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David E. Ross · 24-02-2009, 10:22 PM posted to rec.gardens

On 2/24/2009 2:19 PM, David E. Ross wrote:
On 2/24/2009 12:34 PM, wrote:
Zone 7 - darn it's cold here in Maryland

I'm rooting several azalea's and need to transfer them to larger pots..... so
require a good potting mixture. Looking at filling 24 - 1 gallon containers.

The plants will be kept in these pots for another year or two, before
being planted in ground..

Am I better off buying a few bags (scotts) or is mixing this soil something
a gardner should know how to ?? What type of ingredients are necessary ??

I have plenty of composted soil and leaf mold on hand also some top soil
and acid based fertilizer ( there are several other acid based plants in the landscape).
Also might have some peat left over from last season.

See my do-it-yourself potting mix at
http://www.rossde.com/garden/garden_potting_mix.html. However, mixing
this might be more work than can be justified if you are going to plant
the azaleas in the ground.

So, would you buy, or would you make your own? What would be the
best mix if you mixed it yourself.

A thought just occurred to me. I have a border of concrete blocks circling
a tree. These blocks have holes in them..... would it be a good idea to
fill the holes with dirt and keep the plants in them ?? This would be something
that gets watered frequently, gets direct morning sun October to May and gets
shade from June to the October leaf fall. I think the concrete blocks would
wick away excess heat during the summer better than plastic pots would.
(If this is workable.... I have a lot of spare hosta's which would thrive under
those conditions... instead of the azalea's)

What is your climate? Where are you?

Oops! I now see where you are. Some azaleas can take sun; some require
shade. Just be careful about the variety you choose.

I'm concerned that the holes in the blocks might not be large enough for
azaleas, which have extensive surface roots. I have a similar
arrangement around a dwarf tangelo to create a raised bed. I planted
wax-leaf begonias in the holes.

I would also be concerned about azalea roots having trouble competing
with the tree's roots.

--

David E. Ross
http://www.rossde.com/.

Don't ask "Why is there road rage?" Instead, ask
"Why NOT Road Rage?" or "Why Is There No Such
Thing as Fast Enough?"
http://www.rossde.com/roadrage.html