Tuesday, January 31, 2012

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





Saturday, January 28, 2012

New USDA Zone Map

Here is a link to the newest interactive USDA Zone Map I was a zone 5a, now I am a 6a!

Friday, January 27, 2012

How to root cuttings in a plastic bag.

Here is a great website on how to root cuttings in plastic bags: Rooting fig cuttings Clicking on the link will open a new browser window.

If anyone is interested in buying the 1.9"D x 8" plastic bags have them in stock. $.10 each; or, you can buy them filled with Pro-Mix BX for $.30 each. Prices don not include USPS shipping.

Pro-Mix BX is a soil-less mix that contains:
 • Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss (75-85 % / vol.)
• Perlite — horticultural grade
• Vermiculite
• Dolomitic & Calcitic Limestone
(pH adjuster)
• Macronutrients
• Micronutrients
• Wetting Agent

It's my favorite growing medium!

Watchdog Website Listing

Heritage Fruits is now listed on Dave's Garden Watchdog website! Please leave me feedback after you make a purchase, thanks!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Buying a tree

I was recently asked will I sell the trees and bushes. Of course! Price depends on the size, variety, container, age(of the plant not the person), etc...

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Classroom and school rentals

Teachers, are you interested in renting a plant for your classroom, or one for every student? What a great opportunity to show students where the food comes from! I have smaller plants that would be perfect for students. I'll rent them to you at a BIG discount!

Custom Containers

If you want a custom wood container built, to match your existing architecture, I am happy to do so. Mahogany, cedar, red wood and painted wood are all options. Extra fees will apply to to the rental prices.

How to rent

If you are interested in renting, please let me know! You will need to sign a rental agreement, which I'll email. I take all major credit cards and personal checks, CC are preferred, they protect you and me. If you live in Boston, I would be happy to meet with you in person to answer questions and take your payment. Please, DO NOT email me any credit card information! Cheers - John

Monday, January 23, 2012

Blog listing

I'm listing my blog on Technorati! Please spread the word...
AFXNG4B4NSS6

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Did you know?


An average tree absorbs 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year!
That’s the amount of carbon dioxide your car emits if you drive it 11,000 miles
per year!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Available for Rent

Available for rent!
All plants come in a decorative container and prices include delivery to Boston, MA. Prices are for 5-6 month rental agreement. Please contact me for terms and conditions. Thanks!

Apricot Trees   $11.99 per month
Blueberries   $6.99 per month
Figs Trees   $9.99 per month
Grape Vines   $6.99 per month
Nectarine Trees   $9.99 per month
Peach Trees   $9.99 per month
Pear Trees   $11.99 per month
Persimmon Trees   $14.99 per month
Plum Trees   $9.99 per month
Pomegranate Trees   $11.99 per month

Availability is always changing, other sizes may be available.





Saturday, January 14, 2012

Rent a Fruit Tree!

In the next week or two, I'll be posting information on how to RENT a potted fruit tree or bush. If you like fresh FIGS, BLUEBERRIES, POMEGRANATES and more, but never thought you could grow them in New England or didn't have the space, be sure to check back for the full scoop. All you need is a sunny room, deck or  patio; basically, any space as long as it is sunny. After the plant is done producing fruit, send it back!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Thanks for checking out the blog! Please be patient while it is updated, the "Helpful Links" page is live.