Can I Grow Vegetables in Gritty Mix?

Gritty Mix

• Gritty mixes are soilless mixtures useful for long-term perennial potting. Mixtures consist of inorganic materials, such as crushed rock, gravel, clay and decomposed granite, with organic materials, such as fir bark, wood chips or pine needles. These mixtures provide loose, somewhat moisture-retentive bases for plants that require soilless plantings.

Vegetable Growing

• Vegetables require more nutrition than gritty mix alone supplies. Don't use gritty mix by itself for these plants, but turn it into natural soil with an equal amount of organic compost as an amendment. Mix gritty mix with equal parts potting soil and organic compost for potted growing. The gritty mix encourages better drainage and aeration while the compost and soil provide nutrition and moisture retention. Turn 13-13-13 fertilizer into both potted and outdoor soils for better starting nutrition.

Planting

• Plant vegetables in appropriate seasons, locations and pots for best results. Cool-season vegetables, such as lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, beets and peas, thrive with early-spring plantings and withstand spring frosts. Warm-season vegetables, such as tomatoes, beans, peppers and eggplants, require warm, frost-free seasons. Keep vegetables in full sunlight for best growth, blooming and fruiting.

Soil Care

• Keep soil and gritty mix moist for vegetables with 2 inches of water every week. Use leftover gritty mix as mulch in home gardens to maintain moisture and discourage weed growth. Give vegetable plants appropriate fertilizer applications at midseason for best fruit growth.