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Omg I’m so overwhelmed. I need to see if I understood this right: So the soil needs to be slightly alkaline and we are likely making our soil too acidic by adding peat moss and coconut coir. Adding Lyme can correct this, or using a store bought mix that we don’t add any amendments to because they will be formulating soil that is already the right PH. But while we need more alkaline soil, we need to be fertilizing every time we water with slightly ACIDIC water, but it’s very possible our local tap water is more alkaline. (And I believe anyone with hard water, like Montreal where I live, has more alkaline water) If we’re using the method of letting our soil dry out between watering, then use synthetic fertilizers. There is also less likelihood of pests. If we use organic fertilizers be sure to not let moisture in the soil drop below 20%. Maybe also use the mentioned products to control possibility of pest and bacterial growth and give our plants a “vaccine”. The overall benefits of this method is that we are cultivating a strong soil microbiome that has benefits to our plants beyond just fertilizer. Questions: What about over saturating our soil with fertilizer? How do we avoid that if we’re fertilizing every time we water? I can imagine we need to use less fertilizer but is there any guidance on how to reason doing that with the fertilizers we are using? And this leads me to: How do we choose a fertilizer? If we have alkaline water, how do we rectify that? From what I understand, filtering said water won’t actually change the PH. Testing water Ph is pretty straight forward, how do we test soil? Do you have a video on that? You probably have a video on that. Ok I know this is a lot, and I’m kinda leaving this open to anyone who sees this who can maybe answer my questions. Thank you for all your videos, I really appreciate your presence on CZcams!
Hi Ashley. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge. I have a question: Why do organic fertilizers like fish emulsion or Espoma "Grow!" liquid fertilizer not list any micronutrients on the label? Do they contain micronutrients, and they aren't required to list them because they are organic? Are the micronutrients not there? Are the micronutrients created by the process of the organic nutrients breaking down? 🤔 Thanks in advance!😊
I often see the recommendation is to not fertilize your houseplants in winter since they'll be growing slower anyway due to seasonality. So do you still recommend fertilizing every time you water, even in winter? And if so, do you adjust the dose during winter? Or does it not really matter because they're generally tropical plants that people keep indoors and therefore get far less seasonality due to indoor temperatures?
i live in the DFW area in Texas and according to my research, the water is moderately alkaline. But I have some questions, if the potting medium is acidic and the water is alkaline, wouldn't the pH be neutralized. and also, Won't synthetic fertilizers make the pH go down ? and lastly whats the best way to use a slow release fertilizer with houseplants?
117 days till I plant stuff into the ground by then I expect to be a soil scientist just from watching these videos thank you for sharing your knowledge
Once again, new information! I admit that the soil can get pretty dried out around here, mostly my own fault but it is also very dry here and has been cold with the furnace blasting away since October. This is such valuable info on what soil and fertilizer will work better for me. Thanks, Ashley!
I also have a Spider mite and Aphid issue on my indoor plants lol what can i do to get rid of them? So far i use 1/2 rubbing alcohol to 1/2 water foliage spray to kill them! ( herbs, peppers, succulents)
This was super helpful for me! I’m way more knowledgeable about outdoor garden veggies than indoor houseplants. My plants sometimes thrive amazingly, usually do ok, and sometimes kick the… plant pot. Now I’ll take a closer look at their individual needs! 😂
My well water in the lower Hudson Valley usually comes in between 6.5 and 7 but it has a lot of minerals so I have to take that into consideration when I use synthetic fertilizers to keep the PPM/EC down. PPM/EC may make for a good video :)
@@GardeningInCanada You should get plenty of response from the synthetic-nute cannabis growers trying to figure out why their crop(s) fail when they flip to flower. Having written, a video about how synthetic nutrients are pure crap with no good result for the environment would be interesting.
Would love a video on how to use BT in the "soil " for indoor plants. I am used to outdoor gardening and know how use use it in the presence of cabbage worm. I need to be told how to do these things like I am 5 for my new indoor hobby 😂
I agree! Video please! What creepy crawlies does this help prevent? I have only used as a foliar on my Cauliflower and Broccoli 🥦 does it help with mealy bugs, aphids or gnats in my houseplants? I currently have gnats and one plant that is in quarantine because of mealys! I have fur babies and am therefore reluctant to use many pesticides.
Howdy All: From Stratford On. I am using root farm for indoor plants. They are watered every two weeks, ans fertilized at the same time as recommended. I live in an apartment with over 110+ plants lol. These are almost exclusively from grocery stores Giant Tiger and Canadian Tire. The one you recommended is organic. Am I ok using Root Farm or should I switch. All plants are foliage no flowers potting mix is miracle grow. PS water ph is 6.5 - 7.0 Also my apartment humidity does not go above 35% Yeah for cement buildings Thx George the Plantman
In Victoria BC, our water is between 5.5 and 7. It also makes a hugh difference which ph test you use. I've used 3 different tests(litmus paper, aquarium dip test strips, and liquid test) and got 3 different results.
@Gardening In Canada our reservoir is a rain filled lake that gets far too much duck poop and algea, and so they blast it with enough chloramine to make sure you know your drinking a swimming pool. Best Water in Canada though lol
Most measurements for fertilizers are for a gallon of water. I don’t have enough houseplants to use up a gallon. Can I pre-mix an inorganic or organic fertilizer in a gallon of water and use it as needed? Does the fertilizer degrade over time in the water? I’m in Phoenix, Az, USA. The Sonoran Desert/ Southwest. I have no idea what my water pH is. I tried using tap but I immediately saw mineral deposit all over the tops of my soil so I switched back to distilled water. Rain water isn’t really an option lol
The fish and seaweed fertilizer I use outside says to only mix what you need, don't save it once mixed with water. Since I don't like creepy crawlies inside I'm going synthetic for my houseplants. I've only got three so I hope she answers your question re. Savings the water fertilizer mix with Synthetic fertilizers. Miracle Gro says 1/4 teaspoon per gallon, how in the world do you halve or quarter that!
Thank you! 7:36 Ok, so the point is to keep soil pH at or around 6.5 - 7. Correct? In that case, I have two questions... 1. I'm assuming lime ain't just lime. What do you recommend to alkalinise potting soil? 2. Also, what is the best product for acidifying the soil if needs be? Vinegar? Wettable sulfur? Something else? This is an old video, so I understand if you don't see this or get around to answering.
@@GardeningInCanada Great, thanks again. I had a sneaky feeling that might be the case. Back in Adelaide, South Australia, the soil in the plains is generally very alkaline (often 8.5) and people's garden plants often suffer from lime induced chlorosis. Many garden "experts" tell people to add iron to their soil, thinking it's an iron deficiency, but in actual fact it's a pH problem with iron being unavailable, even though it's actually quite plentiful. Elemental sulfur was always what was recommended by the real experts. I just wasn't quite sure for some odd reason, whether this would translate to indoor plants, but of course there's no reason why it wouldn't.
So helpful, thank you! I was thinking about getting a foliar spray so I definitely will. Are there any benefits for non-epiphytes? My tap water pH here in south-eastern Australia is around 6.
Do you have any recommendations for the methods/brands you use to test your soil and water pH? Also, any recommendations for pH down brands? I live in Alberta near the Rocky Mountains and our water comes from the Bow river, which has lots of magnesium and calcium dissolved in it.
So glad you mentioned this I too am looking for what is best to use I currently use Acid buffer from SeaChem for aquariums because its dry so it is concentrated and non phosphate. But I am very curious about the recommendations and a break down on the types: sulphuric acid, phosphoric, hydrochloric etc and how these affect the fertilizer mix/if they can weaken/bind up nutrients.
Grande Prairie, AB here.... I do not know what the water is like.... stuff stays green so I figure I am good. Did not glean how to test for pH.... prolly involves spending more money.
You are so amazing! I have studied soil microbes and ecology for years but your knowledge and content is far more informative than anything I learned in school. I live in coastal BC and I use rainwater for my plants. I always thought it was more acidic and mineralized than the tap water but I actually never tested its pH. You didn't mention rain water so I was wondering if I need to follow the same steps for fertilizing as I would with tap water? Thank you again for all your amazing videos.
Depending on the rain water ph you could adjust it. I know rain water can fluctuate depending on the area you are in. But I would check to make sure it’s at the 6-7
I purchased neem pellets and sprinkled them on top of my indoor plants (lettuces,kale) to prevent pets,..based on someones You Tube. was this worthwhile, or a waist of money? I use synthetic Miracle Grow and sometimes fish oi
So we have a gorgeous new custom greenhouse 10x20 in Seattle area Western Washington. Wondering if you would like to do a fun experiment where we do alive walk through our garden and you give play by play question answer session for all to enjoy and comment on. We are new enough to help and experienced enough to get in trouble! I think it would be fun, guaranteed you'll enjoy my banter, goofiness and serious questions on soil, plants, starts, molds and more. I will pay or help in anyway to encourage you to try out a love interactive gardener interview !!!!🎉😅
What ratio of peat to dolomite ratio would you recommend to have the PH finish around 6.5? I have been doing a 1 cup dolomite to 1 cubic foot peat. Based on growth I think I'm in the zone. I am on a well in the Athabasca area and my water is also around 8-8.5 and Very rusty.
@@GardeningInCanada Thank you for the idea! I just bought a pH meter! I have MaxSea 16-16-16. I don't want to waste it. What can I do to it so it doesn't get wasted? Is there another way to use it to make nitrogen higher?
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Omg I’m so overwhelmed. I need to see if I understood this right:
So the soil needs to be slightly alkaline and we are likely making our soil too acidic by adding peat moss and coconut coir. Adding Lyme can correct this, or using a store bought mix that we don’t add any amendments to because they will be formulating soil that is already the right PH.
But while we need more alkaline soil, we need to be fertilizing every time we water with slightly ACIDIC water, but it’s very possible our local tap water is more alkaline. (And I believe anyone with hard water, like Montreal where I live, has more alkaline water)
If we’re using the method of letting our soil dry out between watering, then use synthetic fertilizers. There is also less likelihood of pests.
If we use organic fertilizers be sure to not let moisture in the soil drop below 20%. Maybe also use the mentioned products to control possibility of pest and bacterial growth and give our plants a “vaccine”. The overall benefits of this method is that we are cultivating a strong soil microbiome that has benefits to our plants beyond just fertilizer.
Questions:
What about over saturating our soil with fertilizer? How do we avoid that if we’re fertilizing every time we water? I can imagine we need to use less fertilizer but is there any guidance on how to reason doing that with the fertilizers we are using?
And this leads me to: How do we choose a fertilizer?
If we have alkaline water, how do we rectify that? From what I understand, filtering said water won’t actually change the PH.
Testing water Ph is pretty straight forward, how do we test soil? Do you have a video on that? You probably have a video on that.
Ok I know this is a lot, and I’m kinda leaving this open to anyone who sees this who can maybe answer my questions.
Thank you for all your videos, I really appreciate your presence on CZcams!
Seattle - ours seems to be around 6.5 to 7.5
Jeeze, I thought I was alright with pants, but this makes me feel totally overwhelmed and unprepared 😕
If you think this is bad, just wait until you get to shorts...
@@sentrix234 hahaha 😂 typos 😅
Just test, experiment and see the results, it's fun, fails are just a part of getting it right.
Hi Ashley. Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge. I have a question: Why do organic fertilizers like fish emulsion or Espoma "Grow!" liquid fertilizer not list any micronutrients on the label? Do they contain micronutrients, and they aren't required to list them because they are organic? Are the micronutrients not there? Are the micronutrients created by the process of the organic nutrients breaking down? 🤔 Thanks in advance!😊
I often see the recommendation is to not fertilize your houseplants in winter since they'll be growing slower anyway due to seasonality. So do you still recommend fertilizing every time you water, even in winter? And if so, do you adjust the dose during winter? Or does it not really matter because they're generally tropical plants that people keep indoors and therefore get far less seasonality due to indoor temperatures?
Your channel is starting to grow on me and helps me get excited to grow food inside even in winter.
Glad to hear it!
You are amazing! Thank you for your incredible knowledge
I appreciate that!
i live in the DFW area in Texas and according to my research, the water is moderately alkaline. But I have some questions, if the potting medium is acidic and the water is alkaline, wouldn't the pH be neutralized. and also, Won't synthetic fertilizers make the pH go down ? and lastly whats the best way to use a slow release fertilizer with houseplants?
117 days till I plant stuff into the ground by then I expect to be a soil scientist just from watching these videos thank you for sharing your knowledge
HAHA certified and everything
Once again, new information! I admit that the soil can get pretty dried out around here, mostly my own fault but it is also very dry here and has been cold with the furnace blasting away since October. This is such valuable info on what soil and fertilizer will work better for me. Thanks, Ashley!
Thanks for sharing
I also have a Spider mite and Aphid issue on my indoor plants lol what can i do to get rid of them? So far i use 1/2 rubbing alcohol to 1/2 water foliage spray to kill them! ( herbs, peppers, succulents)
Spider mites are the worst! Have your tried predatory mites? gardeningincanada.net/predatory-mites/
I finally got tired of the spider mites and sent all the roses outside into a snow bank. Sigh.
I wish i lived by you you would be my best friend i love your energy. Keep going girl
😊 thank you
This was super helpful for me! I’m way more knowledgeable about outdoor garden veggies than indoor houseplants. My plants sometimes thrive amazingly, usually do ok, and sometimes kick the… plant pot. Now I’ll take a closer look at their individual needs! 😂
When the summer winds down I see all the plants I forgot to water for 5 months ahaha
My well water in the lower Hudson Valley usually comes in between 6.5 and 7 but it has a lot of minerals so I have to take that into consideration when I use synthetic fertilizers to keep the PPM/EC down. PPM/EC may make for a good video :)
Yea! i will see how the crowd responds to a pH adjustment video and then gauge interest for ppm/ec. I agree thats a good idea
@@GardeningInCanada You should get plenty of response from the synthetic-nute cannabis growers trying to figure out why their crop(s) fail when they flip to flower.
Having written, a video about how synthetic nutrients are pure crap with no good result for the environment would be interesting.
Would love a video on how to use BT in the "soil " for indoor plants. I am used to outdoor gardening and know how use use it in the presence of cabbage worm. I need to be told how to do these things like I am 5 for my new indoor hobby 😂
Great suggestion!
I agree! Video please! What creepy crawlies does this help prevent? I have only used as a foliar on my Cauliflower and Broccoli 🥦 does it help with mealy bugs, aphids or gnats in my houseplants? I currently have gnats and one plant that is in quarantine because of mealys! I have fur babies and am therefore reluctant to use many pesticides.
Nice tips, Nice channel , thank you
Learning lots every time I watch your videos, big thanks from an orchid grower :)
Happy to hear that!
Is it safe to use lemon juice or vinegar to make alkaline water more neutral or slightly acidic? I have 7.5 PH Hard tap water
Yup! Baking soda for opposite affect
@@GardeningInCanada Thank you
Howdy All: From Stratford On. I am using root farm for indoor plants. They are watered every two weeks, ans fertilized at the same time as recommended. I live in an apartment with over 110+ plants lol. These are almost exclusively from grocery stores Giant Tiger and Canadian Tire. The one you recommended is organic. Am I ok using Root Farm or should I switch. All plants are foliage no flowers potting mix is miracle grow. PS water ph is 6.5 - 7.0 Also my apartment humidity does not go above 35% Yeah for cement buildings
Thx George the Plantman
Thank you for sharing your knowledge God bless you.
You are very welcome
In Victoria BC, our water is between 5.5 and 7.
It also makes a hugh difference which ph test you use. I've used 3 different tests(litmus paper, aquarium dip test strips, and liquid test) and got 3 different results.
Oh that’s interesting! That’s low
@Gardening In Canada our reservoir is a rain filled lake that gets far too much duck poop and algea, and so they blast it with enough chloramine to make sure you know your drinking a swimming pool.
Best Water in Canada though lol
The CRD says our water in Victoria as it leaves the plant has a pH of 7.3 - 7.8.
@@sdetube what the CRD(Capital Regional District) says and what we get lmfao.
They also leave the amount of fluoride out conveniently.
Most measurements for fertilizers are for a gallon of water. I don’t have enough houseplants to use up a gallon. Can I pre-mix an inorganic or organic fertilizer in a gallon of water and use it as needed? Does the fertilizer degrade over time in the water? I’m in Phoenix, Az, USA. The Sonoran Desert/ Southwest. I have no idea what my water pH is. I tried using tap but I immediately saw mineral deposit all over the tops of my soil so I switched back to distilled water. Rain water isn’t really an option lol
The fish and seaweed fertilizer I use outside says to only mix what you need, don't save it once mixed with water. Since I don't like creepy crawlies inside I'm going synthetic for my houseplants. I've only got three so I hope she answers your question re. Savings the water fertilizer mix with Synthetic fertilizers. Miracle Gro says 1/4 teaspoon per gallon, how in the world do you halve or quarter that!
Great info. Thanks for sharing!
Anytime!
What brilliant information thank u
So nice of you
Thank you!
7:36 Ok, so the point is to keep soil pH at or around 6.5 - 7. Correct?
In that case, I have two questions...
1. I'm assuming lime ain't just lime. What do you recommend to alkalinise potting soil?
2. Also, what is the best product for acidifying the soil if needs be? Vinegar? Wettable sulfur? Something else?
This is an old video, so I understand if you don't see this or get around to answering.
Elemental Sulphur for bringing ph down hands down is the best
@@GardeningInCanada Great, thanks again.
I had a sneaky feeling that might be the case. Back in Adelaide, South Australia, the soil in the plains is generally very alkaline (often 8.5) and people's garden plants often suffer from lime induced chlorosis. Many garden "experts" tell people to add iron to their soil, thinking it's an iron deficiency, but in actual fact it's a pH problem with iron being unavailable, even though it's actually quite plentiful. Elemental sulfur was always what was recommended by the real experts. I just wasn't quite sure for some odd reason, whether this would translate to indoor plants, but of course there's no reason why it wouldn't.
Just got my soil tester. I’m sure I’ll be testing all my plants now 😂
So helpful, thank you! I was thinking about getting a foliar spray so I definitely will. Are there any benefits for non-epiphytes? My tap water pH here in south-eastern Australia is around 6.
Do you have any recommendations for the methods/brands you use to test your soil and water pH? Also, any recommendations for pH down brands? I live in Alberta near the Rocky Mountains and our water comes from the Bow river, which has lots of magnesium and calcium dissolved in it.
I’ll have a video on this next Friday!
Thanks! Love watching your videos. It is refreshing to have advice/techniques/supplies that translate well to the conditions/zone I am living in.
So glad you mentioned this I too am looking for what is best to use I currently use Acid buffer from SeaChem for aquariums because its dry so it is concentrated and non phosphate. But I am very curious about the recommendations and a break down on the types: sulphuric acid, phosphoric, hydrochloric etc and how these affect the fertilizer mix/if they can weaken/bind up nutrients.
Grande Prairie, AB here.... I do not know what the water is like.... stuff stays green so I figure I am good. Did not glean how to test for pH.... prolly involves spending more money.
You are so amazing! I have studied soil microbes and ecology for years but your knowledge and content is far more informative than anything I learned in school. I live in coastal BC and I use rainwater for my plants. I always thought it was more acidic and mineralized than the tap water but I actually never tested its pH. You didn't mention rain water so I was wondering if I need to follow the same steps for fertilizing as I would with tap water? Thank you again for all your amazing videos.
Depending on the rain water ph you could adjust it. I know rain water can fluctuate depending on the area you are in. But I would check to make sure it’s at the 6-7
Never even thought of testing our rainwater. 🤪
I purchased neem pellets and sprinkled them on top of my indoor plants (lettuces,kale) to prevent pets,..based on someones You Tube. was this worthwhile, or a waist of money? I use synthetic Miracle Grow and sometimes fish oi
So we have a gorgeous new custom greenhouse 10x20 in Seattle area Western Washington.
Wondering if you would like to do a fun experiment where we do alive walk through our garden and you give play by play question answer session for all to enjoy and comment on. We are new enough to help and experienced enough to get in trouble! I think it would be fun, guaranteed you'll enjoy my banter, goofiness and serious questions on soil, plants, starts, molds and more.
I will pay or help in anyway to encourage you to try out a love interactive gardener interview !!!!🎉😅
@gardeningincanada
I'm in Egypt. I have no idea what the PH of my tap water is. But I'm considering buying a PH meter
Let me know! I would be interested
What ratio of peat to dolomite ratio would you recommend to have the PH finish around 6.5? I have been doing a 1 cup dolomite to 1 cubic foot peat. Based on growth I think I'm in the zone. I am on a well in the Athabasca area and my water is also around 8-8.5 and Very rusty.
1 tbsp per gallon is the accepted rate
Ashley, does organic fertilizer cause more pest problems?
They can if you’re using compost and manures instead the pot. If it’s just a liquid fertilizer not as much.
1:44
I have two young dwarf apple trees in my front yard. I'm worried they don't enough nitrogen. Is there a product you'd be willing to recommend?
What are you currently applying?
@@GardeningInCanada nothing yet
This is so useful but super frustrating. Letting fertilizer sit for 20 mins, then checking pH everytime is such a hassle.
You can make large batches of it as well.
@@GardeningInCanada Thank you for the idea! I just bought a pH meter! I have MaxSea 16-16-16. I don't want to waste it. What can I do to it so it doesn't get wasted? Is there another way to use it to make nitrogen higher?
💚💚
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