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  • Greenhouse Gardening: Soil Mix
  • Soil secrets for a successful greenhouse
    From "Weekend Gardening"
    episode WKG-413


    The first two hours of this level-1 project has been spent preparing this greenhouse for plants. The preparation continues with a custom-blended soil mixture (and some helpful soil-related tips).

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    PHOTO

    The components of custom-blended soil mix
    Time spent so far: 2 hours.

    Custom-blended soil mixes are crucial to any greenhouse.

    • Peat moss added to soil increases its water-holding capacity.

    • Perlite is used to make soil light and airy and to enhance soil drainage; it also adds water-retaining properties.

    • Coarse sand adds heft and enhances soil drainage.

    • Manure increases soil fertility.

    Greenhouse cleanliness is a must; old potting soil should never be reused as it can introduce pests into the greenhouse.

    Dead plant materials should be removed immediately from the greenhouse.

    Pots should never be reused without thorough cleaning. Sterilization is crucial to keeping plants free from pests. A thorough soaking for 10 minutes in a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach, followed by a good scrub, will clean most pots. Mineral deposits remaining on clay pots can also be removed with a commercial solution such as CLR.

    Time spent: 3 hours.

    Time spent so far: 5 hours.


    RESOURCES :

    Ace Hardware Supplies
    To locate the nearest Ace Hardware to your home, click here.
    Ace Hardware
    2200 Kensington Ct.
    Oak Brook, IL 60523-2100
    Toll-free: 866-290-5334
    Website: www.acehardware.com

    Plants from Ball Horticultural Company
    Various plant material
    Ball Horticulture Company
    Website: www.simplybeautifulgardens.com

    Soil Amendments
    Soil amendments
    Whitney Farms
    Website: www.whitneyfarms.com

    Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
    Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
    Website: www.monrovia.com

    DeWalt power tools
    DeWalt
    Website: www.dewalt.com/us/core/

    Landscaping Services by D&J Landscaping
    D & J Landscaping
    E-mail: DJLandscaping@sbcglobal.net

    Plants from Hines Horticulture
    Website: www.hineshort.com

    Greenhouse equipment
    EnviroCept Greenhouses, Etc.
    Website: www.greenhouses-etc.net

    Planting box composite wood
    The Trex Company
    Website: www.trex.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:


  • Gutter Repair
  • Landscaping Basics
  • Flooring
  • UV Air Sanitizer
  • Replacement Windows
  • Planter, Self-Watering
  • Hand-Painted Glasses
  • Choose Washer/Dryer
  • Backsplash Installation
  • Hand-Painted Bowls
  • Prepare for Vacation
  • Maintain Garage Door
  • Disinfect Bathroom
  • Romance Kit
  • Curb Appeal
  • Transport Equipment
  • Installing Undermount
  • Holiday Decorating
  • Family Scrapbook
  • Ice Candle
  • Selecting Doors
  • Spark Plug, Changing
  • Maintain Cabinets
  • Front Door Facelift
  • Change Windowpane