Well Draining Potting Soil Mix

They need to drain well to avoid mold or rot but hold on to some moisture so your plant s roots can drink.

Well draining potting soil mix.

There are dozens of specialized potting soil mixes you can make. Yes potting soil. This blend of coarse materials is designed for many kinds of orchids. Homemade mixes are often better.

Granted until you get the peat thoroughly moistened the particles can be very unpleasant to work with. Perfect potting soil mix qualities how to make your own nutrient rich general purpose potting soil duration. Soil that is water logged does not drain well and is anaerobic oxygen deficient resulting in drowned and rotted roots. Stagnant sticky soil clings to plants and can rot the roots or allow harmful fungal growth.

Our top choice is fox farm happy frog organic potting soil mix. Orchid potting mix usually doesn t have fertilizer or moisture control pellets. Mita bishnoi garden tips 11 798 views 10 17. Limestone is added to peat based potting mixes to help balance the ph.

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. Orchid potting mix improves drainage and helps air reach roots. Organic potting mixes are chemical free and made from natural organic materials. A variety of bagged mixes are available commercially but you can easily make your own mix at home.

Soil drainage is a very important factor to consider when planting salvia agastache lavender penstemon and other perennials that like well drained soil. A well designed potting soil is ideal for growing indoor plants. The essential element in well drained soil is oxygen which is just as important as water in growing healthy plants. And it provides aeration so the roots can breathe.

Sphagnum peat is lightweight and inexpensive. Bagged potting mixes are pre packed with the nutrients your plants need so there s no need to add soil compost or anything else. Holds enough water for healthy plants while still having good drainage. Just as importantly it s well draining yet water retentive.

While aeration is important the best potting soil must balance aeration with water retention. Most houseplants do best in potting soil that allows water to drain easily. It provides the right structure for root growth and anchoring.