Evaluation of low-cost potting mixes for bedding plants and vegetable seedlings

Abstract

Low-cost potting mixes containing sawdust, Nitrolime, and Floranid were evaluated as possible growing media for bedding plants and vegetable seedlings. Plants of all varieties grown in peat/sand media consistently performed better than those grown in peat/sand/sawdust. Nitrogen immobilisation in the sawdust-based medium was probably the reason for the reduced growth. The peat/sand/Osmocote combination was significantly better than any other medium/fertiliser combination for lettuce, polyanthus, and silverbeet (dry weight). The peat/sand/sawdust/Osmocote combination, although producing less foliage growth than the former, promoted more foliage growth than the other medium/fertiliser combination for lettuce, cabbage, and silverbeet (visual rating) and for lettuce, polyanthus, and silverbeet (dry weight). Plants grown with Osmocote (14:6:12) consistently outperformed those grown with the other two fertilisers. © 1980 Taylor & Fracis Group, LLC.