Garden Soil Vs. Potting
The type of soil used in a garden depends on not only the type of garden, but also the location of the garden. For example, a container garden will require a different soil than a garden located in the ground. Fortunately, many companies now offer different soils for different gardening needs. Garden soil and potting soil are just two of these options. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Identification: Garden Soil
-
Garden soil, or garden loam, should be an equal mixture of sand and clay combined with various other nutrients. However, garden soils can vary greatly, as no two regions are alike, and different regions require different types of soils. Ideally, the soil should be crumbly, soft and somewhat moist when touched.
Identification: Potting Soil
-
Potting soils are specially formulated for use in containers. They contain nutrients that a plant needs but is unable to gather from the ground due to its location within the container. Potting soils are generally designed for better airflow and water flow for the plant, allowing the plant to thrive in an otherwise unnatural environment.
-
Pros and Cons of Garden Soil
-
Garden soils come in a variety of mixtures; some mixtures contain more clay while others may contain more sand. Garden soils that feature more sand may quickly lose their nutrients, while clay garden soils may not drain well. However, garden soils tend to be cheaper than potting mixes and in some cases, when mixed with fertilizer, can be used as a potting soil if desired.
Pros and Cons of Potting Soil
-
Potting soils are often specialized for specific plants. For example, a potting soil mix made specifically for use with cacti is acidic with a low pH, and it features excellent drainage, as cacti thrive in dry soils. Many potting soils are nutrient rich and contain slow-release fertilizers. However, with so many options, potting soils vary in price as well as quality. An inexperienced gardener could easily purchase the wrong type of potting soil, resulting in damage or death for the plants that are planted in the soil.
-
