Acceptable growing medium?

Preparing for my first grow of any kind! have done extensive reading/research on It over the past couple of weeks! The more I read, the more 'bumps' I hit lol. To start with, im planning on using pro-mix (organic) 50%, 30% perlite and 20% worm castings. Possibly adding dolomite lime, but my seeds are auto's, so wont be a long cycle from seed to harvest. Can I just blend all together and plant seed, or does the mixture have to 'sit' for a few days/week prior to planting in it? Also, once plant is done, is the mixture good to use again or is it better to start with a new batch of mixture? Thank you! Will have many more questions im sure Great site, a lot of info!!!

Blend all together and go for it

You can reuse the mix but personally I wouldn't your just asking for problems.

Sounds like a good mix to me.

If the dolomite you're adding is in the pellet form it will take several months for it to properly break down in your soil. I think the powdered is recommended.

But yea with a soil mix like that it should be as easy as water and grow.

Yes I read that..not to get the pellet form but rather granulated. If I do get that..should I mix it with the soil from the start or only add it if ph becomes too acidic? Thank you for the replies!

Dolomite lime is a ph buffer ph of 7 it will just neutralise your soil Always add it from the start.

Have fun!

Ok, thanks for that! I actually thought it's added to combat soil acidity (a ph raiser). Will add it from the start in this case, thx! 1 tbs per gallon of soil.

JPSblues said:

Blend all together and go for it

You can reuse the mix but personally I wouldn't your just asking for problems.

Click to expand...

Been usin the same bale of peat (sunshine mix#4) for over 5 years with zero problems or issues

I doubt i'll use mine close to that long! Was also wondering, as my biggest concern would be pests..is there anything I can add to the soil at the start to deter most pests from attacking? its an indoor grow, no other plants or pets in the house. Ive read about Epsom salt and hydrogen peroxide, but not sure of its applications. Also heard that Diatomaceous earth works wonders if put just on top of the soil. Is this available at stores? I see Canadian tire selling it, but its sold as a bed bug insecticide..this doesn't sound like the food-grade one people are using for their plants.