Well Draining Potting Soil Mix

Stagnant sticky soil clings to plants and can rot the roots or allow harmful fungal growth.

Well draining potting soil mix.

Just as importantly it s well draining yet water retentive. Limestone is added to peat based potting mixes to help balance the ph. Mita bishnoi garden tips 11 798 views 10 17. Organic potting mixes are chemical free and made from natural organic materials.

Sphagnum peat moss is well draining and well aerated but it s very low in available nutrients and it has an acidic ph typically ranging between 3 5 and 4 5. Granted until you get the peat thoroughly moistened the particles can be very unpleasant to work with. Yes potting soil. Soil drainage is a very important factor to consider when planting salvia agastache lavender penstemon and other perennials that like well drained soil.

The good news is all potting mixes are well draining so all you need to do is choose a potting mix that s appropriate for the type of plant you re potting up. Bagged potting mixes are pre packed with the nutrients your plants need so there s no need to add soil compost or anything else. Soil that is water logged does not drain well and is anaerobic oxygen deficient resulting in drowned and rotted roots. A variety of bagged mixes are available commercially but you can easily make your own mix at home.

The essential element in well drained soil is oxygen which is just as important as water in growing healthy plants. While aeration is important the best potting soil must balance aeration with water retention. Orchid potting mix usually doesn t have fertilizer or moisture control pellets. A well designed potting soil is ideal for growing indoor plants.

Sphagnum peat is lightweight and inexpensive. And it provides aeration so the roots can breathe. Homemade mixes are often better. They need to drain well to avoid mold or rot but hold on to some moisture so your plant s roots can drink.

Orchid potting mix improves drainage and helps air reach roots. Our top choice is fox farm happy frog organic potting soil mix. Good potting soil will have a consistency that makes it easy for plants to anchor their roots. Peat is also on the acidic side and most seed starting mixes have a soil ph around 5 8 which is fine for starting most seeds.

Perfect potting soil mix qualities how to make your own nutrient rich general purpose potting soil duration. There are dozens of specialized potting soil mixes you can make. Most houseplants do best in potting soil that allows water to drain easily.