You have just purchased a bale of Universal substrate and are about to transplant into a pot, planter, hanging basket or container for professional cultivation. This guide covers preparation, transplanting and the first two months of cultivation in the Dominican climate, valid for floriculture, landscaping, container-grown vegetables and ornamental production.
Product specifications
| Specification | 250 L bale |
|---|---|
| SKU | 520250 |
| Particle size | Medium (0 - 20 mm) |
| pH | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| Fertilization | NPK 14:16:18 (1.7 kg/m³) |
| Organic matter | > 80% |
| Approx. expanded volume | 250 L (66 gal) |
Step by step to use it
Pre-hydrate the substrate
Open the bale and pour the contents onto a clean surface. Water with room-temperature water until evenly moist and let it rest for 2 - 4 hours so the fiber expands. Do not use the substrate dry: water does not penetrate well in the first few hours.
Fill the pot without compacting
Fill the pot or container up to two thirds. Settle it gently by tapping the base against the ground: the substrate settles on its own, with no manual pressure. Leave one cm free from the rim to make watering easier without overflowing.
Transplant the seedling or cutting
Make a central hole, release the seedling from its cell without breaking the root ball and place it centered. Complete the filling around the root ball and firm it lightly with your fingertips. The plant's collar should sit flush with the substrate, not buried.
Abundant settling watering
Water until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. This watering closes the air pockets around the root ball and ensures seedling-substrate contact. Wait for the top layer to dry slightly before the next watering.
Start fertigation at 3-4 weeks
The initial fertilization covers the first 3 - 4 weeks. After that time, begin fertigation with a soluble NPK suited to the crop. For long crops (more than 6 - 8 months in the same pot), mix in 10 - 20% perlite from the start to extend root aeration.
Not sure what mix to make for your crop?
Tell us your species and pot size and we will suggest what percentage of perlite or vermiculite to add to optimize drainage and root aeration for your specific case.
Complementary products
For long crops or species sensitive to waterlogging, mix 10 - 20% perlite or vermiculite into the bale. Coconut fiber is an additional option for hybrid peat-coir mixes that take advantage of the best of both substrates.
Maintenance and care
Water when the first 2 - 3 cm layer is dry to the touch. In the Caribbean climate this usually means watering daily or every other day, depending on sun exposure and pot size. Avoid permanent waterlogging: overwatering is the most common cause of failure in professional cultivation.
Measure the electrical conductivity (EC) of the drainage water every 2 - 3 weeks. If the EC rises above 2.5 mS/cm, you are accumulating salts in the substrate and should flush it with abundant fertilizer-free watering to avoid root burn.
Frequently asked questions
How many 5 L pots can I fill with a 250 L bale?
A 250 L bale fills approximately 50 pots of 5 L or 25 pots of 10 L. If you plan crops in 15 - 20 L pots, the same bale covers between 12 and 16 units. Always allow an additional 10% for settling and top-ups during cultivation.
When should the substrate of a pot be replaced?
In long-cycle ornamental crops, replace the substrate every 18 - 24 months or when you observe visible compaction, very slow drainage or a drop in vigor. In container vegetable crops, replace it every production cycle (3 - 8 months depending on the species), because vegetables leave exudates that affect the next crop.
Can I use it for an in-ground garden (not in pots)?
Yes, it works as an organic amendment for poor or clayey soils. Mix 30 - 50 L per square meter into the first 15 - 20 cm of soil before planting. It improves water retention, structure and adds quality organic matter. For an in-ground garden it is more economical to apply local compost supplemented with this peat.