Janice H. asks Annie:
Q How do we get the manufacturer’s to stop adding fertilizer to potting soil and peat moss? I’ve had a problem in the past with the roots of my AV’s being burned from the unknown [at the time] added fertilizer. You and Joyce Stork were so helpful in letting me know that Espoma AV soil had added fertilizer that was not noted in the ingredients list. Recently I went to my local garden center in search of buying plain potting soil along with peat moss and perlite. Much to my disappointment nothing was available without added fertilizer in different forms. I made my quest known to the greenhouse manager, but I was told that that was how the people want to buy their soil. They do not want the added responsiblity to fertilize their plants. My question to the manager was how do people who grow for show handle potting their plants? She had no answer for me and was actually a bit short with me for bringing this up. The solution to my problem was to buy a bag of Scott’s Top Soil. It has added humus, but no fertilizer. And this was a tip from the salesperson. He said his grandmother pots all of her indoor and outdoor pots using top soil. She is then able to fertilize on her own schedule. I don’t mind buying the large bales of potting soil and peat moss at the garden center, but it sure would be nice to be able to have more manageable sized bags to store.
A Janice, this is great question. Unfortunately, we really don’t have much control over how commercial companies package their mixes. The majority of African violet growers do not grow for show, and most people do seem to prefer soil and/or perlite with fertilizer already in it for their houseplants. I can tell you that a number of African violet growers use these types of commercial mixes – usually cut with perlite – very successfully. I am currently using MiracleGro potting mix cut 50/50 with perlite for Rhapsodie Annie, which is growing well in a self-watering pot in natural light in my sunroom.
For my show plants, I use SunGro’s Sunshine Mix #1, which does contain some nutrients, but they are more incidental than anything else. I am a little concerned about the topsoil you purchased as it specifies that it contains organic matter and that it’s not for use in container gardening – so, once again, I checked in with Joyce Stork. Here’s what she said: ” As to helping her find better ingredients to mix her own, I would suggest avoiding the big box stores with untrained staff helping the average person who knows little about chemistry. Instead go to a hydroponics store where the staff is quite prepared to sell to educated discerning growers. Of course, their primary customer grows cannabis, but they have the top of the line soil components and growing supplies.” I hope this helps!
If you have a question about African Violets that you would like answered, you can submit it at Ask Annie!
I have been purchasing my soil from Selective Gardener, Optimara. Although I don’t like that they use styrofoam pellets instead of perlite. I do add add perlite and vermiculite to it 5:4:3. I found Fox farm Ocean forest organic potting soil – I’ve seen it for sale on Amazon.
Laurie – I’m glad you’ve found a mix that’s working for you! (I’m not keen on the styrofoam pellets, either ;-) )
Guess I’ll just have to accept the fact that I won’t be able to mix my own soil as I had previously. I don’t mind using the packaged AV potting soil with the added fertilizer. Now I know that I shouldn’t use a fertilizer when I water. Losing all the violets I had to fertilizer burn has made me skeptical.
Janice – sounds like you had happen what happened to me back in 2012 right before I originally started the podcast – micronutrient toxicity. Less is always more where fertilizer and African violets are concerned. As I mentioned, however, there are a number of very good growers who have embraced the MiracleGro mix, cut with perlite. This is certainly a topic that bears more discussion – I’m very glad you brought it up.
Annie, I had forgotten about your micronutrient toxicity problem, but I think what happened to me was the same as you. Just too much love!! :-) And it comes down to being burned once, twice shy about fertilizers. I was wondering if you use fertilizer when you water the plant that is in the MiracleGro soil. Do you fertilize with the Sunshine mix? Or should I take my soluble fertilizers to Goodwill?
Janice, I do not use fertilizer on the BigBox violet. Strictly water in the reservoir. I do use fertilizer for the plants in the Sunshine mix. I’m interested in exploring a hydroponics store – Joyce is pretty much always right about stuff like this. It’s possible that this will be the way of the future for violet growers who want more control over fertilizer in their potting mix.
In doing further research in looking for potting mixes, I came across the website of Espoma products. I found that they have peat moss, perlite and vermiculite without added fertilizers. I was able to find 8-quart bags of each at a family-owned local garden center. So now I feel confident that I can grow my violets as I once did and follow my own fertilizing schedule. Here’s to happier violets and a much happier me!
Great! See how it goes!
EPSOM SALTS WORKS LIKE FERTILIZER AND KILLS PEST TOO.BAKING SODA KILLS SLUGS AND VINEGAR KILLS WEEDS.
I’m afraid that I’ve had to accept this as well, and it’s most annoying. It seems that they are making alot of products now that are geared to making everything easy, but maybe not necessarily better. Annie, I wondered if you know when you use these pre-fertilized soils just how long the fertilizer lasts for. I’m not sure whether to fertilize after a month or 2 of repotting, or whether there is enough to last for 6 months. In the meantime, I haven’t been fertilizing at all for fear of over-fertilizing.
Judy – MiracleGro states that the fertilizer is good for six months. Each brand should have this information on the bag so you’ll know. Since a standard violet would like to be repotted about every six months, this works pretty well. It’s understandable to be nervous about over-fertilization. Definitely watch your plants and see how they do. They will tell you if they are not happy :-)
Thanks Annie. I checked the bag and unfortunately this brand doesn’t say, but they do have a website so I’ll try contacting them and see what they say. Otherwise, I will look for Miracle Grow or wait and watch and let my plants tell me. Unfortunately I don’t have alot of choice where I live. So glad you’re back!
I typically buy the mix our local society sells. It’s based on the Fisher formula and many successful growers in the area swear by it.
But if I’m running low between meetings, I usually grab a bag of Promix HP. To which I add perlite. It is light enough without, but my growing space can get cold at times so the perlite is added insurance against root rot.
Other members of the club buy promix BX and cut that with perlite. – but that only comes in the big bail and I haven’t got THAT many plants….