I have a request from a member of one of my violet clubs. She has used this mix for years and is now using the last of her bags and asked for my help in finding some more for her.
AVSA thinks Volkmann Bros are out of business now. Apparantly there is a post here on Daves from someone that ordered from the Volkmann bros in Jun, never received her order and cannot contact them...their website is still up... When she contacted AVSA to find out about the company, she was told they had other complaints about them also.
If anyone has some Volkmanns Bros wicking soil mix that they would want to sell or knows where our club can purchase some, please let me know.
Thanks so much! tish
Volkmanns wicking soil
Goodness just google Volkmann Brothers. You will find they have a very large concern in Texas. Maybe you can ask them where you can get their products locally.
They are out of business.
Tish,
This site lists it.
http://www.teasnursery.com/page6.html
Thanks Lynn but they too are out of business - unless the web site is active and they just aren't selling right now. I didn't think to try and send an email to see if I get a response thou...I'll try that. thanks for trying. I really do appreciate it!
tish
Tish,
There are a lot of websites that still list it,but I guess the only way to really find out if they actually have it is to email them.I would check with your large local nurseries and see if they have access to it.They will usually throw a few extra bags on the truck and not even charge you shipping.
Lynn
Don't think it will do you any good to call--they sold the business. http://www.teasnursery.com/abouteas.HTM
Is this the same Tea who sells AV's on ebay? And is also a Brat Pack member?
I was also wondering if it was the same "Tea" .
So far everywhere I have tried to contact has been has been unsuccessful. Also anyone who has any extra bags will want to keep them - can't blame them for that. I guess the lady in my club will just have to see if she can find something else that will work as well for her - shes always used this and never used anything else. I've used pretty much any potting soil mix (right now I'm trying the professional faffard, its a big bag of what the nursery had left and I was thinking if it is so great why is it not sold out too, ha) and added the perlite & vermiculite - its just getting the right amount of perlite for wicking Personally I never could wick plants with Volkmanns but it was really great for starting leaves..worked the best of any medium I tried. I'm gonna miss the soil for that!
Thanks everyone for helping! tish
Tish--I would like to know how the faffard soil works--their company is located near here so it is easily available, and I have wondered. Never had the opportunity to test it though since I found this out about a year ago. My AV collection is diminished now and small d/t life events, but that will change in the future.
This message was edited Aug 12, 2010 8:26 AM
I also have used faffard, i have no problem with it also. like it fine.
bonnie
Farfard makes a lot of different mixes.Which ones has everyone used?
Oh that's the one I bought 2 weeks ago and started using it. No problem so far, as I had with MG. So It's a keeper, as i can easily get this. I bought their AV soil and added perlite. Helene
Very aprehensive about going on Vacation up North for a whole month. Everything is looking soooo good. some are growing slow, but looking good.
Will have woman come in to water, but, everything is in such an unestablished situation..different sizes. Will see. Please cross your fingers and toes for me. Helene
I am no longer able to cross my toes, but I will cross my fingers for you--LOL! Per haps other's will sharre their vacation violet methods with you--have fun!
Where up north are you heading?
DD lives in Tewksbury, NJ, near Pa border. Lovely home,central AC so quite comf., pond waterways throughout the property, serene. all houses here 5, 10, 15 acres, Horse country and that is the zoning there.
It's OK. dealing with a spoiled DH, D Boxer (huge). Other DD coming as well. so all in all quite nice.I am Just old and crochety - like my nest - and am now finishing it (nest that is) with AV and gessies. However it is hot here, and change is always good.
When I come back, if anything is still alive - lost over 2000 bbig and small, at one time-- i'll have some stuff to share. helene
we will keep our fingers crossed for you, you should go & enjoy your family, sounds wonderful.If you lose plants will just send you more,lol
bonnie
Thanks mrs.Bonnie --- Helene
Have a wonderful trip Helene!!
I have used Farfard 3B,the all purpose carried by our nursery,and added perlite and a little vermiculite.The reason for my question is I sometimes wonder if the pinebark in the mix is good for Gessies.
Helene,if you cut up a cheap blanket,all synthetic,and line trays with it,you could teach your plantsitters to just pour enough water in the trays to make the blanket glisten and then add water when it is dry.This should work for a month.It sometimes helps if you have strings in the pots to help the plants suck up water.This is the same as growing on capillary matting.
Lynn
The other Fafard I used just said Professional potting mix. It was in a fushia color on the bag .. (not pink...the pink has moisture/fertilizer - stay away!). I liked it and the plants did pretty good...I added perlite and some vermiculite.
They were out of that one, so I bought a blue bag says Fafard 3B. It is a little bit finer mix, still adding perlite and some vermiculite. Hope I'm going to like it as well.
I think the best thing for vacation is try your best to explain to the person who waters that less is better. ( People ALL know violets like lots of water ...where this comes from is anyones guess...I guess they think the plants died because they didn't get enough water? ha.) I told my kids...just a "little sip" because that would last them until I got home, but I wasn't gone a month. Once I was gone for 3 weeks.., I put my favorites in large almost clear plastic bins and set the lid on slightly off the top...this kept them humid enough so as not to dry out...no one was there to water them. The wicking blanket idea is good. I have some of my plants like that, when I pot them up I put perlite in the bottom of the pot so they will not sit in water. Less water is better...stress that. AND good luck! We can always help you out with some more if the worst happens!
Have a great time. Sounds like a wonderful month!
tish
Ladies - how nice that you care - the problem is that I have so many starters. Anna, lillypad and mrs bonnie, were contributors, + leaves from some Opti's.
So every size imaginable. But Pam - the sitter loves plants and for $$$ I am sure she'll stop in just fine. Can't worry too much. When I come back i'll get 12 leaves From Hancock "Buckeye" series for subs. to AVSA Mag. So there we go more stuffanother thing to look orward to. My best Helene
I lie well, I am worried.. helene
I usually order Volkmann's. I will call them and see but that would be a terrible thing if it was out of business. The best I have found.
This message was edited Aug 13, 2010 7:28 PM