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.

Sphagnum peat is lightweight and inexpensive. It provides the right structure for root growth and anchoring. Orchid potting mix improves drainage and helps air reach roots. The essential element in well drained soil is oxygen which is just as important as water in growing healthy plants.

A variety of bagged mixes are available commercially but you can easily make your own mix at home. They need to drain well to avoid mold or rot but hold on to some moisture so your plant s roots can drink. 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. While aeration is important the best potting soil must balance aeration with water retention.

And it provides aeration so the roots can breathe. There are dozens of specialized potting soil mixes you can make. Just as importantly it s well draining yet water retentive. 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.

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. Soil drainage is a very important factor to consider when planting salvia agastache lavender penstemon and other perennials that like well drained soil. Soil that is water logged does not drain well and is anaerobic oxygen deficient resulting in drowned and rotted roots. Yes potting soil.

Orchid potting mix usually doesn t have fertilizer or moisture control pellets. Most houseplants do best in potting soil that allows water to drain easily. Perfect potting soil mix qualities how to make your own nutrient rich general purpose potting soil duration. Good potting soil will have a consistency that makes it easy for plants to anchor their roots.

Homemade mixes are often better. Bagged potting mixes are pre packed with the nutrients your plants need so there s no need to add soil compost or anything else. Granted until you get the peat thoroughly moistened the particles can be very unpleasant to work with. A well designed potting soil is ideal for growing indoor plants.

Organic potting mixes are chemical free and made from natural organic materials. Holds enough water for healthy plants while still having good drainage. Our top choice is fox farm happy frog organic potting soil mix.