed and screened, and contains no organic matter." The latter part of this description makes me a little skeptical. Would this work, or perhaps a better question, what type of sand am I looking for? Thank you in advance for any guidance.
Thanks for your comment, and I'm glad you like the videos. Playground sand would be an expensive way of doing it. I use a washed river sand I get from a local soil supplier. Seed-raising sand or 'sharp' sand is also good. Basically, all you need is a course-textured sand that you can feel confident does not contain any serious soil-borne diseases. Cheers, Peter
Great, thank you so much for your time and attention in responding!
can you please give me a complete list you did not show the products clear. I can not find them
Great Video. Do you leaf compost and mulch yearly? How about remineralizing with rock dust yearly? Thanks Again
Hi Umberto. Yes, I top the mulch up once or twice each year, making sure it's never less than 35-40mm (1.5 inches) deep. I don't compost leaves, rather just rake them up and add them to the mulch.
I add rock dust and trace elements at the start of each growing season.
Cheers, Peter
Hi!
I can't really understand the part that the sand with the potting mixture expand the life of the potting mixture. This explanation is very important to me, since I am in the process of growing exotic tropical fruit trees in containers. Please could you explain a little bit better how does the sand improve the lifespan of the potting mix? I would really appreciated. Thank You.
because sand doest disintergrate like organic matter
I can't really understand the part that the sand with the potting mixture expand the lifespan of the potting mixture to 15 years. This explanation is very important to me, since I am in the process of growing exotic tropical fruit trees in containers. Please could you explain a little bit better how does the sand improve the lifespan of the potting mix? I would really appreciated. Thank You.
What seize container for grafted plants avocado line lemon mangoes plants
Hi Dev, my apologies for the delay in replying to you. The bigger the pots the better, a minimum of 70 litres (18 gallons). I prefer 100 litres, but they are very heavy to shift around.
Hi Peter. How about Osmocote's Fruit and Citrus potting mix? If I use that, do I need to add any of these extra stuffs? If so, which one should I add?
Would this be a good mix for an avocado tree?
Hello, great video.... could i use compost instead of potting mix? Just starting out so really dont yet understand the whole concept of getting a good potting mix together, and i have some fruit trees on the way so really need to get something ready! Thank you in advance.
Hi, sorry for the delay in replying to you. Yes, you can use a quality compost instead of potting mix. However, you can increase the ratio of the sand/soil mix, say four parts sand to three parts compost.
Cheers, Peter
Hi Peter, can I mix expanded clay with potting mix
Hi Peter, great info. I have learnt a lot, so thank you. I have some queries on the cat litter and zeolite, in the video and wondering if you could help. They sound similar, ie they hold on to moisture. If so, can I just use one and not both? If just one can be used, which one would you recommend is better and by how much, in 100L mix?
+dvutubeclips Thanks - I'm glad you found them useful. Clay adds more fine particles for better moisture & nutrient holding properties. Clay-based cat litters may or may not have some zeolite added, so I still add some.
See my post below from 8 months ago for a summary of my mix, though I now add up to 1Kg of clay and up to 2Kg of zeolite.
+Peter, thank you for your time and reply. I reviewed your video again and also looked up just zeolite. I can see it's function now...
+Peter Coppin This is a great video, Glade you made it, Thanks. I do have a question in regards to the comment you made. ( quote - I now add up to 1Kg of clay and up to 2Kg of zeolite.) I this the total amount you are now using or is this in addition to the original mix? Thanks in advance, and happy planting
Hey Peter....... I accidentally added 300grams of zeolite instead of the clay......is all lost? Or can I cut back on something else from your list
Hi Fred, sorry for the delay in replying to you. Zeolite is great to add to potting mixes - I actually do it quite a bit (up to 100gms per litre of mix). Just be aware that it can lock onto some of the water and fertiliser until all gets going properly.
Hi I just missed the name of first bag which u emptied on the surface of barrel..could u name the thing in writing pl
Blue Metal but any coarse gravel looks like it will be ok, just for drainage.
Hey Peter, thanks for the great video! Any chance the kitty liter could be bad for the plants? (such as the silica which is a carcinogen) Thats my only reservation...do you have any suggestions for a substitute for the kitty liter?
+Paul Montagna Hi Paul, my basic knowledge is that kitty litter (one of the sodium bentonites) is not a health issue. Indeed, many of our sands such as here in WA are silica based.
Cheers, Peter
Paul, I consume silica for health on a daily basis. However, there are some versions of silica that are not food grade and I think you are confusing the tiny, silica packets that come in standard packaging and that read "do not eat" with the other types of silica. For example, diatomaceous earth is available in food grade and non-food grade. The food grade can be consumed, sprinkled throughout your home and will not harm you or your dogs, cats, or other animals. However, the non food grade product cannot be eaten or used around people and it is often sold in aquarium stores as a supplement for fish aquariums.
Now, back to your comment about silica. The silica used in kitty litter is of the food grade variety. It would need to be or these companies would have thousands of lawsuits from guardians of deceased cats. Don't you think? :)
Would you get rot from not having drainage holes in the base?
he has put drain holes in. check video 1
OK...where is the kitten?
Lots of good information but spoilt by bad practice of using a gravel drainage layer. These are counter productive and actually worsen problems with perched water
Hi ,,, i have a question what is azomite, ,,,,can i use azomite in my trees i can find rock dust :(,,,,,,,when is a good time to transplant the trees in pot
san100183 Azomite is a mineral-rich crushed rock, and from what I read it could be a very good alternative to the proprietary rockets-based fertilisers. It will be cost-effective if you are in the U.S. (it's not available here in Western Australia so I've never used it).
Can I use Pumice instead of Perlite or Zeolite? And what is this you are putting in the very bottom of the barrel under the screen?
diegartenfrau Using Pumice to lighten the mix and improve aeration would be a good idea. I haven't used it because of the expense (we don't have a local source here). The benefit of Zeolite is that it stores water and traps many nutrients so they don't leach out of the pot.The bottom layer is blue metal - you can use gravel.
Can I add vemicompost?
+Roots&Fruits Hi, you sure can.
theres not a whole lot off diffence between this and plain old soil if u think about it
Kitty litter will not be added to anything I grow. That’s when I stopped the video. Thank you.
how many inches are those wine barrels ??? they look huge