What is the difference between Miracle-Gro potting soil and potting mix?
One major difference is that potting soil is essentially dirt and contains only minerals and organic matter, while potting mix has no soil but is rich in perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, and others. Moreover, potting mix is very light, whereas potting soil is heavy. Potting MIX is lighter weight and has better drainage and aeration. Potting SOIL is heavier and not as good drainage and aeration.A bag of potting soil is heavier than a bag of potting mix. Potting mixes do not contain any soil. Potting mixes are used for container planting, especially for orchids, succulents, and cacti that need good drainage. A bag of potting mix is lighter than a bag of potting soil.We recommend using an organic potting mix instead of potting soil for your gardening needs. Potting mixes are engineered using sterile materials, offering fewer nutrients and very little biological activity, which gives you more control over your growing environment.Why Potting Mix is Better for Aeration, Weight, and Drainage. Potting mix is the medium of choice for nearly all container gardening for three reasons: aeration, weight, and drainage. Potting mixes are fluffier growing mediums, which allow water and air to better penetrate the roots in the confined area of a container.The darling of potting mixes has been Peat Moss. Since peat moss harvesting is damaging to the environment (see previous blog by Linda CS), many gardeners may want to avoid media with peat moss. Bulking agents that do not hold much water or nutrients are also added to “lighten” or aerate the medium.
What is one reason not to use Miracle-Gro?
Miracle-Gro Has a Negative Impact on Your Garden Soil Your plants will get a quick boost of nutrients, but what’ll happen is your soil health and fertility will actually decrease. That’s right. Using synthetic fertilizers disrupts your soil pH and leads to a buildup of salts and chemicals your plants can’t use. When you plant your veggies and herbs in Miracle-Gro® soils (think Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix for pots, Miracle-Gro Organic™ Raised Bed & Garden Soil for in-ground) and feed them with Miracle-Gro® plant food (Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘N Feed Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food is a great choice for fall vegetables) you’ll get .Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix contains the elements and nutrients indoor plants need to thrive, and it feeds for up to 6 months after potting. The soil is less prone to gnats, thanks to the right combination of ingredients: perlite, sphagnum peat moss, fertilizer, a wetting agent and coir.Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix is blended with quick-release natural fertilizer to feed plants for up to 2 months.Customers say that Miracle-Gro potting soil is a reliable choice for indoor plants, often praised for its rich texture and ability to retain moisture, which helps plants thrive. Many users appreciate its effectiveness in preventing pests like fungus gnats.A: Don’t use a slow release fertilizer like Shake N Feed for 6 months when using Miracle Gro Potting Mix, as the potting mix is already enriched with plant food.
What plants benefit from Miracle-Gro?
Fast-acting feed to encourage more abundant blooming, bigger vegetables, lusher foliage and stronger shrubs. Containing a balanced mix of 10 nutrients, Miracle Gro all purpose provides optimal nutrition for all indoor and outdoor plants and helps build strong root systems for improved drought resistance. Customers say that Miracle-Gro potting soil is a reliable choice for indoor plants, often praised for its rich texture and ability to retain moisture, which helps plants thrive. Many users appreciate its effectiveness in preventing pests like fungus gnats.Customers say that Miracle-Gro Potting Mix is a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor plants, known for its nutrient-rich composition that promotes healthy growth and vibrant blooms.Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Plant Fertilizer includes a high concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are three nutrients found in all fertilizers to assist with plant growth and development.
Why can’t you use Miracle-Gro garden soil in pots?
Soil taken from your yard or a garden bed is too heavy and dense to use in a pot or raised bed. In containers and raised beds, soil from the ground can become easily compacted causing problems with drainage and air circulation, and it can also harbor weed seeds, insects, and diseases. The best compost for containers is often a peat-free multipurpose compost, but some plants have different requirements. For information on choosing a suitable compost and container, and more details on planting in pots, see our advice page on growing plants in containers.Skip topsoil and garden soil. They’re too dense and risk compaction and disease. Use a potting mix designed for containers, ideally with peat moss, perlite/vermiculite, and compost*. Compost is a powerhouse ingredient, adding nutrients, structure, and beneficial microbes.
Can you use Miracle-Gro potting soil for indoor plants?
Yes, you can use Miracle Gro potting mix for both indoor and outdoor plants. The ingredients in Miracle Gro are suitable for flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and various other kinds of plants. For outdoor plants: Mix 1 tablespoon of Miracle-Gro for every gallon of water. For indoor plants: Mix 1/2 teaspoon (not tablespoon) per gal of water.