Cornell Potting Soil Mixes – Backyard Gardener

CORNELL MIXES

From Hobby Greenhouses in Alberta

Agdex 731-5

The Cornell peat-Lite Mix* is formulated for growing topical plants. The Foliage Plant Mix ** and the Epiphytic Mix** formulas are adapted specifically for their respective plant types and are modifications of the original peat-lite mix.

Cornell has used Osmocote 14-14-14 and Peters 14-7-7 fertilizers with the tropical plant mixes with good results. Other fertilizers are omitted with the exception of dolomitic limestone and 20 per cent superphosphate which are added to adjust the pH and to maintain adequate phosphorus levels. A trace element mix is added to assure a balance of minor elements. Trace element mixes can be purchased from specialty gardening centers.

* “Cornell Tropical Plant Mixes”
by Russel C. Mott

**L.H. Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Cornell Foliage Plant Mix

The Cornell Foliage Plant Mix was developed for those plant that need a growing medium with high moisture-retention characteristics. Plants with a fine root system or many fine root hairs are included in this group.

Mix 1/2 cubic meter each of sphagnum peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. Add 6kg dolomitic limestone, 2.4 kg ammonium nitrate, 1.5 kg superphosphate, and 0.3 kg potassium chloride (omit if using vermiculite).