Older Mel's Mix drying out quicker?

conradcpt 8/9/2011, 6:39 am

Hi,

I started my second box about 3 months after the first, and I've noticed that my first box's Mel's mix is drying out quicker than the second. In other words its like it doesn't hold it's water like it should.

The first box cracked almost all around so I'm wondering if the wind coming in there is not having a impact? Anyone experience this?

Also, my second box has a much better layer of wood bark (mulch) on, does this really make such a big difference?

I bought the first mix's ingredients from a different nursery than the second, so I just want to make sure there's not something wrong with it before planting again after the current season is over.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Tril 8/9/2011, 6:44 am

My guess would be the difference in mulch. And yes, it really does make a difference in water retention. It also keeps the mix cool.

BackyardBirdGardner 8/9/2011, 9:36 am

Yes, mulching makes a HUGE difference. If you are in a windy climate at all, you should be mulching on top of your MM. Even moisture distribution is beneficial to so many plants we grow.

However, another factor in the MM drying out faster could be lack of compost. Compost also helps hold moisture in the soil. The compost, peat moss, and vermiculite kind of all work together.

conradcpt 8/9/2011, 10:35 am

Thank you both for the reply.

We have been having quite a lot of wind the last few weeks so I guess that made a big difference. I am planning on putting the same mulch in the first box as the second as soon as I plant new veggies.

I doubt that compost is to blame as I've been having a great harvest.

Thanks again!

Sponsored content

Older Mel's Mix drying out quicker?

Older Mel's Mix drying out quicker?

Re: Older Mel's Mix drying out quicker?

Re: Older Mel's Mix drying out quicker?

Re: Older Mel's Mix drying out quicker?

Re: Older Mel's Mix drying out quicker?


	Hello Guest! Welcome to the official Square Foot Gardening Forum. There's lots to learn here by reading as a guest. However, if you become a member (it's free, ad free and spam-free) you'll have access to our large vermiculite databases, our seed exchange spreadsheets, Mel's Mix calculator, and many more members' pictures in the Gallery. Enjoy.