What’s the difference between potting mix and potting soil?
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. Because of its composition and lack of nutrients, many gardeners use potting soil to help nurture plants they are growing in containers. On the other hand, compost is packed full of nutrients that are able to enrich the soil and help boost the growth of plants, particularly those outdoors or in large pots.Avoid mixes that contain garden soil or topsoil. These mixes are often poorly-draining, and because they many not be sterile, they could contain pathogens or weed seeds. Potting mixes with an unpleasant odor aren’t a smart buy.Because potting soil doesn’t contain organic material, you’ll need to incorporate a fertilizing practice into your plant care. The type of fertilizer required will differ by the kind of plant you’re growing. Potting soil may include a low ratio of organic fertilizer.Yes, you can use compost instead of potting soil. Doing so will boost the growth of your plants and help them grow strong. However, I’d strongly recommend mixing both. This way, your plants will receive the benefits of both compost and potting soil without losing out on nutrients, water retention and support.Potting mix and compost can contain legionella bacteria which cause Legionnaire’s disease, a potentially deadly form of pneumonia. These products are also breeding grounds for fungi.
Is potting soil the same as topsoil?
For starters, topsoil is the natural top layer of the earth in a field or garden bed, while potting soil is a blend of ingredients specifically crafted for growing various types of plants. No. Topsoil belongs in the ground, not in pots. It’s dense, heavy, and holds too much water, which can suffocate plant roots. So do your plants a favor—put the shovel down.Three ingredient potting mix! By making your own, you can control the ingredients and save money. Mine is peat moss (I know the controversy- but it is what it is as it’s what I have access too), composted manure, and a bit of organic fertilizer.It’s advisable to blend equal parts of topsoil and potting mix. This proportion facilitates improved oxygenation while maintaining adequate moisture levels. Commonly found components such as peat moss, perlite, and wetting agents are included within potting soil to elevate its capacity for both drainage and aeration.Topsoil is excellent for landscaping and filling spaces, but potting soil is better if you need a growing medium for container plants. And if you want an Earth-positive soil that’s beneficial for any potted plant, you’ll love Rosy’s Indoor Potting Mix.Key Takeaways for Container Garden Soil 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.
Do plants grow better in potting mix or soil?
Potting mix is king here, she says. Its ingredients are chosen to prevent waterlogging, which is crucial for healthy container plants. Second, because potting mix does not contain any soil or dirt, it’s a sterile mixture that reduces the risk of plant diseases or pests. Potting soil often contains dirt, sand, minerals, and other organic matter. That’s why it is heavier compared to the lightweight potting mix: the last one is entirely soilless and contains ingredients that don’t weigh much, such as peat moss, perlite, coir, vermiculite, and sphagnum moss.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.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.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.