How to Use Potting Soil

Potting soil is used for container gardening or for houseplants. Potting soil, though, isn't actually soil. Potting soil is made up of composted materials, peat moss, vermiculite and perlite, sand and limestone. This basic mix is a soil-less potting soil; however, some potting soils will contain a garden soil to provide nutrients to the plant. You use potting soil to anchor your plants within a container. The soil acts as a medium for the water and fertilizer you add to the container to feed your plant.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trowel Potting soil

How to Use Potting Soil

1. Purchase a bag of potting soil from your local garden center. Check the bag to ensure it is the right mix for your type of plant. Houseplants do well with a soil-less mix, one that does not contain garden soil. For outdoor container gardening, choose a mix that allows for slower drainage or moisture control.

2. Clean the container you intend to use. Potting-soil mixes are vulnerable to micro-organisms. Because they naturally contain air pockets, they provide a haven of oxygen for soil-borne pests and undesirable fungi. Cleaning out the container will reduce the risk of infecting your plant.

3. Scoop out the potting soil with a small garden trowel. Fill the container half full. Place your plant in the center of the container and gently burrow it into the potting mix. The bottom leaves of the plant should be level with the rim of the container.

4. Fill in around the plant with more potting soil, patting the mix gently into place including over the top of the root ball of the plant. Leave approximately 1/2 to 1 inch space between the surface of the potting soil and the rim of the container.

5. Do not compress the potting soil by pushing down on it or patting it with your trowel. Potting soil must remain loose to be effective. If it is compressed, the plant will suffer from a lack of oxygen.

6. Gently water the plant so the potting soil is dampened and the water just begins to drain from the bottom of the container. You should notice that the potting-soil mix "deflates" slightly on the surface. Add just enough potting-soil mix on top to cover the surface.

7. Monitor the potting mix by gently pushing your finger up to the knuckle into the soil. Do this near the edge of the container, not near the stem of the plant. If the mix feels damp, do not add more water. If the mix feels dry, add a moderate amount of water.

8. Use older potting soil for mulch. Potting soil left in the bag dries out and loses its draining properties after a few months. You can use this for mulching in your vegetable garden. Do not use older mixes as potting soil as they will not drain properly.

References

• Bonnie Plants.com