I've got more ideas & things to share as soon as I'm able to access my shop/growroom as I recently had a bout with gangrene resulting in the loss of my right foot & lower leg so for right now I'm limited in mobility but am expecting my prosthetic limb the first week of october all of my threads are behind as well as my journal in which this information is already covered I want to take a minute to thank everyone for their input so far
Have you found a way to inhibit that gangrene? I have a family member(in law) that has been having some issues with it over the last few years. I think diet and exercise had a big impact for him, but genetics plays its role and he took some supplements with it so who knows.
I hope everyone keeps posting good tips, this thread got my interest for sure. Thanks for starting this herk.
My experience isnt much with shirleys and rather generic but I try to buy in large quantities if they are inert and wont spoil or attract pests I might have some bulk sitting for a years before I buy more. And look for deals/coupons to couple, some stores put out hearty coupons locally for me. Usually order online but some things end up cheaper locally. That would depend on your specific market. There are lots of products on Amazon where you basicslly get fucked for the convenience of it and could save that dough ordering through a true vendor.
I also try to mix my own version of soils, sprays, feedings/ferts, and now ipms(from recommendations here).
3cuft of peat moss is like $8-$10 at the big box stores. Local native mulch tends to be cheap and breaks down slowly to provide some nutes.
I have a compost pile that is the best single cheapest investment I made for my plants. Great for soil, fertilizing teas, and top dressing, its relatively sustainable though I do add my rock dust mix in there everything else is free and would be of waste otherwise.
Yes, and replenish with azomite, ewc, alfalfa and kelp meal. You're good to grow.....organically!!
So my opinion is against the big azomite hype train. From what little I know about azomite has some of the highest amounts of lead, arsenic and other heavy metals, its not really sustainable, and its fahcking expensive holy shit.
With some of the lowest testing in those same metals for my cheap rock dust and making ions available I use a combo of oyster shell flour, green sand, garden gypsum, food grade de(this isnt cheap for what you get but has dual purpose on insects), and ag lime(~12%mg). I use basalt dust sometimes which is also cheaper and lower in the toxic metals.
Word to the wise, many alfalfa farmers spray herbicides on their crops which I'd be hesitant to use for growing anything with.
