To really know which soil is best, one would have to have several (at least three) pots for each soil type. The reason for this is that you have to rule out seed variability. Some seeds just don't give you a good seedling. In my experience, potting soil by itself has very spotty results, and I end up mixing some perlite and peat moss to augment it. Beyond that, don't over-water, and grow in shade for the first 3-6 months. Best place for me is under one of my more mature avocado trees.
He also failed to fertilize the DG example and the color of the stem really illustrates that point. Even if we would have added a bit of nutrition to the inert media I'd bet the results would have been totally different.
You don't have anything to do because you're in zone 10 lol. Must be nice. Up here in Sacramento we're a cold zone 9B and it's nightly cold protection from mid November to to mid March, bringing in and putting out tender 20+ potted trees/plants every night and morning, covering my Jacaranda, ice cream banana tree and tabebuia tree, getting all the warming Christmas lights running.. Just as much work in the winter as summer.
Great video AJ, great experiment! I am always impressed that you do these videos with a before and after, in this case 5 months apart, that takes a lot of patience! Thanks for sharing!
cool experiment..i noticed some seeds are more mature than other like the one that already sprouted when you put it in the pot. May that's why that one grow so fast.
Hi Aj! You are hundred percent correct in covering the seeds , I brought back some from CA didn't cover them as well as I should and the sun here just cooked the tops, I don't think I get any seedlings this year. Always learning thanks.
Meu irmão! I’ve noticed young seedlings grow quite well in full shade. Makes sense I think, because in nature the seeds have to sprout and grow beneath large trees that cast shade most of the time
I recall in a previous video you taught me about not using soil with wood in it. Yes, in the short term, that rich “big box” soil was fine for the seedling. But long term, I’m very afraid of using soil with wood in it because it’ll choke out the tree of all oxygen a few years (maybe up to 6 or 7) down the line when the wood finally decomposes, as you previously described. I’m almost certain it would be fine, however, to just leave the seedling in that relatively small amount of woody soil surrounded by native soil when you plant it, because the roots will have spread much further beyond the confinement of woody soil by that time. Just wanted to reiterate, as you mentioned before, what a terrible thing that further adding woody soil to your planting hole can do (kill your tree!). Woody soil is a Trojan horse!
I like the experiment. Play sand or peat with a little perlite is what I typically use for just about any seed. My favorite medium for cuttings (not avocados) is 100% play sand.
I tried to root cirtus cutting with soil and it didn't work. Then, I have used 100% play sand for cutting and it started rooting. I think the soil has bacteria and it could rot the cutting.
P.S. you are right about the fluctuating weather. My trees are very confused. My Tangerine trees already produced fruit but of course it was terrible because it was the wrong time of year. Now they have blossoms again. My Plum treated the same thing but no new blossoms now.
I've had great success even in plain river sand. Found its less important when they're younger because they're essentially living off the seed. All they need is good drainage
This is a great experiment and interesting responses and results. Since this time how would you define what you believe is the ideal long term soil. Seems your video on DG/peat moss/perlite makes the best medium?
Very good idea for a test, AJ. I learned a few things. I've been having seeds exposed in direct sunlight since I've run out of shady spots. I'll need to change that. I like your potting table also. So, you're saying you watering the ones that thrived but did not water the pots that lagged? I still like the idea of potting mix one. The one that did the best was ONLY peat moss and perlite???? Wow, amazing. (Maybe it's not amazing, but it seems like it is). Where did you get the idea for perlite and peat moss only? That was for a period of 6 months? Interesting.
New subscriber here. I just watched your grafting video. I can't wait to watch some of the others. I have a composting worm bin and throw my avocado and mango seeds in and they grow like crazy. Sadly, I never nurtured them along because I figured they would never produce fruit. Where in SoCal are you if you don't mind me asking? I am in the South Bay and have been thinking about moving out of state but I don't know if I could ever part with my avocado and citrus trees. That's the only thing stopping me.
Thanks for subscribing! Ya it's amazing how avo and mango seeds like to grow in compost bins. Just like you, I'd have a hard time living anywhere that avocados, citrus and mangoes don't grow.
I have never had whitefly on avocado. Have had them on Guava and Loquat trees. I usually take a garden hose and spray them off. Obviously that wouldn't work on a large tree though. You can use sticky traps to prevent them from spreading on your tree.
The experiment was a bust it means nothing as sand and DG always will need more water not less than other pots, sand does better than what your results show also 5 months is a very long time, 40 to 60 range temps are horrible for avo growth they like 80 and higher temps.
This dude prolly gets baked before every video he makes lol . Love it !
To really know which soil is best, one would have to have several (at least three) pots for each soil type. The reason for this is that you have to rule out seed variability. Some seeds just don't give you a good seedling. In my experience, potting soil by itself has very spotty results, and I end up mixing some perlite and peat moss to augment it. Beyond that, don't over-water, and grow in shade for the first 3-6 months. Best place for me is under one of my more mature avocado trees.
He also failed to fertilize the DG example and the color of the stem really illustrates that point. Even if we would have added a bit of nutrition to the inert media I'd bet the results would have been totally different.
The issues you get are because you use soil with compost in it. Use a consistent steril mix and you’ll never have issues.
Great idea for a video not sure if our mild winter was an advantage
Thanks. I anticipate more of these mild winters in the future
I LOVE Reed avocados!!! I have haas which I certainly wouldn't complain about but I sure wish I planted a Reed years ago.
Reed is excellent!
You don't have anything to do because you're in zone 10 lol. Must be nice. Up here in Sacramento we're a cold zone 9B and it's nightly cold protection from mid November to to mid March, bringing in and putting out tender 20+ potted trees/plants every night and morning, covering my Jacaranda, ice cream banana tree and tabebuia tree, getting all the warming Christmas lights running.. Just as much work in the winter as summer.
Great video AJ, great experiment! I am always impressed that you do these videos with a before and after, in this case 5 months apart, that takes a lot of patience! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Johnny! Always appreciate your support and kind words. You’re welcome to visit anytime
cool experiment..i noticed some seeds are more mature than other like the one that already sprouted when you put it in the pot. May that's why that one grow so fast.
Wow great video I’m surprised this video took so long.
Hi Aj! You are hundred percent correct in covering the seeds , I brought back some from CA didn't cover them as well as I should and the sun here just cooked the tops, I don't think I get any seedlings this year. Always learning thanks.
Meu irmão! I’ve noticed young seedlings grow quite well in full shade. Makes sense I think, because in nature the seeds have to sprout and grow beneath large trees that cast shade most of the time
I recall in a previous video you taught me about not using soil with wood in it. Yes, in the short term, that rich “big box” soil was fine for the seedling. But long term, I’m very afraid of using soil with wood in it because it’ll choke out the tree of all oxygen a few years (maybe up to 6 or 7) down the line when the wood finally decomposes, as you previously described. I’m almost certain it would be fine, however, to just leave the seedling in that relatively small amount of woody soil surrounded by native soil when you plant it, because the roots will have spread much further beyond the confinement of woody soil by that time. Just wanted to reiterate, as you mentioned before, what a terrible thing that further adding woody soil to your planting hole can do (kill your tree!). Woody soil is a Trojan horse!
I agree. It’s nice for the short term. I wouldn’t keep that tree in that soil for more than a year
I like the experiment. Play sand or peat with a little perlite is what I typically use for just about any seed. My favorite medium for cuttings (not avocados) is 100% play sand.
I’m gonna try your play sand for cuttings method
I tried to root cirtus cutting with soil and it didn't work. Then, I have used 100% play sand for cutting and it started rooting. I think the soil has bacteria and it could rot the cutting.
I’m curious to see how it would do in a coco coir mix
I just love experiments.. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, I always enjoy your videos. Practical and easy to follow. Nice, thanks
Thanks! I appreciate your support and kind words
P.S. you are right about the fluctuating weather. My trees are very confused. My Tangerine trees already produced fruit but of course it was terrible because it was the wrong time of year. Now they have blossoms again. My Plum treated the same thing but no new blossoms now.
Seems like these weather patterns are becoming the norm now. Hopefully the trees can adapt!
@@AJTheGraftMan I hope so, as the weather cools down again this week.
I've had great success even in plain river sand. Found its less important when they're younger because they're essentially living off the seed. All they need is good drainage
Keep going 👍
This is a great experiment and interesting responses and results. Since this time how would you define what you believe is the ideal long term soil. Seems your video on DG/peat moss/perlite makes the best medium?
Yes that combo seems to work well
Thanks very good info
Very good idea for a test, AJ. I learned a few things. I've been having seeds exposed in direct sunlight since I've run out of shady spots. I'll need to change that. I like your potting table also. So, you're saying you watering the ones that thrived but did not water the pots that lagged? I still like the idea of potting mix one. The one that did the best was ONLY peat moss and perlite???? Wow, amazing. (Maybe it's not amazing, but it seems like it is). Where did you get the idea for perlite and peat moss only? That was for a period of 6 months? Interesting.
Thanks Neal!
Guano! Dude you read my mind. I've been wondering if seed starting soil would be better than inorganic medium for young seedlings. Thanks!
Seems to be fine to start seeds with, but I would transplant them after a year or so
@@AJTheGraftMan Agreed.
New subscriber here. I just watched your grafting video. I can't wait to watch some of the others. I have a composting worm bin and throw my avocado and mango seeds in and they grow like crazy. Sadly, I never nurtured them along because I figured they would never produce fruit. Where in SoCal are you if you don't mind me asking? I am in the South Bay and have been thinking about moving out of state but I don't know if I could ever part with my avocado and citrus trees. That's the only thing stopping me.
Thanks for subscribing! Ya it's amazing how avo and mango seeds like to grow in compost bins. Just like you, I'd have a hard time living anywhere that avocados, citrus and mangoes don't grow.
Found it thank u
I grow them on washed sand only with real good results
That’s great. Seems like most plants like to grow in sand
Great comparison. What is the name of potting soil? You showed the ingredients but didn't say the brand. May be I missed it. Thanks
Any outdoor potting soil from the big box stores. They usually have the same ingredients
👍
👍🏼
How do you keep whiteflies away from avocado tree? I'm having that issue now. Good video👍🏼
I’m not sure what those are. Sorry
I have never had whitefly on avocado. Have had them on Guava and Loquat trees. I usually take a garden hose and spray them off. Obviously that wouldn't work on a large tree though. You can use sticky traps to prevent them from spreading on your tree.
@@econ0003 Sticky traps work. Mosquito Bites from Amazon, thanks
I’m thinking to plant in Africa Somalia.
Can I plant clay soil ?
I appreciated
Yes you can!
every how many days did you give them water?
No water until they sprout and push the plastic. Then the plastic comes off
How do you feed an avocado tree that is planted in Pea Moss and perelite_? .... those two are dead matter.
Mulch, fertiliZer
Bro, help me urgent.
My 3year old avocado plant is dieing.. please help me with tips..i applied fungicide,bordox paste .. still it leaves shredding
Could be insects. Could be poor soil.
@@AJTheGraftManany solution,, anything need to fo.. Im so sad.. 3 year.. My favorite plant😓
Doesn't the plastic wrap just cook it??
Not if it's in mostly shade. Too much direct sun will cook it yes
Measure your garden AJ... please
The experiment was a bust it means nothing as sand and DG always will need more water not less than other pots, sand does better than what your results show also 5 months is a very long time, 40 to 60 range temps are horrible for avo growth they like 80 and higher temps.
Your idea of putting plastic on top was excellent as long as you take the time to take it off back and forth to water them.
Why are you doing this? You could just buy Gary Matsuoka's Top Pot.
I clearly explain why in the video
Too expensive!
@@AJTheGraftMan
@@AJTheGraftMan I'm afraid you explained why in another video. Not this one.