I'm wondering what other citrus growers use in container or in-ground for soil composition? Cheers, LPN.
Inground, I do not add anything to our sandy soil. I do top with composted cow manure in the spring. In containers, I have seedlings in a variety of mixes--some in CHC mix as per Millet-- some in pine bark chunks and pine leaf litter-- some in pecan shells with a little peat based soil mix and some in an orchid mix with peat based soil mix. So far the pine bark chunks seems to do best. Skeet
Thanks Skeet, I have mainly a sandy (and quite rocky) natural soil. I imagine adding some organic material would help as I doubt there's much nutrient value. I plan on growing these in a large un-heated cold frame to keep the worst of the weather from them. Another enthusiast here has had great success with this method. (note to self) I must pay him a visit. Cheers, LPN (Barrie)
I don't add any organic matter to the soil of my inground plants and since I was told it was not good to mulch citrus (promotes root rot), I have quit putting mulch around the trees. When I add the composted cow manure in the spring, I put it in a ring at the drip line-- at least a foot from the trunk of the tree. I think that does 2 things-- the black color helps warm the soil and the organic matter does provide some N.
Earlier this year I changed to a new mix consisting of indoor potting soil, perlite, and bark nuggets. Time will tell how it will perform in the long run.
Does it matter what kind of pine bark chunks one uses? I have a Meyer lemon that I want to repot in the same pot but with a looser soil mix around it.
Most all types of soft wood pines and other conifer type chips work well in growth mediums to promote aeration and drainage. The main draw back with soft wood chips is that they soon begin to degrade, and in a years time are generally completely decomposed. Woods such as CHC and cedar, when used, last considerably longer. On the other hand, manganese is present in large quantities in the bark of most HARDWOOD tree species. If this excess manganese is not removed by leaching or balanced with iron, tree growth will be poor and toxicity symptoms are very likely to appear. The growth medium use by most all commerical nurseries is a follows: 3 parts of some type of wood chip, 1 part sphagnum peat moss, and one part COARSE sand. - Millet
