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[ONandONandON]

Anyone have experience using soil-less mediums?

..such as 50/50 peatmoss/perlite? also vermiculite?
i prefer to use a simple mix of soils i dig up outside,
but i have some plants that suggest to use soil-less.

so i got the peat and perlite, but it makes me nervous not using any soil..
..where's the nutrients? would it be better to add in 1/3rd soil to the mix?
maybe could little worms live in the soil-less-medium to provide fertilizer?

advice appreciated thanks

[modern]

Generally soil less mediums are recommended for rot prone plants but if you provide well draining and well aerated soilmix it will do just fine. I grow orchids in soil/pine bark mix when most just recommend pure bark or with peatmoss.

Lophophora is another plant lots recommend completely inorganic mix however LOTS of growers use 50/50 or less soil mix. Garden soil and potting soil is the same IMO.

Soil-less mediums are just easier to control and also tend to not have as much pest issues.

EDIT: as far as fertilizer if you are starting from seeds they can go a few weeks without any nutrients. If a normal plant you can just use a light fertilizer 1/4 dose or so every watering. You can also go the route of using a slow release fertilizer mixed into your soilless mix.

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