Question
Hi guys,

I started a minibog this summer using a ~4 ft diameter
plastic kiddie wading pool.  After mixing a healthy amount
of live sphagnum, canadian peat moss, pine needles, and some
sand (that I acquired from nearby pinewood savannahs), I
placed many of my plants into the bog. Now it might be the
drought we've been experiencing in Houston, or it might just
be acclimation stress, but many of my plants seem to be
burning and drying out at the tips--including Sarracenia
tops and sundew leaves.  They almost look like what happens
to CPs when hard water is used or salt buildup occurs.  I've
only been watering with RO water but now I'm wondering
whether the sand is turning the media alkaline or whether
there is salt buildup. There are no drainage holes.

What is a good way to manage a minibog like this and
reducing mineral buildup while minimizing water loss?  
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Johnny,

You probably are getting some mineral build-up.  You could also have some decay going on since the lower areas of the bog have no aeration.  Try poking some holes around the bottom of the pool about 1/4 of the way up from the bottom.  This will allow a little reservoir in the bottom, but allow more aeration in the top areas.  The large size of the soil area will retain quite a bit of water.  You may need to flush the bog as much as you can a few times also.  Let me know how it goes.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com