Question about Dolemite Lime

After searching for something similar to what EB sends out, I came across this at my local nursery. I picked up a box of this...

http://www.ebstone.org/11_agricultural_lime.php

I know it's the right stuff but it isn't pulverized or powder like what EB sends out. It's more like small pellets. Should I put them in a bag and take a hammer to it? Or does it even matter?

I'm sure most have received an email from EB saying what mixes are good to use in their boxes. I was so happy to see E.B. Stone Edna's Potting Soil(West Coast) on the list because I have many bags of it and it's carried everywhere here. I will say this though, it sure isn't light and fluffy as Coir or EB's mix.

Just realized, E.B. Stone shouldn't be confused with EB(Earthbox). Didn't want to confuse anybody with all the E's and B's in that last paragraph.

Here's the list they sent out on the Feb 25....Thought it might help some of us....

* Miracle-gro Potting Soil
* Miracle gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
* Miracle-gro Organic Mix
* Pro-mix BX
* Pro-mix numerous other formulas
* Jungle-Growth
* Fertilome
* ASB Potting Mix
* Eko Potting Mix
* Sun-Grow Metro Mix 360
* Sun-Grow, numerous other formulas
* Baccto Professional Potting Mix
* Baccto Lite Premium Potting Soil
* EB Stone Edna's Potting Soil (west coast)
* EB Stone Flower & Vegetable Planting mix
* Kellogg's Gardener & Bloom Blue Ribbon Blend Potting Soil (west coast)
* Kellogg's Champions Blend Potting Soil (west coast)

Ray --- The lime you purchased is excellent! Dolomite is pelletized and is used as such as it will break down slower and that is what you want. I used to use Jungle Growth which is great for EBs meaning the original earthbox. HEBs is the expression we use to define home made earthboxes which some are successful and some are not. Personally I prefer to stay with a proven product which is the original EB. I love them. However since last year I have changed my mix from JG to coco coir from "instagarden" which is superior and far easier to work with as it comes in a ten pound small bale and you re-hydrate it with water. One bale fills one and a half EBs. My veggies and roses just do so well in it that I am converting all to the coir. Try it as you will not be disappointed. Let me know if I can help you with any details?

Thanks Tplant! Glad I got the right stuff, especially glad I don't have to pound it down to powder.

Recently, I was given enough coir to try for one box. I love the feel of it. When it's all said and done, I'm gonna try to have 2 boxes of the coir, 5 with the original EB mix, 2 with Miracle Grow potting mix and 2 with E.B. Stone Edna's Potting Soil and see which is best for me.

Yeah, I was gonna go the HEB route but after seeing my buddy's unsuccessful attempt last year, I decided to spend the dough and just buy some EB's.

I've been reading this forum for quite awhile now(just don't post that much) and I thank you all for the info I have learned.

BTW, I've searched and searched for the right fertilizer for growing corn in an EB. I think it was you(or Bob) that had success growing it with 15-30-15 fertilizer. I can't find it anywhere. I found water soluble and timed release, which isn't the right stuff. Could you provide any info where to get such stuff? I would be much appreciative.

Ray --If you have a Lowes in your driving distance they have it in 5 lb and 40 lb bags . I believe it's called Bloom Booster or Super Bloom and it comes in a very colorful bag. In my opinion you did the right thing by buying the original EB as you are guaranteed to be successful. Also you will find the coir to be far superior just don't forget to add a half cup of Epsom salt to each EB when you use the coir. Actually you can use it in everything. I use corn starch and epsom salts in my roses and they do great also. They are in 20" plastic containers. Oh! Buy the Epsom salts in the supermarket as it is a lot cheaper.

Why epsom salts, Tplant?

I was told by an old timer a long time ago to use a half cup of epsom salts in my plantings because it contains mineral not normally available in fertilizers not even BocaBobs so that is also the reason he suggests using it but don't buy it at the garden store but at the grocery store as it is far less expensive there.

I know people use to use it for blooms. Maybe it helps food crops to blossem?

Yup, have a Lowe's pretty close by. Thank you very much. I tried my first home grown corn(from a friend) for the first time last year and I became addicted to it. It was so good. He shipped me about 20 ears of Ambrosia corn and all were gone in 3 days. I never liked corn before that. I'm a changed man from that day forward. From that point I vowed to try and grow some in an EB or 2.

I bought some Epsom salt last year(plenty left) cuz I had a yellowing tomato plant. I was told to add it next time I watered and it would green the plant up pretty good. It did the trick. Never knew people used it on a regular basis. Thought it was only needed when plants get a little yellow near the bottom. Thanks for the tip.

Ray: For corn you use Color burst flowering plant food, it's 15-30-15, it's found at Lowes and is only about $4 a bag, it's a really colorful bag, you will find it out where the plants are.

TPlant: If we are using an EB, coconut coir and granular fertilizer (not Bob's), do we still have to use the 1/2 cup of epsom salt?
joy

It couldn't hurt as I use it for my roses?

TPlant: I read somewhere that too much epsom salt will stifle the calcium intake for the toms though, that is why I'm concerned. I and my nephew finished weeding all the canna lily beds, that boy is the greatest, he is so meticulous about weeding and gets every last little one, worth 3 men twice his size. LOL

I plucked out all the dead toms and replaced them all with chocolate cherry ones and vilmas and romas. Tomorrow, my lettuce, spinach and cabbage goes out in the EBs and I'm planting 30 of the 50 cukes in a hanging basket (bloommaster), and the other 20 in an EB. That will clear the way for my pepper seeds from Park's when they get in, they are going right into Bob's coconut coir starting kit.

joy

Can you use ES to green up a lawn? Curious.

Gymgirl: I heard beer is good for the lawn.
joy

Is that recycled beer,LOL

LOLOL Tubby, no, it isn't, darn it! And I have the dead grass by the back door steps to prove it! (hubby, NOT me!)

Joy -- As I have stated before, I only use epsom salts with the Bob's coco coir and for my roses. I imagine it could be used with any plant in small amounts like a half cup per pot.

KarenI don't mean to point fingers..BUT with dog's it is the female that kills the grass ..LOL
That's okay you can blame hubby..We believe you.(chucle..chucle)

TPlant: I spoke with Bob and you are right and here is what I'm planning on doing. I'm going to add epsom salt to the fertilizer strip, 1/2 cup in the EBs and HEBs, or I could do a test run and add epsom salts to the fertilizer strip on half and then add epsom salts the way I do my dolomite lime. I do use epsom salts with my flowers; but, never knew why I was adding it, I was told that it made thicker stems, my cannas, some of them, were getting tall but had thin stems so I added epsom salts. I'm going to be adding epsom salts at 2 Tbsp around each canna this Spring.
It's so good to see you posting again.

I will look up the beer thing later on and see what the recipe all includes for pouring on the lawn.
joy