How to Make Organic Potting Soil

Incorporating organic potting soil into your landscape or garden is a natural and healthy way to grow plants free of chemicals. Preparing your own organic potting soil can save you money and greatly improve the quality of your plants.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Organic compost or earthworm castings
• Expanded shale
• Wheat bran
• Coco fiber
• Water
• Container to mix potting soil ingredients

1. Clear a work area outside where you will not be concerned about making a mess. Use a drop cloth or newspapers if working inside.

2. Gather your gardening supplies such as gloves and pots. You will also need a large container to mix and possibly store the organic potting soil.

3. Collect your organic potting soil ingredients. This should include coco fiber, expanded shale, organic compost or earthworm castings, and wheat bran.

4. Place equal parts of the organic potting soil ingredients into the container.

5. Mix these supplies together by hand until they are distributed evenly.

6. Use this mixture for potted plants, gardens and growing herbs. It can also be mixed in with the native soil in your organic flower beds.

Tips & Warnings

• Add water to this mixture if planning to use immediately. Dry potting soil is not good for your plants.
• Organic potting soil supplies are available at most retail nurseries or on the Internet.
• Organic compost can stain decks, concrete, tile floor and patios. Be sure to use a catch basin under pots and cover these areas before creating your organic potting soil.

Resources

• Receive professional landscape and gardening advice at Glover Gardens