sweetscent
Joined: 16 Mar 2003
Posts: 46
Location: Fort Worth, Zone 8
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| Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:51 am Post subject: Sterile potting soil recommended in June Dirt?? |
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| Hey, just read the article on pg 10 in the June Dirt on Dutchman's pipe. The author says "..plant soaked seeds in sterile potting soil..". I thought that this was a BIG NO-NO in organic gardening. Any ideas as to whether or not this plant will germinate in organic potting soil? Let me know, please--it sounds like the perfect plant for my shady back yard. Thanks. And by the way, a big "THANK YOU" to everyone who has responded to any of my posts--I have been remiss in expressing my appreciation to all of you who have helped me in the past. I'll try to be more timely in the future. |
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CaptainCompostAL
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 875
Location: Irondale,Alabama
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| Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 8:12 am Post subject: |
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Sterile potting soil may be ok initially in the container, in order to give certain seeds a good start at germination, without any fungal disease issues.
However, as the plant grows, there MUST be good, strong, healthy, microbial activity in the soil near the rhizosphere. This is where rich, healthy, mature compost or a good biostimulant like various compost tea recipes come in.
Aerobic soil/composting microbes are mandatory for plant/soil fertilization and pest/disease control.
Applying good diluted biostimulants like seaweed tea or aerobic compost tea as a foliar spray application, is also great for extra aerobic microbial activity and protection on plant foliage. |
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