We Tested 5 Different Potting Soils - Here's What We Learned

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 805

  • @lajohnson1967
    @lajohnson1967 Рік тому +211

    Pro mix doesn’t have extended release fertilizer! You must add your own. I’m a retired professional grower of perennial flowers and I used Pro Mix exclusively. Need to wet it with warm water first, then add your fertilizer. Continue to fertilize throughout the growing season. If used properly it will out perform any growing medium.

    • @PepperGeek
      @PepperGeek  Рік тому +29

      Thanks for sharing - I wondered why it petered out so quick. I did really like the consistency and that it stayed moist longer than the others

    • @citylotgardening6171
      @citylotgardening6171 11 місяців тому

      Thanks for sharing 👍

    • @roseknott2832
      @roseknott2832 11 місяців тому +1

      I'm glad you mentioned that the ProMix was dry....I thought I was buying old stock. I use ozmocote then for extended fertilizer.

    • @Playingwith3D
      @Playingwith3D 10 місяців тому +6

      I like Pro Mix too, no uninvited bugs in your home.

    • @Parker.planet
      @Parker.planet 10 місяців тому +2

      Agreed on the ProMix 😊

  • @zinnia3190
    @zinnia3190 Рік тому +82

    I use a mix of Ocean Forest Happy Frog and Ocean Forest, along with some of my homemade compost. It was a great year for peppers.

    • @Damyankee1989
      @Damyankee1989 7 місяців тому +1

      Ocean forest and happy frog is an epic combo. And mix some pro mix in it for better drainage and aeration

    • @teniaosayande6355
      @teniaosayande6355 6 місяців тому +1

      Glad i ran across this comment. Did this today on a whim. It's my 1st time at gardening & went for peppers, tomatoes and a few flowers. We'll see how it goes 🙂

    • @jcramirez8
      @jcramirez8 5 місяців тому

      I want to use this combo so what kind of Fertlizer should i use and when do i use it im new to this? thanks for any feedback

    • @Damyankee1989
      @Damyankee1989 5 місяців тому

      @@jcramirez8 Foxfarm has there own nutrient line too. They also have organic fertilizer which is what I prefer but I grow outdoors. I can't remember the names of there synthetic fertilzer. I think big bloom is there fert for bud phase. They probably have all kinds of different stuff these days though. But if ya wanna keep it simple use Happy frog organic that comes in a bag. There is an all purpose for veg and fruit and flower for bud

    • @elijahsmith7555
      @elijahsmith7555 3 місяці тому

      @@jcramirez8Alaska brand fish fertilizer is the way to go. They have both a high nitrogen bottle for younger plants and a high phosphorus and potassium for more mature plants. Very clean and organic compared to other fertilizers I’ve used

  • @voodoorecon8070
    @voodoorecon8070 Рік тому +208

    We need more content like this. Number based, performance driven statistics!

    • @SnarkyMcSnarkles
      @SnarkyMcSnarkles Рік тому +4

      Ill be honest he missed an important factor. Flavor.

    • @gregleatherwood5218
      @gregleatherwood5218 Рік тому +7

      I agree, but, as the host said, "Of course this experiment is not statistically significant because we only had one plant for each category. You'd really need many, many more plants if you want to get some definitive results." The presentation is very enjoyable, but don't bet the farm on the results.

    • @chipsramek3868
      @chipsramek3868 Рік тому

      @@SnarkyMcSnarkles Not a word about Viscosity. ...Clickbait for Fox Farm :)-

    • @racebiketuner
      @racebiketuner 9 місяців тому +1

      N needs to be at least 13 to be statistically significant. There are many other problems with this "test." Not picking on Pepper Geek. It's the rule rather than the exception on UA-cam. Better sources of information are agricultural universities, their extensions and papers that have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

    • @eriks8382
      @eriks8382 Місяць тому

      i prefer unstructured, gut-driven, hypothesis and hearsay. You probably disagree because you're looking at the statistics. You should be looking in your gut.

  • @johnowen7648
    @johnowen7648 Рік тому +9

    This year i planted my first inground garden and my soil was absolutely horrible like dried concrete powder. I decided to juice it all up so i purchased a pallet of Miracle Gro Performance Organic, a pallet of Black Kow Manure and 6 bags of 2 cubic yard bags of peat moss. I spread it allover my 23ft by 33ft garden and deeply tilled it all in. Everything went absolutely bananas including 9 banana pepper plants that ended up being almost 5ft tall and producing around 5 bushels of very beautiful pods. I also used MGPO in my 30ft by 4ft raised pepper bed and it absolutely was mind blowing as well. I live in the southern piedmont of NC. Absolutely love your videos and i appreciate the knowledge i have learned from watching!

  • @heronthere
    @heronthere Рік тому +276

    I screened the bark out of 2 different bags just to see how much it had. It was eye opening. There is no value in cheaper brands if it is mostly bark.

    • @willnedds8077
      @willnedds8077 Рік тому +18

      Would have been nice to see a cheap generic brand in the test. I've had relatives pick up the cheapest they can find and the bags are just wood chips with a tiny bit of perlite and fertilizer mixed in. The plants grow terribly and root rot is almost guaranteed.

    • @WynterDragon
      @WynterDragon Рік тому +4

      Which brands did you screen?

    • @heronthere
      @heronthere Рік тому +12

      @@WynterDragon the non organic miracle grow in this video and the fox ocean in this video. Miracle grow had a lot of bark.

    • @smas3256
      @smas3256 Рік тому +17

      Planting seeds and young seedling transplants definitely need screening when there are large organics in it like bark, in my opinion but for larger pot the bark will rot nicely and breakdown like in a compost.

    • @briangonzalez1541
      @briangonzalez1541 Рік тому +4

      I do buy pretty cheap soil as well. I don't have any big box stores in my small town so Dollar General "organic" potting soil it is. I definitely need to screen it, add perlite and compost soil from my compost. It has way too much bark so when I screen it, that bark goes into my compost and that too eventually gets screened.

  • @astrozach7778
    @astrozach7778 Рік тому +6

    I’ve been using a roughly 50/50 mix of Happy Frog and Ocean Forest over the last 5-6 years for most of my potted plants. Both peppers and tomatoes seem to love that. I do add MicroLife 8-4-6 about once a month to keep the soil going strong. Hasn’t let me down yet.

    • @PepperGeek
      @PepperGeek  Рік тому

      Sounds like a solid idea - I'm sure the two only complement each other

  • @kim7343
    @kim7343 Рік тому +34

    So this year I grew peppers in 4 Greenstalks..30 plants each. I had 2 filled with Espoma potting soil and 2 filled with Coast of Maine tomato and vegetable soil (red bag). Coast of Maine was the clear winner. Not only did the peppers themselves look healthier and were large for their kind, the plants themselves looked way better...more greener. Next year perhaps I will do Coast of Maine vs Happy Frog. Thanks for doing this comparison video. I like this type of video...very useful.

    • @Decoder2040
      @Decoder2040 Рік тому +1

      Premium Potting Mix:
      3 parts Peat, 3 parts Compost, 1 part Perlite
      Outdoor Potting Mix:
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part Compost, 1 part Perlite
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost)
      Heavier Potting Mix (Prevent Tipping):
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part compost, 1 part sand
      Seed Starting Mix:
      1 part Peat, 1 part Screened Compost (⅛")
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost) Optional: ½ part Perlite
      Raised Bed Mix:
      2 parts Topsoil, 1 part sand, 1 part vermiculite
      1 part Compost
      There are 25.71 dry quarts in 1 cubic foot
      If not using compost, transplant 2nd set leaves

    • @lovelight9164
      @lovelight9164 11 місяців тому

      I bought espoma for all of my plants this year and none of them performed as they should have, of course I bought supposed organic soil, compost and mulch from a new place this year and our summer was horribly wet at first then extremely dry and hot so I can't say what exactly happened but it's like all of my plants were stunted this year. Flowers as well as vegetables. So disappointed I doubt I will invest in any new seeds this year. I will need to clear out all of the soil from last season and start all over again.

    • @ProudCanadian-vv6bk
      @ProudCanadian-vv6bk 10 місяців тому +3

      I have put my seeds in Coast of Maine seed starting mix. I was glad to read your comment. I hope to get good sturdy plants.

    • @aquarianmajo
      @aquarianmajo 4 місяці тому

      ⁠@@ProudCanadian-vv6bkhey! how’d you like coast of maine?

    • @ProudCanadian-vv6bk
      @ProudCanadian-vv6bk 4 місяці тому +2

      @aquarianmajo good, but next time, I will sift it as it had some pieces that were too big for seed starting. The germination rate was about 85%.

  • @dunbarautomotive
    @dunbarautomotive Рік тому +57

    Happy frog is our favorite

    • @PepperGeek
      @PepperGeek  Рік тому +6

      It's a great option!

    • @dunbarautomotive
      @dunbarautomotive Рік тому

      @PepperGeek it's getting a little difficult to get it here for good price. Orshenlins carried it, but their company is gone now with tsc buy them. Tsc doesn't carry the frog.

    • @EricCheetoh
      @EricCheetoh 8 місяців тому

      Miricale grow did better tho

    • @zack9912000
      @zack9912000 8 місяців тому +1

      @@EricCheetoh full of industrial chemicals not organic material.

    • @EricCheetoh
      @EricCheetoh 8 місяців тому

      @@zack9912000 all of them do ...u slow if u think not..they all packaged in a damn factory full of metal machinery...miricale grow owns alot of other companies too

  • @AlvinKazu
    @AlvinKazu 11 місяців тому +21

    One thing to note to the newbies (I myself am only 1 year into this), is that each variety of plant requires different conditions. That means one potting soil might do better than another due to their makeup.

    • @Mark-gy9dc
      @Mark-gy9dc 6 місяців тому +1

      correct. Happy Frog works very well with Canabis. that much I can confirm. no need to feed for 3-4 weeks.

  • @ButItsVegan
    @ButItsVegan 10 місяців тому +10

    Just started my first garden & everything has been a little bit overwhelming when it comes to knowing the best items to purchase for a good healthy garden. Thank you so much for this video!! ❤

    • @WeNeMoWe
      @WeNeMoWe 5 місяців тому

      seriously everybody seems to have something different to say, and experts will just tell you it depends. Depends on what?!

  • @jenniferjames346
    @jenniferjames346 Рік тому +2

    I love Happy Frog. I don’t even grow seedlings anymore, just add the soil to my beds and direct sow. Haven’t had an issue with growing anything, however I should mention I live in zone 9 so we don’t get a lot of freezing weather.

  • @moody_goose
    @moody_goose 10 місяців тому +3

    I'm a professional cannabis grower and we use PRO-MIX HP MYCORRHIZAE because it has no nutrients, it's basically a medium for the plant to thrive in while YOU control the nutrient intake. I've used it with regular plants as well and I highly recommend it if you like controlling the nutrient intake manually than using a slow release fertilizer soil that can often give your plants too much nutrients than not enough causing nutrient deficiency or toxicity. For the average grower that doesn't want measure how much nutrients get over time, I would definitely recommend Happy Frog but I would monitor the ppm and EC (parts per million and Electrical conductivity) of the runoff water throughout the live of the plant.

  • @LadyofRockmart
    @LadyofRockmart Рік тому +41

    I use promix when I start my seedlings which works better than seed starter mix for me. And yes I hope you do more of these types of videos. It helps all of us

    • @kenbirkin7753
      @kenbirkin7753 Рік тому +4

      same with me

    • @vernlb1759
      @vernlb1759 Рік тому +7

      @@kenbirkin7753
      same here, I find that that I get a better root structure on my seedlings. I have grown my own seedlings over 30 years and last 2-3 years have used Pro-Mix HP Mycorrhizae and plant health and structure much better and experiencing less transplant shock. Never used Fox-Farm so can't compare.

    • @Decoder2040
      @Decoder2040 Рік тому +3

      Premium Potting Mix:
      3 parts Peat, 3 parts Compost, 1 part Perlite
      Outdoor Potting Mix:
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part Compost, 1 part Perlite
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost)
      Heavier Potting Mix (Prevent Tipping):
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part compost, 1 part sand
      Seed Starting Mix:
      1 part Peat, 1 part Screened Compost (⅛")
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost) Optional: ½ part Perlite
      Raised Bed Mix:
      2 parts Topsoil, 1 part sand, 1 part vermiculite
      1 part Compost
      There are 25.71 dry quarts in 1 cubic foot
      If not using compost, transplant 2nd set leaves

    • @goodcitizen3027
      @goodcitizen3027 6 місяців тому

      I find that ProMix is great for seeds and new starts. I find the Fox Farm soils to be heavy.

  • @thomaswolf6507
    @thomaswolf6507 Рік тому +5

    I run ocean forest after watching it outperform happy frog. I like them both, but it's important to note I spike my soils with Dynomyco inoculant and sometimes add worm castings, etc.

  • @jjudijo
    @jjudijo Рік тому +19

    Thank you so much for following this project through the entire season. The numbers speak for themselves.

  • @nedweeks6964
    @nedweeks6964 Рік тому +7

    Great test. I've tried lots of soils over the years. The mixes we use here is happy frog and the standard promix.
    Straight promix for cuttings. 1:1 happy frog:promix for seedlings and 2cu ft happy frog to 3.7cu ft compressed promix with 1 gallon Epsoma garden tone and 12 oz neem seed meal. I'm sure there is a better mix but it grows nearly anything and they hold all season with little care besides watering

    • @Decoder2040
      @Decoder2040 Рік тому +2

      Premium Potting Mix:
      3 parts Peat, 3 parts Compost, 1 part Perlite
      Outdoor Potting Mix:
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part Compost, 1 part Perlite
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost)
      Heavier Potting Mix (Prevent Tipping):
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part compost, 1 part sand
      Seed Starting Mix:
      1 part Peat, 1 part Screened Compost (⅛")
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost) Optional: ½ part Perlite
      Raised Bed Mix:
      2 parts Topsoil, 1 part sand, 1 part vermiculite
      1 part Compost
      There are 25.71 dry quarts in 1 cubic foot
      If not using compost, transplant 2nd set leaves

  • @bobpeterson9207
    @bobpeterson9207 11 місяців тому +8

    I love pro mix. I use Pro-Mix BM when starting seeds. BEST root system hands down.

  • @FairyRosee_
    @FairyRosee_ Рік тому +50

    When I opened the Happy Frog soil it smelled like how the island I grew up on smelled (okinawa). Just heavenly!

    • @cristianmccullough66
      @cristianmccullough66 9 місяців тому +2

      I love it there

    • @eb1684
      @eb1684 7 місяців тому +1

      @@cristianmccullough66 Please tell us why.

    • @melrezlittleranch
      @melrezlittleranch 7 місяців тому +1

      I love okinawa, spent three years there.

  • @larrymixer144
    @larrymixer144 Рік тому +12

    You should chose your 'soils' to match the job. Pro Mix is not intended to make up pot grown plants since it contains starter fertilizers that favor vegetative growth that usually will run out in a couple of months it isn't an organic. There are big differences between starter soils that are used to germinate seed and sometimes to maintain the seedlings in packs. Then there are potting soils for a light, well drained soil mix in pots, there are several container growing soils starting to show up on the market. It is great to see your results and the choices of the most easily found products available in most markets.

    • @Rick-ne9os
      @Rick-ne9os 10 місяців тому

      He has no clue about the soils he used apparently, Fox Farms is a hot soil that will kill some seedlings because it's so hot, so no surprise Fox Farms did the best with no feedings

  • @pattithompsett9540
    @pattithompsett9540 10 місяців тому +1

    I aee a lot of comments saying different soils for different plants, i think a lot of homegrowers have to keep it simple and are looking for a good multipurpose organic compost. This was extremely helpful

  • @Damyankee1989
    @Damyankee1989 7 місяців тому +3

    One of best mixes I ever used was 40-50 percent HP pro mix...then 25-30 ocean forest and another 25-30 percent happy frog

  • @MsSwitchblade13
    @MsSwitchblade13 8 місяців тому +2

    I just bought my first bag of Happy Frog yesterday. Here's hoping my plants love it

    • @j-r485
      @j-r485 6 місяців тому

      How’s it going with your plants so far

    • @MsSwitchblade13
      @MsSwitchblade13 6 місяців тому

      @@j-r485 they're doing very well!

  • @Ellienollie
    @Ellienollie Рік тому +5

    Pro mix stuff is usually more marketed as a substrate or component in a potting mix intended to be fertigated professionally. Its performance will shine in these conditions

  • @MikeDawson1
    @MikeDawson1 Рік тому +7

    question: if you had fertilized them throughout the growing season like normal, would it have mattered which potting mix you went with?

    • @garethbaus5471
      @garethbaus5471 Рік тому

      Adding a little bit of slow release fertilizer would probably help with just about any fertilizer.

  • @Sharkdog11b
    @Sharkdog11b Рік тому +1

    Seeing a new pepper geek video is always a bonus.

  • @orkids5551
    @orkids5551 9 місяців тому +2

    I just bought happy frog soil & can’t wait to plant my peppers. Watched a lot of videos even using it on citrus containers. It’s very pricey from nursery. Thanks for sharing

    • @PepperGeek
      @PepperGeek  9 місяців тому +1

      It's a great soil, but fairly pricey. I've seen good deals on it in the fall when nurseries aren't busy

  • @VictorPoulin
    @VictorPoulin 5 місяців тому

    The Miracle grow organics has 3 months of fertilizer where as the Fox Farm only has one month.

  • @cyndimanuel5473
    @cyndimanuel5473 Рік тому +14

    Wow! Here in MA I just paid $35 for the same 2 cuft bag of Happy Frog! I used Ocean Forest ($27 for 1.5 cuft - so both roughly $18/cuft) this year after doing a similar test on my seedlings with cheaper local organic brands (specifically Coast of Maine and Espoma) and finding far superior results with the Ocean Forest. When I went to get more, the clerk accidentally gave me the Happy Frog, and after seeing your results, I’ll give it a try! Crazy the difference in price. In my area, they only sell Fox Farm products at specialty nurseries. Great video - so interesting!

    • @michelemenard8364
      @michelemenard8364 Рік тому +1

      I am also in MA and bagged soil is hard to find and pricey. Walmart has bagged soil but they do not offer premium bags at my location.

    • @smas3256
      @smas3256 Рік тому

      Outrageous. Some of us don't have green houses to start seeds for an early garden to extend our season. When the weather doesn't cooperate I visit our veggie stands to help them stay in business. BTW. I don't like bringing bugs and their eggs indoors from my compost pile which I could use to start seeds. It may be cheaper to buy dirt and make a compost tea.

    • @justincentraltexas
      @justincentraltexas Рік тому +5

      It's over 40 a bag for any fox farms potting soil here. Never seen it anywhere near 25 bucks.

    • @Decoder2040
      @Decoder2040 Рік тому +2

      Premium Potting Mix:
      3 parts Peat, 3 parts Compost, 1 part Perlite
      Outdoor Potting Mix:
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part Compost, 1 part Perlite
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost)
      Heavier Potting Mix (Prevent Tipping):
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part compost, 1 part sand
      Seed Starting Mix:
      1 part Peat, 1 part Screened Compost (⅛")
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost) Optional: ½ part Perlite
      Raised Bed Mix:
      2 parts Topsoil, 1 part sand, 1 part vermiculite
      1 part Compost
      There are 25.71 dry quarts in 1 cubic foot
      If not using compost, transplant 2nd set leaves

    • @rdred8693
      @rdred8693 11 місяців тому

      Aubuchon Hardware sells Happy Frog and Ocean forest.
      They also sell Coast of Maine.

  • @MotoChili
    @MotoChili Рік тому +14

    Good review. I've been using Ocean Forest for the past 3 years and always have great yields/results. Might buy some Happy Frog bags next year to mix with the Ocean Forest I used this year.

  • @rozsmith6850
    @rozsmith6850 Рік тому +1

    This summer I used the MG Performance Organic plant food. I yielded more peppers overall than I have ever grown before, just using a pelleted organic plant food.

  • @alexgoico402
    @alexgoico402 Рік тому +9

    Pro mix is fantastic if you’re not going to mix your own but you should mix your own if you’re doing a non-trivial amount of plants. Mel’s mix is fantastic - equal parts compost, coco coir/peat moss, and vermiculite. Better performance and cheaper. What you’re missing from pro mix is some of the amendments - one of the best ones is mycorrhizal fungi added to some of their bag lines.

    • @DeTroiT187
      @DeTroiT187 Рік тому

      My suggestion for pro mix never use it inside. You’ll get fungus Nas from their soil outdoor use. It’s semi OK but you pay for what you get.

    • @alonefungi2559
      @alonefungi2559 Рік тому

      Yes, this is the missing "control arm" in this experiment.

    • @erikahuxley
      @erikahuxley Рік тому

      @@DeTroiT187Funny you mention that because miraclegro is king of fungas gnats. Promix only sell potting mix, they don't sell soil far as I know.
      You have to be aware of how the seller stores your potting mix, if the bags are left outdoor and gets rained on it will much more likely to have fungus gnats.

  • @sonko2010
    @sonko2010 Рік тому +1

    Great vid! Thanks. What kind of grow bags are you using? Can you post a link?

  • @montibrown1408
    @montibrown1408 Рік тому +4

    What size grow bag was used ? What was your water schedule / amount per week per pot and or moisture decision process? You are providing a process of growing peppers with actions that provide results which provides a knowledge base to add to the learning curve of growing peppers . Thank you !
    happy frog over ocean forest

  • @melvinrice9078
    @melvinrice9078 10 місяців тому +5

    I make my own organic soil and😮 i always use promix as my base. Promix also is a great medium for rooting clones and starting seeds so its really my go to for everything. I usually get 100% germination on seeds and when rooting cuttings so it's great in my opinion. Ive also used it with great success running liquid or synthetic fertilizer.

  • @donethos
    @donethos Рік тому +58

    It doesn't surprise me in the yield from Fox Farms products, their organic nutrients being taken up slowly and naturally will not only make for healthier (enriched with vitamins/minerals) peppers, but these soils can be revitalized and reused via soil amendments for your next growing season.😊

    • @alexgrover1456
      @alexgrover1456 Рік тому +4

      Arg! Vitamines have never been shown to be taken up from roots.

    • @snowmiaow
      @snowmiaow Рік тому

      I never had good luck with that indoors, just outdoors.

    • @middle-agedmacdonald2965
      @middle-agedmacdonald2965 Рік тому

      Believe it or not, you can revitalize and reuse any growing medium. Even beach sand can be "revitalized via soil amendments" as you say. (meaning you add perlite/vermiculite/compost/peat/coco/nutrieints/etc. It's not really rocket science, it's just soil biology/composition. Heck, some people can even "revitalize" tap water with NO soil and get great results.

    • @hkschubert9938
      @hkschubert9938 Рік тому +1

      By organic you must mean steer manure. Does it stink?

    • @MeanOldLady
      @MeanOldLady 11 місяців тому

      That's the job of bacteria & fungus to break them down for the plants to take up.@@alexgrover1456

  • @JamesShehan-f7k
    @JamesShehan-f7k 7 місяців тому +1

    6month miracle grow potting soil is hands down the best. I've tried everything over 20yrs

  • @franceshoward7112
    @franceshoward7112 9 місяців тому +2

    yes lots more experiments like this one, they are illuminating

  • @janderson5224
    @janderson5224 Рік тому +3

    Thanks for this video. I've been unhappy with my current potting mix and will be happy to give Happy Frog a try.

  • @kathleen8721
    @kathleen8721 Рік тому +2

    Wow this is so helpful, thank you! What size grow bags did you use?

  • @lindacook8819
    @lindacook8819 10 місяців тому +1

    I have used Pro Mix, Miracle Grow and some generic brands. I sometimes mix them all together when refreshing my containers for the spring, add more perlite, trace minerals, diotamaceous earth

  • @fishstix4209
    @fishstix4209 Рік тому +3

    Happy frog and promix have always been my goto.

  • @StephenFrank9090
    @StephenFrank9090 Рік тому +12

    I always recommend mixing Ocean Forest and Happy Frog in a one bag to one bag mix.

  • @sherrilackey-rn8rg
    @sherrilackey-rn8rg 9 місяців тому +2

    Love the comparison. Helps new gardeners for sure

  • @antMBTC
    @antMBTC Рік тому +2

    Nothing but good things to say about happy frog. Used it the last 2 years and a few problems here and there but I don't think it's the mix. I will say you don't need to fertilize as much with seedlings.

  • @BreedonNoah
    @BreedonNoah Рік тому +1

    Really important thing to consider in this: there's enough variation in the process of mixing these soils that from bag to bag of the same product on the shelf you have extreme variations of nutrients. A lot of people assume the bags are the same but they're very much not.

    • @middle-agedmacdonald2965
      @middle-agedmacdonald2965 Рік тому

      I'd bet most of these bagged mixes have a bunch of city folk's grass and yard clippings in them. It's no big deal, because it's organic, and it breaks down the same as anything else organic, but it does probably have chemical fertilizers and pesticides mixed in it. It's probably not worth thinking about.........but for the prices they are asking, and the fact most people are buying it to grow as "organic" as possible, it seems like a bad investment, UNLESS, you're growing cannabis and selling it to other people. That's Fox Farm's main buyer, pot growers. We all know how much drug dealers care about how safe their product is.....and we all know they're too lazy to figure out how to mix up a "clean" soil. But, results, are results.

  • @elizabethanne72
    @elizabethanne72 Рік тому +2

    What size of grow bags are you using ? Thanks for this video 😊

    • @Ashas.Garden
      @Ashas.Garden Рік тому +1

      I’m scanning the comments for that answer. I hope he answers you.

  • @tiffanyi5645
    @tiffanyi5645 Рік тому +1

    Wow Fox Farm Ocean Forest has been my go-to! sometimes I supplement with orchid mix and perlite to make it suitable for more fussy/sensitive plants…maybe I’ll try Happy Frog next

  • @michaelvillarreal8838
    @michaelvillarreal8838 Рік тому +1

    Live on the west coast so we retail Happy Frog for $13.99 2 cu ft bag. Sells well where I work, I’ve used Ocean Forest and didn’t see a big difference between the 2. Tested soil on same variety of White CBG plants great yield on both plants.

    • @REALTORJL8
      @REALTORJL8 10 місяців тому

      I live in the Bay Area CA. ACE Hardware sells Happy Frog 2 cu for $41.99! We need to be more creative here.

    • @michaelvillarreal8838
      @michaelvillarreal8838 10 місяців тому

      $41.99 crazy

  • @JohnHPixelMD
    @JohnHPixelMD 7 місяців тому

    I've been using Fox Farm's Ocean Forest potting soil for years for peppers and a plethora of other fruits and vegetables and herbs in Central Florida and it's never given me a reason to even consider switching to anything else. I started using it after having spent a few years working with a family friend in his massive indoor and outdoor gardens and he told me he has been using Ocean Farm for years because the nutrient balance in the soil works great for pretty much anything and the soil drains fairly well without needing to add anything to it other then some extra fertilizer and nutrients after your plants eat up what is already present. Although seeing your numbers I kind of want to try out a small garden mirroring my normal garden with Happy Frog instead and see if there is actually a big difference between many different plants.

  • @unknownpker2
    @unknownpker2 Рік тому +3

    When using ocean forest mix in some cocoa and more perlite it comes in too hot sometimes

  • @WillShattuck
    @WillShattuck Рік тому

    I’m just trying to start getting into container gardening. I did not know you could grow peppers like that and grow bags. You have opened my eyes.

    • @Decoder2040
      @Decoder2040 Рік тому

      Premium Potting Mix:
      3 parts Peat, 3 parts Compost, 1 part Perlite
      Outdoor Potting Mix:
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part Compost, 1 part Perlite
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost)
      Heavier Potting Mix (Prevent Tipping):
      1 part Topsoil, 1 part compost, 1 part sand
      Seed Starting Mix:
      1 part Peat, 1 part Screened Compost (⅛")
      (Vermiculite can be substituted for Compost) Optional: ½ part Perlite
      Raised Bed Mix:
      2 parts Topsoil, 1 part sand, 1 part vermiculite
      1 part Compost
      There are 25.71 dry quarts in 1 cubic foot
      If not using compost, transplant 2nd set leaves

    • @pamelaspooner7183
      @pamelaspooner7183 Рік тому

      You can grow in cardboard boxes! Works fine …just get the corrugated cardboard, not thin like beer cartons or Amazon boxes for instance.

  • @rosalindhb
    @rosalindhb Рік тому +2

    I use Fox Farm and Promix. I believe the Promix has coco coir in it. So probably way its holding water. My local Lowe's brand is pretty good too and Gardener Supply store's brand is good, but expensive.

    • @denniskartes1302
      @denniskartes1302 Рік тому +1

      Pro mix is a peat moss based product,with some perlite thrown in there for drainage,and lime to balance ph.

  • @jamiehairstuff783
    @jamiehairstuff783 Рік тому +8

    Fox farm is totally worth it. I have tried both and liked both. I get mine at my local farm store. They have it on sale regularly and at that cost it is only $3 difference from Miracle grow.

  • @amyschmelzer6445
    @amyschmelzer6445 Рік тому +10

    I grow in-ground with plants that I start from seed in potting mix. The last couple years I have used Pro Mix because that’s what was available locally. I haven’t been impressed by the texture of it. Before that I used a brand that sounds French that I would recognize if I saw it. It was better than Pro Mix. After seeing your results, I feel validated in my meh feelings about Pro Mix even though so many people rave about it. I will seek out Happy Frog next time I need to buy more potting mix.

    • @jamess1787
      @jamess1787 Рік тому +2

      Find a mix that works for you and your soil. If you have really sandy native soil: get a denser bagged soil.
      If you have very loamy/dense native soil: get a better draining soil.
      For where I live: I like to use a lot of coco, vermiculite and peat mix. It helps break up the clay-soil that I have.
      I like promix because it's OMRI listed, but trying to use more coco then peat (just expensive and doesn't mix as well when earth is wet)

    • @erikahuxley
      @erikahuxley Рік тому

      Are you adding promix into the ground soil? Promix is a potting mix, not a soil, it is intended to be used in containers and for seeds starting. Furthermore they do not add much extra fertilizer, you have to add your own fertilizer to it, it was designed that way so the grower can control their own nutrient input.

    • @amyschmelzer6445
      @amyschmelzer6445 Рік тому

      @@erikahuxley Like I said in the first sentence, I have used Promix to start seeds

  • @nowaistedspace4946
    @nowaistedspace4946 Рік тому +4

    I've used Pro Mix for 50 years and grows as well as anything out there.
    30 bucks a bale.

  • @nwrkrican
    @nwrkrican Рік тому +2

    Great video and yes we need more like these.

  • @WeNeMoWe
    @WeNeMoWe 5 місяців тому +1

    i think the ocean forest has to be used with big healthy plants. I transplanted smaller plants into it and I also noticed a lot of stress and yellowing which made me sad. I think also I needed to add myco? I’m having a hard time understanding all this

  • @ricksanchez2010
    @ricksanchez2010 Рік тому

    I did this study ten years ago with groups of 8 Dr. Greenthumb/Iranian Auto G-13s in 5 gallon buckets under 2000 watts of 60/40 Sodium Chloride/Metal Halide. Also I included my own soil mix and used a fellow grower to do the work to keep the study from my bias.

  • @alexgrover1456
    @alexgrover1456 Рік тому +3

    Miracle Grow is so hard to hydrate I have moved on from it at work. I have also noticed the fertilizer pellets have been spent and empty.

  • @DavidWilmering
    @DavidWilmering Рік тому +1

    I use the happy frog with homemade compost. I also use it for seed starting after a good screening with a riddle.

  • @HoRRiiBLe1313
    @HoRRiiBLe1313 Рік тому +25

    My experience. Ocean forest is a hot soil. I do a 50/50 blend happy frog(it’s very light on nutrients and mostly good myco) and ocean forest. This gets me a month after transplant. Seedlings always go in straight happy frog. I grow cannabis and they get burnt easily by the ocean forest alone. Learned the hard way. But I love these tests. Great info with real results.

    • @choccolocco
      @choccolocco Рік тому

      I love happy frog, but got a bag of strawberry fields because they were out of frog, and it seems to be very, very good.
      For peppers, of course, but it may be my new favorite.

    • @TheOnlyKontrol
      @TheOnlyKontrol Рік тому +1

      My experience. Ocean forest works just fine from seedling stage and if your having a nutrient burn issue the batch is either real fresh or your watering practices need improvement.

    • @stephbarbershop2518
      @stephbarbershop2518 Рік тому

      Strawberry fields is hot and not great for veg. @@choccolocco

    • @benjamincarvin8031
      @benjamincarvin8031 Рік тому

      Happy frog for veg and ocean forest or strawberry fields for flower

    • @tracyoneill4200
      @tracyoneill4200 Рік тому

      I have 2 autos in ocean forest right now and you're right it is a very hit soil .. I made the mistake of giving nutrients too soon and my girls got way to much nitrogen...next grow I'm gonna do what you do

  • @matthawkins4579
    @matthawkins4579 7 місяців тому

    I am experimenting with potting soil this year. I have 5 different varieties of peppers (Pepperonchini, Habanero, Paprika, King of the North (a bell pepper) and a Serano that I will be using. I will have one plant of each variety growing in 4 different potting mixes.
    The first mix is Miracle-Gro, the second is Promix, third is a diy mix of two parts peat, two parts compost and one part perlite with some slow release fertilizer added. The last mix is the same as the previous but with vermiculite instead of perlite. I may also do a mix using sand instead of the perlite or vermiculite.
    Have to say, I really hope the diy mixes work out as they are so much cheaper.

  • @johncarey5513
    @johncarey5513 Рік тому +3

    I was able to get a 112 litre bale of the Promix Organic at Lowe's for $30 Canadian last year. Usually a bag the size you bought is $12 up here. I've used it for a few years now with good results, but I do fertilize starting about a month after transplant.
    This year I've switched to a soil made by Fafard, and aside from having to add perlite I'm pretty happy. It's also $6 for a 30 litre bag.

    • @NanaPelletier
      @NanaPelletier Рік тому +1

      I had great luck with fafard. I need to go back to my local nursery next spring to get more. .

  • @lynnclendenin2988
    @lynnclendenin2988 10 місяців тому

    Since I am having to have a container garden this year until I can get permission from the HOA to build raised beds. I have used Happy Frog and the organic Miracle Gro. I had peppers and tomatoes in the Miracle Gro until November (they weren’t even planted until July!)

  • @leojagawaga6481
    @leojagawaga6481 6 місяців тому

    Great Video and very informative I Was Hoping to hear about any bug issues on the potting mix if there was any issues or problems

  • @galamonkey
    @galamonkey Рік тому +4

    One thing I’ve done that has worked well is the bags of Earthgro Compost and Manure. They are crazy cheap and they say it is just a soil additive, but I have grown purely in the compost and manure and just throw a slow release fertilizer in at the start and I am having great results with it

    • @ZAPATTUBE
      @ZAPATTUBE Рік тому

      It is cheap because they use human manure. Look at the prices for cow manure.

    • @galamonkey
      @galamonkey Рік тому

      @@ZAPATTUBE Any source for this info? I'm looking around and I don't see anything claiming this.

  • @carolina_girl7795
    @carolina_girl7795 Рік тому +1

    This was very interesting! FoxFarm does sell smaller bags of Happy Frog and Ocean Forest. It’s $9.99 /bag for a 12 quart bag at the nursery where I work. We really like their soil conditioner too

  • @DyesubDave
    @DyesubDave 11 місяців тому

    I've been using Pro-Mix for about the last 10 years or so. When I started using this potting soil it was FANTASTIC. Now it seems to be hit or miss every season. I usually add compost, worm castings and other amendments to it. And I don't necessarily blame the potting soil as I only get afternoon sun which seems to be less every year due to trees growing in around my growing area. Also the weather seems to be inconsistent from season to season. It is one of the easiest for me to get and I can't find Happy Frog locally. If I do find some Happy Frog I'd like to try a mixture with the Pro-mix and see how that works out. Thanks for sharing the test results ... would love to see more vids like this.

  • @spawn1086
    @spawn1086 Рік тому +24

    I'm done with all organic soils! The mites drive me crazy! I started using sterile soil and adding nutrients, no more bugs and my plants do very very well, harvest was good. The ocean mix is tooo strong for most plants it needs to be mixed, the regular happy frog is full of bug eggs! I called the company to talk about their soils, I recommend everyone do so especially for expensive seeds!

    • @PhilLesh69
      @PhilLesh69 11 місяців тому +2

      I found a pdf on some obscure university of Kansas ag extension site for a good general purpose potting mix to start from. Theirs used peat moss, but I prefer coconut coir. It's three simple ingredients. Composted cow manure, peat moss and builder's sand. Some people add vermiculite or perlite, but I think both are messy or troublesome and less environmentally friendly.
      From that base you can grow a lot of stuff, and you can tailor it with all kinds of stuff like egg shells, green sand, epsom salt, coffee grounds, compost, worm castings, coffee grounds, egg shells, chicken p oo, etc.

    • @Drualeaf
      @Drualeaf 10 місяців тому +4

      The mites are harmless. They’re actually beneficial. If you have an overpopulation of mites, then you’re doing something wrong… like, overwatering or overfeeding. Foxfarm ocean Forest isn’t too strong. People have been using that brand to start seedlings for decades now. 😂

    • @Drualeaf
      @Drualeaf 10 місяців тому +3

      You should probably stick to synthetics.

    • @henryknox4511
      @henryknox4511 10 місяців тому +2

      You gotta cook the soil at ~200 for an hour or 2 to kill the eggs. Springtails will survive but they're beneficial.

    • @larryg2705
      @larryg2705 9 місяців тому

      There's several things you could do. You're likely overwatering. Try putting mulch after you plant/sprout. Mites and any other critter are organic. And a part of the decomposition process. I'd actually be worried if organic soil had no bugs in it.

  • @King_of_Stinky
    @King_of_Stinky Рік тому +7

    Perhaps a mix of Fox Farms’ Ocean and Happy Frog will yield a large number of larger fruits? I also heard good stuff from Gaia Green.

  • @foodnwords
    @foodnwords Рік тому +1

    I'm a fox farm ocean forest girlie, but have used foxfarm happy frog here and there.. maybe I will add it more often to my regular rotation!

  • @billierichter1379
    @billierichter1379 10 місяців тому +1

    I'm going to have to get some Happy Frog this year. My husband stopped and got some potting mix for me on his way home from work several years ago, and my seedlings did the best that years that they've ever done. I had completely forgotten that it was this brand until I saw this video. Thanks!

  • @regatta2k
    @regatta2k Рік тому +1

    Excellent work, as always

  • @olafemio
    @olafemio Рік тому +3

    I love a comparative analysis!

  • @79PoisonBreaker
    @79PoisonBreaker Рік тому +1

    I use promix #4 for starts and chicken or turkey pelleted fertilizer at planting 4 per 20 gal pot (filled with recycled potting soil) and side dress at harvest. the pro mix makes great roots for transplants but does need some type of fertilizer .

  • @Omegawerewolfx
    @Omegawerewolfx Рік тому +12

    I use the basic Miracle Grow. Sam's Club blows them out at the end of the season for $4.91 a bag. Just load up on as many as I want.
    For in season use, I use compost and coco coir with mulch on top. Water retention is pretty good and as long as you fertilize on schedule you should get a bazillion peppers and tomatoes.
    After the season, just mix in more compost and leave it.
    I do like the comparisons though. If I ever down sized and only focused on 20 or less pots I would consider the Happy Frog.

  • @daphlavor
    @daphlavor 8 місяців тому

    I always use Miracle Grow moisture control, and it works well, only recently I have begun to use fishnure liquid fertilizer. Both available at my Home Depot.

  • @ShaunaB
    @ShaunaB Рік тому +1

    I've had good luck with Coast of Maine raised bed mix.

  • @KaizenB
    @KaizenB Рік тому +3

    I love your videos. You guys have really helped me learn a lot about growing peppers. You guys provide great content in general as well, thank you for your videos!

    • @PepperGeek
      @PepperGeek  Рік тому

      So nice of you, it’s our pleasure!

  • @brianjohnston4207
    @brianjohnston4207 8 місяців тому

    Ive used the regular Miracle grow for years and i never liked how woody it was and how little moisture it retained.
    I never had great production from peppers planted in it or large plant size and just recently discovered that you have to add fertilizer after the first couple weeks or so.
    I bought a bag of Happy Frog this season with the hopes that it retains moisture alot better than Miracle Grow since I work all day and find it difficult to water multiple times a day.
    From this review im hopeful my peppers will perform alot better than before with some occasional fertilizing.

  • @stevemcnally6471
    @stevemcnally6471 Рік тому +1

    Ive been using fox farm products for a while now and have never been disappointed

  • @voodoorecon8070
    @voodoorecon8070 Рік тому +1

    I grew 24 varieties this year and only 19 germinated enough to pot. Of those 19, 15 lived long enough to fruit. Half of those remaining varieties had some amount of disease. All of my soil was Miracle Grow Potting Mix.

    • @choccolocco
      @choccolocco Рік тому

      Had nothing but bad experience with MG dirt. It’s not that great, it can sometimes burn, and more often than not comes with fungus gnats….

  • @dewkeating
    @dewkeating 9 місяців тому +1

    Tried all of these. HP Pro-Mix BX. Also least amount of damn flies!!

  • @thatcrazyhindu
    @thatcrazyhindu 11 місяців тому

    I never use straight soil when I pot up plants. I also add bone/blood meal and fertilize at the start and middle of the season.
    As a straight experiment this is great, will definitely keep using fox farms soil

  • @kenbirkin7753
    @kenbirkin7753 Рік тому +2

    I had a good year with promix, zone 7 Vancouver Ca , $15/cu ft. chilies in 5 gal cloth bags, in the past i blended peat soils for 16 years, best and biggest co in my area., dont skimp on quality, and a bit of wood compost ( organics) is ok, Fox farm is expensive in Canada

  • @GardenisLife
    @GardenisLife 10 місяців тому

    When doing a side by side, my favorite way to do it, is to take clones off of a plant that are all around the same size, and once rooted, planting them in the different soils, or whatever it is im comparing. But by doing this, you have genetically the same plant in each soil, only being effected by things outside of the plant.
    love the video!

  • @jasonwoody8041
    @jasonwoody8041 7 місяців тому

    Just starting a garden this year. My loval landscape supply yard sells a barnyard loam soil. Top soil, compost, peat, manure. In our flower beds anything you put in there just explodes and grows huge. Wonder how it compares to a potting soil.

  • @choccolocco
    @choccolocco Рік тому +1

    Tried a bag of “strawberry fields” because they were out of happy frog, it may be my new favorite. Also, in my experience, anything from big box stores is junk.

  • @adamschaafsma5839
    @adamschaafsma5839 11 місяців тому +1

    This was great! I am extremely curious if there was any flavor difference. A blind taste test would have been an excellent addition.

  • @dizzyspinner648
    @dizzyspinner648 Рік тому +1

    Since peppers like acid soil, I wonder if any of these soils had a ph in the acid range as many potting soils are closer to neutral from addition of limestone.

  • @bentgenetics8623
    @bentgenetics8623 Рік тому +1

    Great results with black gold potting soil

  • @Eleks_
    @Eleks_ 10 місяців тому

    I make my own potting mix, I use peat moss compost and biochar and it has worked wonders for me.

  • @TheTrumpReaper
    @TheTrumpReaper 7 місяців тому

    I exclusively use Fox Farms Ocean Forest indoors. I have used Happy Frog but it wasn't as good as OF.

  • @Rick-ne9os
    @Rick-ne9os 10 місяців тому +1

    Pro-Mix with Dr. Earth added to it is the best soil to use IMO

  • @bufordteejustice1119
    @bufordteejustice1119 Рік тому

    Nectar for the Gods #4 soil is great. I used ocean forest for a long time, but the Nectar soil is the best. Thanks for sharing.

  • @wranther
    @wranther Рік тому +4

    Both an enjoyable and interesting video comparison Calvin! But then that is typical of the two of you. Perhaps a side competition with your FoxFarm winner with some others able to access the mix, same pepper variety, same container size, and see how location impacts the growth. -Bob...

    • @asc3998
      @asc3998 10 місяців тому

      I'm in Windsor Ontario Canada - right across the border from Detroit MI. I can't find happy frog anywhere.

  • @murdog04
    @murdog04 Рік тому +1

    Fantastic test and review. I have never seen the Happy Frog in my town. Where do you normally pick it up at?

  • @enragedwookie7863
    @enragedwookie7863 Рік тому +1

    Daddy Pete’s farm and sea is an amazing mix available in the SE USA they run a dairy farm and they raise chickens for eggs.

  • @Redline6ix
    @Redline6ix 7 місяців тому

    HAPPY FROG FOR BABY PLANTS, OCEAN FOREST FOR TRANSPLANT TO FINAL HOME!

  • @Zenlatin
    @Zenlatin Рік тому +2

    For the first time, I used Just Natural Organic potting mix and had the best pepper harvest ever. I still freak out thinking of the gallon of hot peppers from the final harvest.