Preparation of Media for Container Planting

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Preparation of Media for Container Planting

 

Preparing the Growing Medium for your Home Garden

 

What is the Growing Medium?

The growing medium is defined as the material in which plants are cultivated.

They are generally either:

Soil Based
• Contains Soil

Soil Less
• Sharp sand/ Gravel
• Potting Soil Mixture/Peat moss
• Coco Coir
• Water
• Air

 

Soil Based Growing Media Contain
• Inorganic Material – Sharp sand
• Organic Material – Soil, Manure, Compost, Peat Moss
• Additives – Fertilizer, Limestone

 

In a Soil Less medium e.g. sharp sand
• There are no substantial nutrients,
• So fertilizers have to be added to provide the nutrients
required for the plant to grow.

 

It is made of a mixture of different components which:
• Facilitate proper root growth and development
• Be friable ( easily crumbled)
• Provide good aeration and drainage
• Retain sufficient moisture for the use by plants
• Supply nutrients needed for good plant growth and yields

  • Be as free as possible of pests and diseases organisms
    • Have a pH range of around 6-7

 

In your Home Garden your media will be made up of a mix of
• 2 parts Soil: 1 part Sharp Sand: 1 part Cured Manure
• Limestone
• A Rooting Fertilizer e.g. TSP or 12.24.12 + TE

 

⚠️Note: Limestone must be added Pre planting especially for Solaneceous crops e.g. Tomatoes, Peppers

https://www.facebook.com/pg/ETIS-Division-103936031246037/photos/?tab=album&album_id=118130909826549

 

Video -How to Prepare the Growing Medium

https://www.facebook.com/103936031246037/videos/237883434025414/

 

 

Information courtesy the Extension Training and Information Services (ETIS) Division

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries


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