Soaking bark

[Martine]

Hi! This might seem like a silly question, but I've never done this before. When you soak bark to prepare for re-potting, do you put it in a bowl or container full of water? Or do you put it in a pot and water it for a while? Or is it neither of these? I know, I know, it's silly, but I want to do this right!

[Tobi]

Hi Martine,
You can soak it in any clean container you'ld like. I usually put the bark mixture (I make
my own) in the container first, then add the water until it is covered. I let it soak over-
night and then it carefully pour off the water and refill it with fresh water early in the
morning. After a few hours I use it to repot. Some probably don't flush with fresh water
but then again, I like to get rid off the sediment from the overnight soaking.

[norris]

Tobi, I rince twice also, for the same reason. I add charcoal, and that always seems to have a lot of dust and sediment.

[Martine]

Thanks!

[evagentry]

A collander works very nice for draining, the sediment washes right away.

[Martine]

Thanks, great tip!

[articuno75]

I tried the "boil" method. Someone on here mentioned it and now I can't remember who else does it, but when you boil the bark for at least 30 minutes and let simmer for another 30 minutes, you can cool rinse the bark with cold water and it's ready to use instantly. This makes the bark absorb more water faster than an overnight soak and makes the medium quicker to use than waiting over 24 hours.

[janet_a]

cheap mixing bowl; cheap strainer; cheap slotted spoon.

[Hummer344]

Small garbage container. Put mix in, fill to cover with water, wait 24 hours, pour off water. Use. Most of the sediment falls to the bottom. Of course it might take a bit of muscle to pour off the water if you get it to full. LOL

[sandra]

Originally Posted by articuno75

I tried the "boil" method. Someone on here mentioned it and now I can't remember who else does it, but when you boil the bark for at least 30 minutes and let simmer for another 30 minutes, you can cool rinse the bark with cold water and it's ready to use instantly. This makes the bark absorb more water faster than an overnight soak and makes the medium quicker to use than waiting over 24 hours.

This is what I do. I find it opens up the pores and allows water absorption better than soaking and soaking. I let it cool off naturally, then use. What's also good about doing it this way is you can use just as much as you need instead of having to dry it all out before storing for the next time. Takes up less room and lessens the chances of fungus too.

[patticake]

I can just hear my husband now, "Oh cool! What's for dinner?"