2102 - growing media for use in containers Flashcards
1
Q
All growing media for containers growing should be…
A
- Free draining
- Well aerated
- Moisture retentive
- Free of Pests and Disease
- uniform
- suitable texture, structure and volume
- suitable pH
2
Q
Considerations for growing in containers…
A
- restricted root volume
- water retention and supply
- drainage
- nutrient
- sterility
- weight/density
3
Q
Garden Soil is not suitable because…
A
- may contain weed seeds
- is not sterile, may contain pest and disease
- poor drainage and aeration
- variable in quality
- heavy, transporting pots difficult
4
Q
Benefits of growing media over soil
A
- Can be made to specification, repeatable characteristics as required for crop
- Can be easily adjusted as needed, water retaining granules, fertilisers
- Weed and P&D free
- known pH and nutrient status
5
Q
Qualities for growing media (in containers) cont..
A
- Free Draining
- Well aerated
- Moisture Rententive
- Free of P&D (partially sterile)
- wetting/rewetting characteristics (coir)
- nutrient and pH levels
- CEC / nutrient buffering capacity
- salinity (nutrients not just salt)
- rooting stability/penetration/ media density
- Longevity (will it rot/change over time)
6
Q
Type of uses of growing media
A
- Cuttings
- Seeds compost (John Innes 1)
- Seedlings / growing on (John Innes 2)
- seasonal container stock
- long term planting (trees/shrubs)
Specialist…
- Alpines
- Cacti / Succulents
- Ericaceous
- Roof Terrace (lightweight)
- Hanging Baskets (high perfornance/water retention)
- hydroponics (rockwool)
7
Q
Other Growing Media - Perlite
A
Inorganic, produced material
- inert, light and sterile
- used to increase air-filled porosity
- improve drainage
- non-renewable
- very energy intensive production
- little CEC
8
Q
Other Growing Media - Vermiculite
A
Inorganic, produced material
- light and Sterile (not inert)
- used to increase air porosity
- improve drainage
- good CEC
- good water holding capacity
- non-renewable
- very energy intensive production
- high pH
- not long lasting
9
Q
Other Growing Media - Coir
A
- coconut husk fibre, waste product but high transport distance (Sri Lanka)
- lightweight, pleasant to handle
- High Water holding capacity
- good porosity and air content
- does not hold onto nutrient well
- inconsistent wetting/rewetting
- potential for overwatering
- long distance transport negates environmental benefit
10
Q
Other Growing Media - Ericaceous compost
A
Only suitable for Calcifuge plants in pots or containers to prevent lime induced chlorosis.
11
Q
Other Growing Media - Multipurpose compost
A
used exclusively in domestic gardening, can be peat-free
- wide range of uses, seeds, cutting, potting
- low in nutrients so will need feeding
12
Q
Other Growing Media - Peat
A
decomposed mosses which have built up over hundred of years.
- very good water holding capactiy
- minimal nutrient
- well aerated
- naturally sterile
- terrible environmental impact
- very acidic pH 4
- difficult to re-wet when dry
13
Q
Growing in Containers considerations…
A
- Providing sufficient nutrients in a small amount of water without scorching the roots.
- Meeting the plants water needs while maintaining good gaseous exchange
