Potting Soil
Where to use Potting Soil
I use potting soil in my urban garden because my backyard is cement and all I can use is potting soil.
Potting soil is usually used in containers, flower pots, and hanging baskets.
There are 2 kinds, basic and organic.
Basic potting soil is generally made up of 3 substances.
- Compost tree bark gives the plant structure, improves drainage, and helps with nutrient absorption.
- Sphagnum tree moss which allows the plant to breathe and drain. It’s not very popular so it’s not in all potting soils.
- Vermiculite and perlite are minerals that expand when exposed to heat. They also help in drainage and helps the plant breathe. Styrofoam beads are sometime used in place of these 2 minerals.
Organic Potting Soil
When you go organic you won’t have to worry about contaminants or pesticides that may be in your basic potting soil.
A good organic potting mix will have some unique organic substances. The list is long so here goes
- Bat Guano is rich in nitrogen and helps your plants grow.
- Humus is an organic material that forms when plant and animal matter decay. This creates an essential compound for healthy and fertile soil.
- Mulch is a mixture of organic residue made from leaves and even newspapers. What I like about mulch is that it keeps the ground cool during the summer.
- Alfalfa Meal made of dried and shredded alfalfa is a multivitamin for your container. It helps restore your garden to its original beauty.
- Kelp is dried ocean seaweed that is rich in potassium that helps plants fight off pests and diseases.
- Beneficial Bacteria such as mycorrhizae make your roots more efficient in absorbing water and nutrients.
- Earthworm casing which plants love will help the roots breathe better and keep those nutrients in the soil where they belong.
What is Homemade Potting Media?
Just imagine there were no garden centers or home supply stores that sell organic potting soil and organic potting mix.
Or you just want to make your own potting mix. Its not always cheaper to make your own potting mix and you do have to do some running around but think of the rewards.
Bragging rights when you tell all your gardener friends when they are whooing and ahhing over your garden about how you created your own soil.
Here’s an awesome article from Penn State that tells you all about the different ingredients “Yes in a way this is a recipe”