Oh look, another soil thread...

[Redwood Ryan]

Or, you could buy a bag of the pine bark and compost it yourself. Start it now in a bag/barrel/box in the sun, water and turn it periodically, leave it out over winter and by spring you should be ready to go. Add a little superphosphate, or some other garden fertilizer, if you like.

Had no idea it was that simple, thanks Jim, I'll have to give that a try.

I did find that a nursery somewhat local to me sells Happy Frog soil, so I picked up a bag. I may not even screen this stuff, just take a small amount and mix it into the soil:

 

[jkd2572]

Here is what the composted pine bark I use looks like.

 

[jkd2572]

I have not seen lowes version, but for $2.54 you can have it mailed to you. Probably minor shipping cost.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_309048-29629-13203_0__?productId=3426574





Sorry I just tried to have it mailed To me. It's store pick up only..........might want to check your lowes. You can see if your store stocks online by picking your store on their website.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I have not seen lowes version, but for $2.54 you can have it mailed to you. Probably minor shipping cost.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_309048-29629-13203_0__?productId=3426574

I wish, but it's unavailable for that.

 

[jkd2572]

Sorry I just tried to have it mailed To me. It's store pick up only..........might want to check your lowes. You can see if your store stocks online by picking your store on their website.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Sorry I just tried to have it mailed To me. It's store pick up only..........might want to check your lowes. You can see if your store stocks online by picking your store on their website.

Nope, they don't

 

[jkd2572]

My offer still stands. I will mail you a 1.5 cubic yard bag to your house if you want. I have no idea what shipping and box would cost, but I can get it done. You could just mail me a check when I get it mailed.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

My offer still stands. I will mail you a 1.5 cubic yard bag to your house if you want. I have no idea what shipping and box would cost, but I can get it done. You could just mail me a check when I get it mailed.

Sounds good, but I'll see how the Happy Frog mixture does first

 

[Poink88]

Sounds good, but I'll see how the Happy Frog mixture does first

FWIW, I've read good reviews about Happy Frog being added to bonsai soil.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

FWIW, I've read good reviews about Happy Frog being added to bonsai soil.

I have too, which is why I bought it. It's supposedly great houseplant soil and is full of nutrients and all that, and there are some big words on the bag so that MUST mean it's good stuff

 

[coh]

I have too, which is why I bought it. It's supposedly great houseplant soil and is full of nutrients and all that, and there are some big words on the bag so that MUST mean it's good stuff

Did it also help win world war 2?

Regarding shipping...you (referring to jkd) could use one of the flat rate boxes from the post office. I've had pumice shipped to me that way and it seems to be pretty reasonable. I don't know what sizes are available, though.

Chris

 

[jkd2572]

I would just take the bag to the ups store and have them build me a box. Probably pretty cheap.
Ryan pm me your address and I will send for free the first time. I'm curious as to the cost. I will call it payback for you teaching me about ficus.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I would just take the bag to the ups store and have them build me a box. Probably pretty cheap.
Ryan pm me your address and I will send for free the first time. I'm curious as to the cost. I will call it payback for you teaching me about ficus.

LOL that makes me feel guilty then

 

[jkd2572]

Seriously. It's a gift for you posting all the ficus info that I have learned a lot from. You only get one free gift. Next time I will charge you what ever it cost.

 

[jkd2572]

Got your pm. I will get it sent.

 

[coh]

Please let us (or me, don't know if anyone else is interested) know how much it costs to ship that way, I'd like to compare it to the flat rate box approach.

Chris

 

[jkd2572]

I don't think they have a flat rate box that big. I will report back.

 

[jkd2572]

40lb 2 cubic yard bag of 100% composted pine bark. $10.81 "enough to last Ryan 3 years"
12x16x14 box that ups store built $6.10
Slowest shipping to Gainesville via UPS to arrive this Friday. $55.45.


Getting Ryan some good dirt.......Priceless.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

View attachment 39953

40lb 2 cubic yard bag of 100% composted pine bark. $10.81 "enough to last Ryan 3 years"
12x16x14 box that ups store built $6.10
Slowest shipping to Gainesville via UPS to arrive this Friday. $55.45.


Getting Ryan some good dirt.......Priceless.

WOW that's ridiculous! I definitely owe you now...

 

[jkd2572]

I used to buy all of my soil premade from Brussels bonsai and have it sent to me. The last year I did this I spent almost $300 on soil. Thank god I figured out how to make it myself. I make the same amount now for about $30 a year.