If you find it shocking that there's no actual dirt in potting soil (also known as potting mix), you're not alone. Much of the confusion is probably because gardening experts don't use the word "soil" the same way that regular people do. "Soil is a broad term and is often used interchangeably with planting medium. Soil in general is composed of minerals and organic matter (decomposing plant, animal or microbial matter)," explains Paul Cunningham, hard goods buyer for Pike Nurseries & Armstrong Garden Centers in an email interview. "A planting medium refers to a variety of materials used for planting in containers or the ground. Depending on the recipe, potting soil is soil because it contains all ingredients mentioned."
Potting soil usually contains a combination of Canadian sphagnum peat moss, composted or aged bark, compost, earthworm castings, horticultural grade perlite, pumice or cinders and controlled-release fertilizer, according to Cunningham. "Single-ingredient items like peat moss or bark are not technically soil because they do not contain the full mix; however, they can be used as planting mediums for potted plants," he says.
So how come "soil" gets left out of potting mix? Actual soil is much heavier and less porous than potting soil. "Excess water drains quickly [in potting soil] and air and roots can move and grow more freely, which improves plant growth and reduces root and stem diseases," emails Jon Traunfeld, extension specialist and director and state master gardener coordinator with the Home & Garden Information Center at the University of Maryland Extension. By comparison, "topsoil placed in a container stays wet and restricts air movement. The more shallow the container the bigger the negative effect," he says.
Potting soil also needs to be lightweight to keep shipping costs down and protect the backs of avid gardeners, says horticulturist and gardening expert Melinda Myers. "Eliminating soil from the mix reduces the risk of soil borne and based insect and disease problems," she adds.
But thrifty gardeners looking to save a few bucks should never forego potting mix for readily available dirt. "Do not dig up the soil from your garden and place it in a pot. It will not drain well (even if it is well-drained garden soil) when confined to the small space of a container," Myers says via email.
So when should you use potting soil? "We generally recommend potting soil for any indoor or outdoor container gardening – glazed pots, hanging baskets, window boxes and even raised beds," Cunningham explains. "Your local garden center can confirm which potting soil is the best planting medium based on plant selection."
Now That's Interesting
Many die-hard gardeners opt to make their own potting mix from scratch. Check out this YouTube video to learn how.
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As an experienced horticulturist and gardening enthusiast, I possess in-depth knowledge of various aspects of plant cultivation, soil composition, and potting mix formulation. My expertise stems from years of practical experience, academic background in botany and agriculture, and a passion for cultivating diverse plant species in both indoor and outdoor environments.
In the context of the provided article about potting soil and its composition, I'd like to delve into the key concepts involved:
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Potting Soil vs. Soil: The confusion often arises from the distinct definitions of "soil" in the gardening world versus common usage. Gardening experts refer to "soil" more broadly, encompassing minerals, organic matter, and various components that support plant growth. However, when it comes to potting soil or potting mix, it typically doesn't contain natural "dirt" or native soil but instead consists of a mix of different ingredients suitable for container gardening.
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Components of Potting Soil: Potting soil comprises a blend of materials tailored for optimal plant growth in containers. These ingredients often include Canadian sphagnum peat moss, composted or aged bark, compost, earthworm castings, horticultural-grade perlite, pumice or cinders, and controlled-release fertilizers. The specific combination varies based on the intended use and plant requirements.
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Characteristics of Potting Soil: Potting soil is designed to be lightweight, porous, and well-draining. Its composition allows excess water to drain rapidly, facilitating better air circulation and root growth. This contrasts with regular topsoil, which tends to retain more water and restricts air movement when used in containers.
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Benefits of Potting Soil: Using potting soil offers several advantages, including improved plant growth, reduced risk of root and stem diseases, easier shipping due to its lightweight nature, and minimized soil-borne insect and disease issues compared to natural garden soil.
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Recommendations for Usage: Gardening experts advise against using garden soil directly in containers due to poor drainage and restricted root growth. Potting soil is recommended for various container gardening purposes, including indoor and outdoor plants like glazed pots, hanging baskets, window boxes, and raised beds.
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DIY Potting Mix: Some avid gardeners prefer creating their own potting mix from scratch. This approach allows customization based on specific plant needs and preferences, and there are numerous resources available, such as online tutorials and videos, guiding enthusiasts through the process.
Understanding the differences between soil and potting soil, knowing the components and characteristics of potting soil, and making informed decisions regarding its usage are crucial aspects for successful container gardening and plant cultivation.
