dwalstad

Hello Folks,

Here's recent question about potting plants:

"I would like to try growing some of the plants in clay pots (just to make it easier to move them around in fry grow-out tanks). The pots I thought of using are 4" diameter and about 3" tall. They have 3 slits near the bottom for drainage. Since the soil is on the bottom, it may leak out of the pot, so I was thinking of adding a small layer of gravel first (up to the holes), then the soil then gravel cap. Do you think that would be ok, or would it be better to close off the holes completely first?"

You want to keep the soil in the pot as aerobic as you can. Therefore, don't close off the bottom holes. I use a small stone to cover hole and then a thin gravel layer, then the soil, then a thin gravel cover.

Also, I have often had bad results using an organic soil for potting plants. Miracle Grow Organic Choice Potting Mix is wonderful for a tank substrate. But not so good for potted plants. It is too anaerobic for the confined space of a pot. Moreover, it doesn't have the density/weight/CEC to best provide nutrients to plants. Therefore, I now only use my clay garden soil for growing plants in pots. Since I switched to garden soil only for my potted plants, I have consistently had better results.