Mixing peat moss, perlite, and redworm castings (ratio suggestions?)

Bought the castings at a local farm and their website says to mix 1 part castings to 4 parts soil.

Since I'm mixing my own soil does that mean 1 part castings to 4 parts peat moss? then add perlite after?

Or should i mix the peat and perlite 50/50 and mix in the castings 1 part per 4 parts peat/perlite?

Also the castings are very rich (in a good way) but can make the soil hard to drain and causes most the perlite to float.

I will eventually start using teas when needed but i want the soil to be decently rich but still drain good. I know i could just use teas the whole way with a soiless mix but I'd really rather not honestly.

Any suggestions are appreciated!!!:)
 

SpicySativa

Well-Known Member
I use 1 part peat moss, 1 part worm castings (or compost, or a mix of both), and 1 part perlite (or pumice).

Others use 2 parts peat, 1 part castings, one part perlite.

Either mix will work well.

In addition to whatever NPK sources you may be adding to the soil, you're going to want some sort of lime or other calcium carbonate source in there to balance out the acidity of the peat moss. A TBSP or two of dolomite lime per gallon of finished mix is an easy route, but it would be even better if that TBSP or two per gallon was composed of a mix of dolomite lime, oyster shell flour, and perhaps gypsum.
 
Sorry forgot to mention ive got the lime covered:) That sounds good i ended up making a test pile out of 3 parts peat, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part castings. I planted some tomatoes in that mix and they seem to like it but then again the perlite floats alot. not sure if my castings are a little richer then most peoples but it seems like 1 part of each doesnt drain well. Thats why i had 3,2,1 but maybe i just worry to much
 

Abiqua

Well-Known Member
Pumice, Lava Rock and rice hulls can be alternatives for Perlite too.

Or even the chunky diatomaceous earth found at Napa Auto Parts as their Oil Dri.
 
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