Got them at Charlies GH Supply: a soil tester that measures pH, moisture, light and fertilizer content of the soil. REALLY sexy!! Not terribly pricey (under 40$) and now I don't have to ask/beg/threaten DH to do it for me!!!
AND...the fertilizer dispenser... It hooks up between the faucet and the hose and dispenses the proper amt. of fertilizer with the waterings. You can set it to give the regular amt. of fert (like 1/2 teasp. per gal of water) or way down so that just a teeny bit of fert goes in with the waterings EACH time. No more hauling the sprayer around....and I have a wand at the business end of the hose which I can turn to a mist....
OH...and I found Eleanors VF-11 for the best price I have found AND they sell pumice AND a potting mix all made up practically EXACTLY like mine...FYI.
I think I am in business!!!!
LOL...Carol
My new toys arrived!!!!
What potting mix would that be Carol? I am always, still, and continuously trying to get the mix right.
Kukana....if you go to their website...they have 2 or 3 'grades' of soil mix...I like the fine... It is basically for orchids (works well for hoyas) and they give the ingredients. I think it would work well for your conditions.
I am starting to add Sunshine Mix #4 to my mix...which gives me more organic matter to hold the moisture (and fertilizer). I find the mix I am using is drying out far too quickly!!!
The pumice they use...kindasorta the same volcanic stuff as black lava cinder,...is great for aerating the mix.
Aloha
Thanks Kalola, I will check it out this morning. I have ordered lots of stuff from Charlies! They are great. Seems like my order always arrives quickly!
You will have to let us know how the new mix works out!! More importantly, I am wondering how the multitool works. BTW my new babies are doing awesome!! Thank you!!
Heather
Carol I am looking at their early summer catalog, what orchid bark did you get, was it 7220? I don't see where there stating that it is fine.... I better get my glasses on. O.K. lets see now, oh it just states that it is premuim seedling mix. Oh now wait, is it charlies own orchid mix or aussie gold orchid mix? I'm trying to find the darn watering thing you got to, I need a visual....
Pictures tomorrow.
EZ-Flo automatic Fertilizat ion Syst em is # 6413. Couldn't find their soiless mix in the catalogue...but it is their premium seedling mix. Probably pretty pricey, but you could buy the pumice from them and mix your own. I have changed my mix a bit and instead of using peatmoss I am using Sunshine Mix #4. I like it alot. Holds the moisture better and the pH is 6.5 with no fertilizer added which should bring it down a bit.
Carol