[Kev]

Ok, I'm going to be growing very soon, but first I need to make my soil and I have questions.

1. I will be using soil that is in a garden, but are there essential things I should add to my soil? Like perlite or lime?

2. There is a swamp right next to my grow. Can I use the water there or it isn't any good?

3. In the swamp there are lots of dead black leaves. Can I add that to my soil mix?

4. I have lot's of ashes. Is that any good for my soil?

Thanks.

[BigJilm]

If it's your first grow don't get too crazy.
Buy potting soil from a garden center--the less fertilizer already in the soil you buy, the better. Add anywhere from 30%-50% perlite. 2tbs of powdered dolomite lime per gallon of soil mix.
Don't use the swamp water. If things go wrong, it is just another thing you have to rule out during the what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-my-plants feelings you will probably be facing.
Ashes do provide some nutrients I believe and also can adjust the pH (not sure which way), but I wouldn't put it in your soil on your first grow. Same thing with the dead leaves.

the ashes and leaves need to be composted first. If this is your first grow....go simple....and experiment from there. Don't go tryin to add a bunch of shit. Just decide whether you are going organic or chemical....then buy what you need. Keep it simple, and you will be rewarded.

cheers,

[Verite]

Yep, using outdoor wild stuff indoor will almost always result in problems. Better off buying potting soil and perlite and your pretty much set to go. Both are cheap enough and wont cause the problems outdoor wild stuff will.

Originally Posted by Verite

Yep, using outdoor wild stuff indoor will almost always result in problems. Better off buying potting soil and perlite and your pretty much set to go. Both are cheap enough and wont cause the problems outdoor wild stuff will.

You said wild dirt.