Container Soils - Bark Fines

I've had a tough time finding the ingredients I want to mix my own potting mix. I found some redwood bark at a good price that looks like it will work good, with one problem.

The redwood bark fines samples in the photo came from the same bag. Some of it is just way to big. I ran it through a ¼ inch screen to filter out the large pieces. On the right is that over ¼ inch. On the right, less than ¼ inch. After screening I recovered about 60% as fines, 40% as larger pieces.

The bad news is I need to screen it, and I end up with some that I can't use right away.

The good news is that I can always find another use for the larger pieces.

If you are having trouble finding anything labeled "Bark Fines" you're not alone. Most likely you won't find it that easily. You may need to get creative. What I used in the photo above was labeled bark mulch. I've seen other labeled as "Soil Amendment". Be careful with those. They often have compost, feather meal, oyster, blood meal, etc. Try to find one that contains nothing but bark. Partially decomposed bark fines will work great also, and may be preferred over fresh by many people.

I am one of those jerks that pokes my finger into the bag to see and feel what it is :) You've got to try before you buy.

Try looking for ground cover and bark mulch at a large farm supply center or local co-op. They might have something that will work for you. If they do it will be a fraction of the price of 'big box' retailers. Farm supply and Co-ops usually will have a bulk bark mulch sold by the cubic yard. Bring lot's of big containers, or a pickup.