Let's see those '11 gardens!

[Noodles]

Am I in trouble? I am using Miracle Gro garden soil and just noticed a big No Container sign at the back of the package. I replanted my Tomato in one of those Smart Pots using MG garden soil. Should I replant using a different soil? Maybe one of those soilless or potting soil?

Please help.

[Mr B]

Originally Posted by Noodles

Am I in trouble? I am using Miracle Gro garden soil and just noticed a big No Container sign at the back of the package. I replanted my Tomato in one of those Smart Pots using MG garden soil. Should I replant using a different soil? Maybe one of those soilless or potting soil?

Please help.

You should be ok. Just make sure you have a water catch basin below the pot. The garden soil is pretty loose and it will not hold the water very well. I believe it is meant to mix with other soils to break them up a bit. I am using some of the MG Garden soil in pots and it has been fine so far.

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by Noodles

Am I in trouble? I am using Miracle Gro garden soil and just noticed a big No Container sign at the back of the package. I replanted my Tomato in one of those Smart Pots using MG garden soil. Should I replant using a different soil? Maybe one of those soilless or potting soil?

Please help.

I may be wrong, but I believe that warning is because MG garden soil has uncomposted cow manure in it. That is what I have found in my experience. It also does not drain well at all.

When growing in containers, it really is a whole different ball game on what type of soils are used. You should do some reading over at the gardenweb container growing section.

[Noodles]

Originally Posted by wayner123

I may be wrong, but I believe that warning is because MG garden soil has uncomposted cow manure in it. That is what I have found in my experience. It also does not drain well at all.

When growing in containers, it really is a whole different ball game on what type of soils are used. You should do some reading over at the gardenweb container growing section.

I ended up mixing garden soil with potting mix. Hopefully it is a little better. I don't want to replant them again for fear of shocking the tomatoes. I might do another tomato with all potting mix on another smart pot. Fingers crossed.

Uncomposted cow manure is bad for container? What will happen to the plant?

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by Noodles

I ended up mixing garden soil with potting mix. Hopefully it is a little better. I don't want to replant them again for fear of shocking the tomatoes. I might do another tomato with all potting mix on another smart pot. Fingers crossed.

Uncomposted cow manure is bad for container? What will happen to the plant?

The dangers of uncomposted manure in a closed container are, harmful bacteria and as the manure is composting... heat.

[Noodles]

Originally Posted by wayner123

The dangers of uncomposted manure in a closed container are, harmful bacteria and as the manure is composting... heat.

I've done some reading and it seems they don't even recommend using Miracle Gro potting mix. They the chemical fertilizer in it is too strong for tomato.

Damn.

[SvilleKid]

Originally Posted by Noodles

I've done some reading and it seems they don't even recommend using Miracle Gro potting mix. They the chemical fertilizer in it is too strong for tomato.

Damn.

Most Miracle Grow non-specific plant food and soils are heavy in nitrogen. Nitrogen + tomatoes = strong vine and leaf growth, weak fruit growth and fruit drop before they are ready. At most, I will use a 8-8-8 rating on my tomatoes. If they start to grow too fast without fruit, you can add some wood ash (I save ash from my fireplace for this) to the soil around the tomatoes, and water it in good. This will offset the effects of too much nitrogen (it'll take a week or so). If you already have viable plants in the soil, try the ash remedy. You may can still salvage them.

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by Noodles

I've done some reading and it seems they don't even recommend using Miracle Gro potting mix. They the chemical fertilizer in it is too strong for tomato.

Damn.

The fertilizer that comes in the potting mix is so low it's not even worth mentioning. Miracle Gro potting mix has had great results for some people. You really should take a look here: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/contain/ if you plan to use containers. That place is a wealth of knowledge.

[jjirons69]

Gave a big handful of squash to my neighbor yesterday evening. Those babies are putting out like mad. It's easy to say I'll have my fill of squash this year. Also have a couple jalapenos ready to pick. Tomatoes are filling in nicely, too, with many greens ones on the vines. No cukes yet, but plenty of flowers.