I’ve been struggling with container gardening for years after watching other youtube channels. Your precise videos guided me to the most amazing garden year ever! Thank you for showing each step with the plant at specific days, because that is exactly what new gardeners need. Thank you so much!! Best gardening channel ever!!!
I been using the same coco coir thank you I have never rinsed mine will start when I do my spring garden. I'm in zone 7b I am so happy I found your channel, I started gardening to provide my family with healthy organic produce and it really has been grow or not grow and learn. Your channel has really helped me learn better ways to grow and care for my crops especially because most I grow from seeds my carrots, and lettuce have died 2 years in a row never get past the seedling stage can't wait to apply what you showed next year.
Great knowledge to help me start my containers gardening.....appreciate the awesome info, it really helps! Thank you and God bless you and family :) Also, I just subscribed!!
Glad you liked it! You can start feeding seedlings when they have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. For more details on how to water and fertilize the seedlings check my video here: ua-cam.com/video/AIeiB31yEJw/v-deo.htmlsi=8UGnKvcsUY0aBudl . Happy gardening and thank you so much for your comment!
Hey, loved the video! So, I had a huge disappointment with my go-to potting mix and I am looking for a new one. The brands out there aren't getting the best vibes from users, some folks are saying that it straight-up killed their plants, others are complaining about their poor quality, and they're even saying that the mix had gnats and mushroom pests. Do you have a favorite potting mix brand you could suggest/recommend? Also, can we make our own potting mix? If so, it will be great if you create a video making it. Thanks!
I usually make my own mix which I present in every video for different plants. If you want to use bagged potting mix, Kellogg Garden organic raised bed and potting mix, or Kellogg Garden organic patio plus are both great choices. I will try to post a video on how to make potting soil in near future. In general if you want to make your own mix, use compost50%+ perlite25%+ coco coir or peat moss25%. If you don't have compost, bagged organic soil amend (Kellogg garden) will work too. Hope this helps. So glad you love the video and thank you so much for your comment!
Great video, thanks! After washing coir and placing back in the bin you suggest to cover and let it dry? With the cover on, it doesn't appear to be able to dry? and won't it possibly mildew?
The main reason is to protect mix from bugs, specially fungus gnats. But if it is not warm and it takes too long to dry, you can either keep it in warm place(like on radiator) or remove the lid but have a netting or mesh to protect it from bugs. And I haven't noticed mildew so much. If the water is clean enough that shouldn't be a problem. I hope this helps and thank you for getting in touch!
Coco coir and coco peat are both excellent choices for plants in pots. I prefer using coco coir for seeds because it has better drainage and aeration, which help preventing mold and fungal disease. But I have heard using coco peat for seeds too. Thank you so much for your comment!
Basically any water soluble components like sodium which has built up over the time and can be harmful to seedlings. Thank you so much for your comment!
I plan to start using coir in the near future but I have a bale of peat moss I need to use. What ratio would I use for seed starter using my peat. Thanks for all the great help you have given to me.
You can replace and use peat moss in same ratio as the coco coir shown in the video (3 cups per 8qtr). They both work almost the same way. Glad to be of any help and thank you so much for your comment!
The containers are not air tight like, i.e. no latches. In Houston, there is a species of roaches, Pycnoscelus surinamensis, that likes moist areas to bury in soil in planted pots. Of course living in an apartment, there is an issue with Blattella germanic. If you were me, which would you use to mix into the seedling mix/potting mix - Diatomaceous earth OR boric acid?
Boric acid is very effective for roaches but also poisonous for humans. Although I don't have this problem as yours, I have used food grade DE for wide variety of pests. It is organic and safe for pets too.
@@TowardGarden per brick of coir, how much DE would you use? You've use 5 inch pots for chivies, 10 gallon grow bag for sweet peas, etc. How many tsp or Tbsp or cups of DE for each size inch or gallon container?
I was wondering where you buy a big bag of coco coir? Should I look at local nurseries or amazon? Is it cheaper to buy the brick or already to go in a bag? If you have a recommendation I would love to know! Thank you!
You can check my amazon page for a link to coco coir I use. The big brick is the best value for the price I found so far www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-3dd9a3b6/list/2H8KR53H12TWL?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d . Thanks for visiting.
I love your videos they are very helpful... After I rinsed and covered my coir I let it dry for a day but it still has a bit of water...When I squeeze it a little water drips. Should I let it dry longer or can I add my perlite?
It usually takes more than a day to get dry. To speed up the process, you can expose it to sunlight or place it next to heat source. It 'd be easier to mix perlite when it is not soggy. Hope this helps and thank you so much for your comment!
Soaking {Prewash} is the same size as the Washed Tote.Do you have a link to buy the 2 clear totes? Do you have a link for the tote that holds the perlite?
They are both 16 qt and you can buy them at target www.target.com/p/16qt-clear-storage-box-with-lid-white-room-essentials-8482/-/A-80162140#lnk=sametab .Thanks.
This is very helpful, thank you so much! I only need about a flats worth of seed starting mix at a time, what would be the best way to store the rest longterm? Will mold start to grow in the container?
Glad you found it helpful. Just keep it in an enclosed container (storage boxes) in a dry/cool area. I usually don't have much problem with mold, specially if it is not exposed it to light/sunlight. Hope this helps and thank you very much for your comment!
Hey, I'm not from the US, but here I'd have the coco coir for plants in some sort of "powder", like the material you get after adding water, is it the same thing?
You can. However, perlite adds drainage and aeration to the mix which helps to prevent seedling disease such as damping off. If you decided to use just coir, make sure not to overwater your seedlings. Hope this helps and thanks for visiting!
The perlite I have is a lot larger than that. Will it work the same or can I just chop it? Or do I need to buy new perlite. Both bags I got are quite alot larger particles that what I see others using.
Perlites have different grades based on the particle sizes. A general purpose gardening perlite is usually medium grade size grade #3 ranging from 3/16" to 1/16". The one that you have is probably grade #8 with sizes 3/4"-1 1/3" granules. I hope this helps and thanks for getting in touch.
I already put potting soil and compost in my grow beds from a garden nursery. Should I remove it from the beds and start over or can I mix coco coir/perlite into the soil and if so at what rate/depth? I have 11 5-gallon grow bags, 20 1-gallon grow bags, and a tarp so it can be done. I have seeds on the way broccoli, carrots, celery, collard, cabbage, lettuce, radish, spinach, and onion. I also have garlic and shallots in the fridge and potato slip scabbing over. Sweet potato vine rooting in water and strawberries in the mail. Zone 9b Central Florida. These are brand-new beds. I've tried gardening to no avail in this soil and I used to have a very established Aquaponics system but I have never grown in grow beds and grow bags before.
What you add for the grow beds is great and you don't need to change anything. The perlite and coir is mainly yo start seeds and not for garden beds. For planting purposes, you will need nutrient rich soil and your mix of potting soil and compost is perfect. Happy growing and thank you for getting in touch!
Thank you so much for the fast response I really appreciate it. You're a great teacher and I've learned so much bing watching all your videos. Happy Gardening to you!@@TowardGarden
I have a question on the coco coir we can use for this mix. The size you showed is an 8 qt equivalent. Is it ok to buy the large 11 lb brick for the cost savings or does it have to be the "seed starting" brick? I didn't know if there was something different about it. Thank you in advance!
Good question. Both options are same and there is no difference to use them in seed mix. I showed the small one because thought most people want to start small and wouldn't need so much mix. I grow a lot of my plants from seed so 11lb is more affordable. (Tip: to rinse it, it is much easier if you use garden insect nettings, you can keep the rinsed coir in the netting). Hope this answers you question and happy growing!
@@TowardGarden yes me too!! So glad to know this will work with the larger size. Thank you about the insect netting tip too. I don’t have any of that but will look for it!!
Easiest would be replacing compost with bagged garden soils in the mix I present in my videos. I'd recommend using organic garden soils (such as Kellogg Garden Organics Garden Soil). In general, you can mix equal parts of bagged soil, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite. Peat moss is a bit acidic so make sure to add garden lime to balance pH level (5.6-7). Thanks for visiting!
Coco coir and perlite are available in many garden centers, or you can find them online. Check my amazon page here for the links under Seed starting list: www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-3dd9a3b6 . Thank you for visiting!
I’ve been struggling with container gardening for years after watching other youtube channels. Your precise videos guided me to the most amazing garden year ever! Thank you for showing each step with the plant at specific days, because that is exactly what new gardeners need. Thank you so much!! Best gardening channel ever!!!
Wow, so delighted to see your comment! Comments from gardeners like you mean a lot to me and keep me inspired to share more. Thank you so much!😊🙏
Great idea, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your comment!
I been using the same coco coir thank you I have never rinsed mine will start when I do my spring garden. I'm in zone 7b I am so happy I found your channel, I started gardening to provide my family with healthy organic produce and it really has been grow or not grow and learn. Your channel has really helped me learn better ways to grow and care for my crops especially because most I grow from seeds my carrots, and lettuce have died 2 years in a row never get past the seedling stage can't wait to apply what you showed next year.
Glad to hear it. Thanks for sharing and happy gardening😊
Wow such creative idea! Thank you for another banger of a video ✌🏻
Delighted to hear it. Thank you so much!
Been using coconut coir for a while but didn't know about the rinsing bit. Thanks for the tip!
I found that it is mainly the excess salt that seedlings don't like, so be on the safe side I always rinse it. Thank you for your comment!
Great knowledge to help me start my containers gardening.....appreciate the awesome info, it really helps! Thank you and God bless you and family :) Also, I just subscribed!!
Glad you found it helpful. Thank you for subscribing and for your comment. God bless!
Love the discoco coir music!!
Lol, Thank you very much😄
Really really helpful thank you for your help 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Glad you found it helpful. Thank you so much for your comment!
Thanks for the great video!
When do you start fertilizing seedlings in coir/perlite mix, and how often?
Glad you liked it! You can start feeding seedlings when they have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. For more details on how to water and fertilize the seedlings check my video here: ua-cam.com/video/AIeiB31yEJw/v-deo.htmlsi=8UGnKvcsUY0aBudl . Happy gardening and thank you so much for your comment!
Hey, loved the video! So, I had a huge disappointment with my go-to potting mix and I am looking for a new one. The brands out there aren't getting the best vibes from users, some folks are saying that it straight-up killed their plants, others are complaining about their poor quality, and they're even saying that the mix had gnats and mushroom pests. Do you have a favorite potting mix brand you could suggest/recommend? Also, can we make our own potting mix? If so, it will be great if you create a video making it. Thanks!
I usually make my own mix which I present in every video for different plants. If you want to use bagged potting mix, Kellogg Garden organic raised bed and potting mix, or Kellogg Garden organic patio plus are both great choices. I will try to post a video on how to make potting soil in near future. In general if you want to make your own mix, use compost50%+ perlite25%+ coco coir or peat moss25%. If you don't have compost, bagged organic soil amend (Kellogg garden) will work too. Hope this helps. So glad you love the video and thank you so much for your comment!
👍
Thank you!
Great video, thanks! After washing coir and placing back in the bin you suggest to cover and let it dry? With the cover on, it doesn't appear to be able to dry? and won't it possibly mildew?
The main reason is to protect mix from bugs, specially fungus gnats. But if it is not warm and it takes too long to dry, you can either keep it in warm place(like on radiator) or remove the lid but have a netting or mesh to protect it from bugs. And I haven't noticed mildew so much. If the water is clean enough that shouldn't be a problem. I hope this helps and thank you for getting in touch!
@@TowardGarden I came into the comments for this very question. Thank you for answering!!
Hi Sir. Thanks for sharing these useful videos. one question! Is coco coir the same as coco peat? Can they be used interchangeably?
Coco coir and coco peat are both excellent choices for plants in pots. I prefer using coco coir for seeds because it has better drainage and aeration, which help preventing mold and fungal disease. But I have heard using coco peat for seeds too. Thank you so much for your comment!
lovely looking seed starting mix! I am curious as to what kind of chemicals are in the coco coir?
Basically any water soluble components like sodium which has built up over the time and can be harmful to seedlings. Thank you so much for your comment!
I plan to start using coir in the near future but I have a bale of peat moss I need to use. What ratio would I use for seed starter using my peat. Thanks for all the great help you have given to me.
You can replace and use peat moss in same ratio as the coco coir shown in the video (3 cups per 8qtr). They both work almost the same way. Glad to be of any help and thank you so much for your comment!
The containers are not air tight like, i.e. no latches. In Houston, there is a species of roaches, Pycnoscelus surinamensis, that likes moist areas to bury in soil in planted pots. Of course living in an apartment, there is an issue with Blattella germanic. If you were me, which would you use to mix into the seedling mix/potting mix - Diatomaceous earth OR boric acid?
Boric acid is very effective for roaches but also poisonous for humans. Although I don't have this problem as yours, I have used food grade DE for wide variety of pests. It is organic and safe for pets too.
@@TowardGarden per brick of coir, how much DE would you use? You've use 5 inch pots for chivies, 10 gallon grow bag for sweet peas, etc. How many tsp or Tbsp or cups of DE for each size inch or gallon container?
I was wondering where you buy a big bag of coco coir? Should I look at local nurseries or amazon? Is it cheaper to buy the brick or already to go in a bag? If you have a recommendation I would love to know! Thank you!
You can check my amazon page for a link to coco coir I use. The big brick is the best value for the price I found so far www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-3dd9a3b6/list/2H8KR53H12TWL?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d . Thanks for visiting.
I love your videos they are very helpful... After I rinsed and covered my coir I let it dry for a day but it still has a bit of water...When I squeeze it a little water drips. Should I let it dry longer or can I add my perlite?
It usually takes more than a day to get dry. To speed up the process, you can expose it to sunlight or place it next to heat source. It 'd be easier to mix perlite when it is not soggy. Hope this helps and thank you so much for your comment!
@@TowardGarden Great, Thanks a bunch...1 more question do I sow my beet seeds inside? Thanks again
@@Jamie_wright2013 sorry not sure I understood the question. Sow seeds indoor, or sow seeds in the mix?
Soaking {Prewash} is the same size as the Washed Tote.Do you have a link to buy the 2 clear totes? Do you have a link for the tote that holds the perlite?
They are both 16 qt and you can buy them at target www.target.com/p/16qt-clear-storage-box-with-lid-white-room-essentials-8482/-/A-80162140#lnk=sametab .Thanks.
Thanks a million. Very economical.@@TowardGarden
@@TowardGarden The perlite container is transparent while the 16 qt container is opaque. What do you think?
@@wendyward2585 They are same. Maybe used vs. new but same. Thanks
This is very helpful, thank you so much! I only need about a flats worth of seed starting mix at a time, what would be the best way to store the rest longterm? Will mold start to grow in the container?
Glad you found it helpful. Just keep it in an enclosed container (storage boxes) in a dry/cool area. I usually don't have much problem with mold, specially if it is not exposed it to light/sunlight. Hope this helps and thank you very much for your comment!
Beautiful ♥️
Thank you! 😊
Great videos. How do you grow tomatoes?
I am planning to post a video on growing tomatoes soon. Thank you very much for your comment!
How long does it usually take for seedlings to grow example tomatoe seedlings. How deep do jou plant jour seeds in the sels
All my videos on growing vegetables include information on sowing seeds. Check them on my channel, I think you will find what you are looking for.
Hey, I'm not from the US, but here I'd have the coco coir for plants in some sort of "powder", like the material you get after adding water, is it the same thing?
Yes, the coco coir sometimes gets too crushed and looks powdery. You can use in the same way as the video. Thanks for visiting!
can I still do it without using the Perlite?
can I start my seeds using only coco coir and be fine?
You can. However, perlite adds drainage and aeration to the mix which helps to prevent seedling disease such as damping off. If you decided to use just coir, make sure not to overwater your seedlings. Hope this helps and thanks for visiting!
The perlite I have is a lot larger than that. Will it work the same or can I just chop it? Or do I need to buy new perlite. Both bags I got are quite alot larger particles that what I see others using.
Perlites have different grades based on the particle sizes. A general purpose gardening perlite is usually medium grade size grade #3 ranging from 3/16" to 1/16". The one that you have is probably grade #8 with sizes 3/4"-1 1/3" granules. I hope this helps and thanks for getting in touch.
I already put potting soil and compost in my grow beds from a garden nursery. Should I remove it from the beds and start over or can I mix coco coir/perlite into the soil and if so at what rate/depth? I have 11 5-gallon grow bags, 20 1-gallon grow bags, and a tarp so it can be done. I have seeds on the way broccoli, carrots, celery, collard, cabbage, lettuce, radish, spinach, and onion. I also have garlic and shallots in the fridge and potato slip scabbing over. Sweet potato vine rooting in water and strawberries in the mail. Zone 9b Central Florida. These are brand-new beds. I've tried gardening to no avail in this soil and I used to have a very established Aquaponics system but I have never grown in grow beds and grow bags before.
What you add for the grow beds is great and you don't need to change anything. The perlite and coir is mainly yo start seeds and not for garden beds. For planting purposes, you will need nutrient rich soil and your mix of potting soil and compost is perfect. Happy growing and thank you for getting in touch!
Thank you so much for the fast response I really appreciate it. You're a great teacher and I've learned so much bing watching all your videos. Happy Gardening to you!@@TowardGarden
I have a question on the coco coir we can use for this mix. The size you showed is an 8 qt equivalent. Is it ok to buy the large 11 lb brick for the cost savings or does it have to be the "seed starting" brick? I didn't know if there was something different about it. Thank you in advance!
Good question. Both options are same and there is no difference to use them in seed mix. I showed the small one because thought most people want to start small and wouldn't need so much mix. I grow a lot of my plants from seed so 11lb is more affordable. (Tip: to rinse it, it is much easier if you use garden insect nettings, you can keep the rinsed coir in the netting). Hope this answers you question and happy growing!
@@TowardGarden yes me too!! So glad to know this will work with the larger size. Thank you about the insect netting tip too. I don’t have any of that but will look for it!!
Would it be ok to add worm castings to the mix?
You can but it will increase the chances of damping off which is a fungal disease for seedlings. Thanks for getting in touch.
Do you have a recipe for turning bagged garden soil into potting soil?
Easiest would be replacing compost with bagged garden soils in the mix I present in my videos. I'd recommend using organic garden soils (such as Kellogg Garden Organics Garden Soil). In general, you can mix equal parts of bagged soil, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite. Peat moss is a bit acidic so make sure to add garden lime to balance pH level (5.6-7). Thanks for visiting!
where do you buy they from?
Coco coir and perlite are available in many garden centers, or you can find them online. Check my amazon page here for the links under Seed starting list: www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-3dd9a3b6 . Thank you for visiting!
@@TowardGarden Thanks for the tip.
Hi can I use peat moss not coco coir
Hi. Yes peat moss will work too. Thanks for visiting.
@@TowardGarden ok thank you