Growing Media
The medium
by which plants grow is called the “growing medium”. Hundreds of various
ingredients are used in varying combinations to create homemade or commercial
growing media. Evaluating the functions of growing media, we can
conclude the qualities of individual types and select which ones might work
best for respective plant .
The
choice is very important because your plants are dependent on a relatively
small volume of growing medium. their
sovereigns growing in garden soil,
containerized plant roots cannot grow around obstacles or mine the soil far and
wide for nutrients and water.
- Growing
medium has three main functions- 1) supply roots with nutrients, air, and
water, 2) allow for maximum root growth, and 3) physically support the
plant.
- Roots
grow in the spaces between individual particles of soil. Air and
water also travel through these pore spaces. Water is the medium
that carries nutrients that plants need to fuel their growth, and air is
needed for root growth and the health of soil microorganisms that help
supply plants with nutrients.
- Irrigation
water moves through the pore spaces, pushing out the air. If excess
water cannot drain away, fresh air cannot enter and roots will
suffocate.
- Select
light and fluffy growing media for good aeration and root growth.
Qualities of Different Types of Growing Media
- Garden Soil— never use this
by itself for container gardens. Soils hold water and nutrients very well
and can drown roots growing in a container. Diseases and weed seeds
can also be a problem. And soil is heavy which is an advantage if
you are trying to anchor top-heavy plants and pots, but a disadvantage if
you want to move pots.
- Commercial Soil-Less Mixes— these are an
excellent choice for containers. They are lightweight, drain well,
hold water and nutrients, and are generally free of weeds, insects, and
diseases. They have a pH of about 6.2 and are typically comprised of
sphagnum peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and small amounts of lime and fertilizer.
- Other Types of Commercial Mixes— are advertised
as “top soil”, “planting soil”, “planting mix”, or “potting soil”.
They vary a great deal in composition and quality. Avoid mixes that
contain sedge peat, feel heavy or course, have very fine particles, or
appear clumped.
- Sharp Sand— use only coarse
builder sand/purosil, not play sand. Purosil increases porosity because of the large
particles. It is relatively inexpensive and heavy.
- Bark Fines and Wood Mulch— these are high
in carbon and low in nutrients and not recommended for container
vegetables.
List Of Growing Media supplied by POWERCLAY
1.
Litagg / AgriLeca –Expanded clay aggregates /
Pellets
2.
Hydrotone- light clay balls
3.
Pumice stone –porrous rock
4.
Perlite – Expanded Perlite
5.
Porroc – Porrous clay beads
6.
Vermiculite –expanded vermiculite
7.
Purosil – Light Clay Flakes
