The disappearing compost pile

[krismoriah]

@don1357

I would not use those. Bark is specifically engineered by trees to resist decomposition. You may think that’s what you want but the end effect is that it is poisonous to the organisms in the soil you want thriving and breaking down organic material into plant food. Not only that but the nutritional value of bark is pretty much nil, plants do not store nutrients like minerals in the bark.

Interesting. My local nursery sells potting soil that is full of pine bark…

I think bark is what speeds up the process of decomposition…isnt that why fence posts are peeled?

then there is these threads and lots of others.

Bark for Soil Mixes

Hello everyone, I’ve been having a hard time finding mini bark nuggets for my soil mixes. These two are the best options I could find. [image] [image] One says pine bark mulch… the other hardwood bark mulch. Both by Timberline. I know I don’t want wood chips in the mix because it hogs all the nutrients in the soil. Will either of these work?

Where do folks get pine bark for their gritty mixes?

Sorry about the typo I meant fines. I’ve always used pine bark mulch and it works really well. The rest of the supplies for Al’s gritty mix, I buy at Pet. Co.

I think TNHunter uses bark mulch and has for over 20 yrs… i think Drew also uses bark in his potted trees and canes.

Then there is this
“Pine bark is considered an industry standard as a potting media.”

USDA ARS Online Magazine Pine Bark Proves Best for Potting

Here are Drew’s pics of using pine bark.

Pine bark in potted soil - Ourfigs.com