It is that time when spring is just around the corner and we start our seedlings and nurture them till it is planting time!  The first thing one needs to start off with is a good seed starting mix.  We start with a Peat-Lite Mix developed by Cornell University that is proven to cut out rot and dampening, and adapt it from there.  Here is the original Formula for Cornell University’s Peat-Lite Mix:

• 1/2 cubic meter each of Sphagnum Peat Moss & Perlite (or Vermiculite)
• 6 kg. Dolomitic Limestone
• 2.4 kg. Ammonium Nitrate
• 1.5 kg. Super Phosphate
• 0.3 kg. Potassium Chloride (omit if using Vermiculite)

Now for the adaptation:

• We use the Perlite with the Sphagnum Moss
• We eliminate the Super Phosphate
• We use 2 cups of Epson Salts for the Potassium Chloride
• Add 1 bag cow manure
• Add 2 bags regular top soil mix
• Add 5 gallons of compost (that leaf mixture you started percolating last fall)
• Add 1 gallon of pine shavings/sawdust
• Add 2 cups 5-5-5 Fertilizer

This is the mix we use to start the majority of our plants that are not sensitive to the ingredients, such as limestone etc.  This mixture works extremely well in the garden as base soil,  and yields a healthy crop from everything we have grown in it – no rot, no dampening, very good worm and bug culture growth.  The only thing to remember is, since it does have such a fantastic bug culture in the soil, it is advisable to put down hay or screening under any fruit that touches the ground.  This technique has worked well for us.

When it comes time for planting in the ground, we suggest using 1/4 cup of Epson Salts (tomatoes love salt) along with the same soil mixture for each tomato plant.  For healthy, strong stalks and fruit yield, use iron stakes (rebar works very well) instead of your standard ones, and tie plants with old nylon hose.  This allows the plant to grow freely without harm and constriction, and the nylon & iron bar provides an electro-magnetic field (static electricity) which promotes growth, producing stronger plants and a larger, heavier, healthy fruit yield.  I like to further this along by wrapping the iron bars with bare copper wire, does not take much and accentuates the field.  If you do not have iron stakes, this is also a good trick to do to your regular metal stakes.  Just coil it around the stake, making sure that the copper goes into the soil and not just touching the surface of the soil.  Last year we had the best tasting tomatoes I have ever had in my whole life, hands down!

Enjoy & Happy Gardening!