Custom Soilless Mixes

A few years ago, Mr. Al Tapla developed a 2 soilless mixes, Al's Gritty Mix and 5-1-1. To say they work well would be an understatement! Al has contributed regularly to the GardenWeb Forum community, among others, where he has been kind enough to post his recipes and a detail explanation about them. Click here for his full post, on the GardenWeb Forum. Again, I highly recommend checking out his full post!

For annuals, seed starting and other short term potted plants (less than a year), Al recommends:
5-1-1 MIX

5 parts pine bark fines (partially composted fines are best)
1 part sphagnum peat (not reed or sedge peat please)
1-2 parts perlite
garden lime (or gypsum in some cases)
controlled release fertilizer (if preferred)


"For long term (especially woody) plantings and houseplants, I use a superb soil that is extremely durable and structurally sound. The basic mix is equal parts of pine bark, Turface, and crushed granite" (Al Tapla).
GRITTY MIX
1 part uncomposted screened pine or fir bark (1/8-1/4")
1 part screened Turface
1 part crushed Gran-I-Grit (grower size) or #2 cherrystone
1 Tbsp gypsum per gallon of soil
Controlled Release Fertilizer (if desired)

MATERIAL PRICE LIST - other sizes and choices can be found on the order form.

50 Lb - Pro's Choice Clay $12.25

50 Lb - Gran-I-Grit grower size $9.00

50 Lb - generic Grit grower size $3.00

6 ft³ - Perlite super course $36.25

3 ft³ - Peat $10.00

1 ft³ - < ¼" Pine bark fines $3.50

1 ft³ - Gritty Mix* $11.50

1 ft³ - Gritty Mix (generic ingredients)** $7.00

1 ft³ - 5-1-1 Mix^ $4.75


* Equal parts, by volume: Pine bark fines, Gran-I-Grit and Pro's Choice; + 7 Tbsp Gypsum per ft³
** Equal parts, by volume: Pine bark fines, < 3/16" Grit and Pro's Choice; + 7 Tbsp Gypsum per ft³
^ 5 parts Pine bark fines, 1 part course Perlite and 1 part peat per ft³

Prices subject to change without notice, and do not include shipping. Credit card orders are accepted, but subject to a 3.5% surcharge, sorry for the inconvenience.

HERITAGE FRUITS SOILLESS MIX ORDER FORM PDF