Easy Measuring??

[StickyIcky29A]

Hey all. Anyone have an easy way to measure their soil for mixing? None of my plant buckets have the volume written on them. I just want to be sure so i can add the dolomitic lime properly, this time... Was thinking of just taking the top of a milk jug off. Also should it be packed loosely or tightly?
As always thanks for all advice.
StickyIcky

 

[Pandemic]

Invaluable.

 

[Peat]

I took one of my buckets and filled it with soil using a measuring cup.
I just kept count of how many scoops it took.

Then, I just used the bucket as a "measuring cup"

What a PITA!!! (Especially considering how many times I lost count! )

A good 4 qt "Feed Scoop", like Pandemic's, might be mo better!

EDIT: I dont tamp / pack it down. I like everything nice and airy.

 

[kaljukajakas]

Another way: fill up a bucket of known volume, weigh the soil/perlite/whatever it contains. You can use a bathroom scale or one of those portable spring-scales that you hang stuff off of. Then calculate the density of your soil so whenever you want to determine volume you can weigh the soil instead and calculate the volume. This of course only works the same day unless you keep soil moisture constant. If you don't work with very large amounts an easy way to measure a bunch is to fill up a large plastic bag with soil, then pick it up and step on a scale, then subtract your weight. You can pour out fixed amounts into your tubs or whatever while still standing on the scale.

If your soil is well mixed than this way you can be absolutely sure that you don't introduce errors by filling a scoop too densely or packing a bucket loosely etc.

 

[Dr Dog]

I store a large amount of premixed medium in a 30 gall tote.

So I know my total capacity.

I will use my pots as a measuring tool, 5 gal pot, i will put 5 of those in there

Then for others (perlite etc) I know I have 25 gallons prepared, so I will an appropriate amount in there

 

[StickyIcky29A]

Thanks for all the advice! It all would work really well. That feed scoop would be awsome. Any ideas on where to get one? I don't have a scale to use, and not sure about the consistency. I think for now I'm gonna use Peat's method, but modify it a step, By using the measureing cups to get different volumes and mark it on a 1 gal jug or 3 litter. That way I can just mark it and not have to do it scoop after scoop and remember. As always I can count on the people here to help out! Thanks again.
Sticky Icky

 

[jordas]

I do the same as Dr Dog does......I have a 30 gallon plastic can and I mix one bag of soil with my perlite and then mix it in the bucket.......that way it's ready to use when needed.....