Source for Schulz Orchid Mix in SF Bay Area?

[Fishmom]

I live in the Benicia, and it appears that Miracle-Gro has taken over the potting mix markets in my area. I would prefer not to have to mix my own media, but I can't find Schulz any more. Does anyone know of a source in the Bay Area? Or another suggestion, as I do not like the fine texture of Miracle-Gro?

Thanks in advance.

[patticake]

I agree with your opinion of the Miracle grow mix. I bought some once, and used it on my regular houseplants. It was terrible for orchids. I buy my Schultz mix at Walmarts. I don't know if that's any help or not. I'm about as far away from you as I can get in the U.S.!

[Fishmom]

Thanks, Patticake, I went to Walmart today, since others have mentioned that as a place to get the stuff, but they didn't have it. Must be a local option.

[brookn]

I have to drive an hour to another WM to get mine, and the last time I was there it was all on clearance! I bought 4 bags, and am praying the next time I go through they still have some. I will have to start searching again. You might try different WM in your area, or maybe check the Schultz website to see if they can recommend a place to get it.

[slippery_biscuit]

I seem to remember finding a few places to get it online. I used to be able to get it at Home Depot... no longer. Bought my last batch at WM, despite my intense dislike of stores' policies. I can say Schultz's is the only thing I've purchased there in the last ten years.

Prior to using the mix, I sift it to remove the silt and pull out the larger bits of wood. Good luck.

[Tarad]

We have two WAl-Marts and only one carries it Tara

[solay]

Unfortunately WM is on my boycott list but I haven't been able to find any elsewhere either. I've been mixing mixes up by trial and error for now. I live in Vallejo so that's very close to you in Benicia.

[Catcym]

You may try Cole Hardware at SF.The orchid mix has rock , charcoal and bark and I bought a 8 quart bag at 3312 Mission street. Phone number is 415-647-8700. Good luck !

[arleneg]

Last time I was at OSH, I saw a few bags. Is there an OSH in Benicia?

Have you checked any Home Depot or Lowes?

[Fishmom]

Thanks, Solay, I figured you would know the local market here. I haven't tried OSH, but next time I travel over the bridge to Contra Costa County, I will do so. I asked at Mid-City Nursery about the difficulty of finding Schultz and they said they only carry E.B. Stone mixes, but that one is very fine also. I am buying the products to make my own--perlite and charcoal to use with an appropriate-sized bark for the different varieties.

I know the woman who runs Napa Valley Orchids sells her own potting mix, but that is a bit of a drive for me, and you have to call ahead to make an appointment with her.

[kid a]

I'm sure she would mail it to you if you called her and asked about the price for shipping it.

[Fishmom]

Kid a, I'm sure you are right. I just hate to pay for shipping when I can avoid it. Plus I recently read a posting by Jerry Meola which details the characteristics and water-holding properties of different media. Now I'm thinking I can do just as well or better by learning to do this on my own. Yet another thing to play with!