Soil Advice For Growing Plants & Seed Mixes

Tommy03

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Jan 12, 2021
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Hello,

I ordered some seed mixes from Shelled Warriors to grow some food for my adult Russian tortoise in seed trays. I also have a Boston Fern I need to re-pot, as well as spider plant and prayer plant cuttings that I'm going to plant in terracotta pots to put into his vivarium (after they’ve grown out for a year). However, I’m not sure which soil/compost is safe/suitable to grow them so was wondering whether anyone could offer some advice please? I’ve ordered this coco coir but just wanted to check it was okay?:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CH7VZ6D/?tag=

Any help would be much appreciated!
 

jaizei

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The coir is fine as a growing medium but it wont provide the nutrients the plants need. You'll need to mix in compost with the coir, or use fertilizer to feed the plants.
 

Tommy03

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The coir is fine as a growing medium but it wont provide the nutrients the plants need. You'll need to mix in compost with the coir, or use fertilizer to feed the plants.
Thanks so much for your response.

Would you recommend just using a compost instead then? If so, what should I look out for in the composition?

I've found this one but I'm not sure if it's safe for him:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08515BXGW/?tag=

I appreciate your help :)
 

Tom

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Hello,

I ordered some seed mixes from Shelled Warriors to grow some food for my adult Russian tortoise in seed trays. I also have a Boston Fern I need to re-pot, as well as spider plant and prayer plant cuttings that I'm going to plant in terracotta pots to put into his vivarium (after they’ve grown out for a year). However, I’m not sure which soil/compost is safe/suitable to grow them so was wondering whether anyone could offer some advice please? I’ve ordered this coco coir but just wanted to check it was okay?:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CH7VZ6D/?tag=

Any help would be much appreciated!
For potted plants Just about any soil will do since they won't have access to it. I would still avoid anything with perlite or toxins.

For the growing trays you will want plain soil with no additives. That can be tough sometimes, and you will need to spend some time reading ingredients labels.

It is okay to use plain fertilizers in your pots and growing trays, as long as the tortoise doesn't have direct access to the actual fertilizer product. Liquid fertilizers work well in this capacity since stye are absorbed into the soil and disappear quickly. Granule type fertilizers remain on the surface, and if eaten, these can kill your tortoise.
 

Tommy03

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Joined
Jan 12, 2021
Messages
57
Location (City and/or State)
England
For potted plants Just about any soil will do since they won't have access to it. I would still avoid anything with perlite or toxins.

For the growing trays you will want plain soil with no additives. That can be tough sometimes, and you will need to spend some time reading ingredients labels.

It is okay to use plain fertilizers in your pots and growing trays, as long as the tortoise doesn't have direct access to the actual fertilizer product. Liquid fertilizers work well in this capacity since stye are absorbed into the soil and disappear quickly. Granule type fertilizers remain on the surface, and if eaten, these can kill your tortoise.
Thank you very much for your reply.

I bought this compost today, with the coinciding liquid fertiliser:
https://www.homebase.co.uk/miracle-...at-free-all-purpose-compost-40l/13365675.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miracle-Gro-Performance-Organics-Purpose-Friendly/dp/B081W19T7S/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=miracle+gro+organic+plant+food&qid=1655078154&sprefix=miracle+grow+org%2Caps%2C60&sr=8-1

Would you says it's best to get a top soil like this for the seed trays instead of using the above compost then?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008C1RFZM/?tag=

I'm really grateful for your help :)
 
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