Making Potting Soil

Discussion in 'Seed Starting / Propagation' started by jbest123, Sep 17, 2013.

  1. jbest123

    jbest123 In Flower

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    This is my system for mixing my own potting soil. It was made from a recycled dryer drum. I use a microwave to pasteurize the compost when making soil to propagate from seed. The microwave is from a yard sale at $5.00. A plastic shoe box with lid fits in the microwave and usually takes about 10 min to get to 165 deg f depending on moisture content of the compost.
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    The door consists of ¾” plywood, two hinges and six pull clasps. There is a 2” hole in the center of the door to permit inserting a wand of a tank sprayer to spray water just before completion of tumbling to eliminate dust from the vermiculite. The top of the door folds down to permit loading of material. I can load about 2 cubic ft or 15 gallon of material at a time. If the material is lumpy, I also add about one dozen #2 gravel (recovered after blending) to aid in breaking up the lumps.
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    I don’t think the standard drive unit or motor on a dryer would handle the added weight so I used a 3/4 HP motor and a worm gear speed reducer. I also used a heavier belt from the speed reducer to the drum.


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    When a batch is finished, I attach a plywood funnel to the front panel to reduce spillage. I also use a 40 gal trash can to store the soil in. I usually fill it about 2 times a yr.





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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Gee your equipment makes my efforts of mixing my own seem a tad tame!! I use a couple of plant pots and a seed tray. :oops:
     
  4. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    Impressive!
    And I just go to the store and buy a bag. :oops:
     
  5. Donna S

    Donna S Hardy Maple

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    Can't wait for hubby to see this:)
     



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  6. Ronni

    Ronni Hardy Maple

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    *raises hand.

    Same here! And here I thought I was getting REALLY sophisticated when I added perlite to my potting soil. ;)

    John, I have no words............. :eek:

    (And for me, Miss Motormouth that I am, that's REALLY saying something!)
     
  7. purpleinopp

    purpleinopp Young Pine Plants Contributor

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    That IS sophisticated! I mix stuff up in a baby pool with a pitchfork.
     
  8. jbest123

    jbest123 In Flower

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    This was made when I still had my wood shop so it wasn't that difficult.
     
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