Mixing your own potting media allows you to control the ingredients.
Commercial potting soils vary in quality and composition. Because there are no federal or state regulations to govern potting soil, the formula varies by manufacturer, explains the University of Connecticut Extension Services. What this means to you is that the soil you purchase may not meet the needs of your plants. Making your own potting soil from purchased ingredients is relatively easy, although it does require mixing and storing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Pour 1 gallon of garden loam or prepackaged potting soil in a tub or plastic bin. Add 1 gallon of sphagnum peat moss.
2. Add 1 gallon of coarse builder's sand, perlite or vermiculite.
3. Supplement the soil mixture with slow-release fertilizer, following the application rate on the container.
4. Mix in 4 tsp. of lime to the mixture to raise the pH.
5. Spray with warm water to moisten the soil mixture. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a lightweight, porous potting mix. The soil mixture should feel damp to the touch, but should not be soggy.
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