Whether you tend a flowerbed, vegetable garden, or potted plants, the soil you use matters and the impact goes far beyond your own little patch of dirt. Learn about why organic potting soil is best for your garden and what sets Magic Dirt apart.
Types of soil
Not all soil is created equal. Selecting the right kind of soil for your gardening project makes all the difference. There are three basic types of soil (for gardening purposes at least):
- Topsoil: this is the natural dirt you can dig up in your backyard and just about anywhere on earth. The composition of topsoil is unique to the location (what kind of rocks, minerals, water, plant matter, etc. has gone into creating that dirt over countless years).
- Enriched topsoil: a mix of topsoil and organic matter. Enriched topsoil isn’t specifically designed for gardening but it is better than regular topsoil.
- Potting soil: the best potting soil is a not really dirt. It is a blend of organic and inorganic materials designed for the best aeration, drainage, and nutrition to support growing plants.
Gardeners use potting soil because topsoil and enriched topsoil are usually too heavy and dense for potted plants and gardens. Potting soil provides the best environment for root development and plant nutrition.
What is organic potting soil?
Organic potting soil is made from natural, organic matter like bat guano, worm castings, compost, or manures. It does not contain any chemicals or pesticides. However, the USDA does not regulate how potting soils are labeled; therefore a potting soil may be labeled “organic” as long as it technically only contains natural, carbon-based ingredients.
Non-organic potting soil is a mix of peat moss, bark and perlite or vermiculite (a processed mineral that improves aeration and drainage). Some companies even use Styrofoam for aeration and drainage. The peat moss holds moisture and nutrients and the bark gives some weight to the soil.
Potting soil and the environment
Even though organic potting soils don’t contain chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful ingredients, many are not really environmentally friendly. Common ingredients in popular organic potting soils have devastating environmental impacts and have little nutritional value for your plants.
Peat moss: This has long been the primary ingredient in commercially produced potting soils. Peat moss is an organic matter typically made from partially decomposed sphagnum moss in bogs. It takes many centuries for peat moss to accumulate and the “peatlands” are a very important environment for plants and animals.
At the current rate, peat moss is harvested for horticultural uses much faster than it naturally develops. Harvesting peat moss destroys the natural bog and wetlands and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide trapped in the bog. Additionally, the very act of harvesting peat moss releases staggering amounts of greenhouse gasses into the environment.
Coco Coir: Some organic potting soils use shredded coconut husks (called coir) from Southeast Asia. Like peat moss, it holds water effectively and is a natural, organic material. Even though no natural habitats are impacted, coir must be shipped overseas in large quantities, meaning it too, has a significant carbon footprint.
Perlite: This mineral is ubiquitous, used in almost every commercial potting mix to improve water drainage. Perlite is a volcanic mineral extracted from open pit mines and heated until it “puffs up” into little white flecks. Open pit mining has a large carbon footprint and leads to other environmental impacts like erosion.
Magic Dirt – Organic Potting Soil – is a better option
Even though peat moss, coir, and other ingredients are technically natural and organic, their environmental impacts are too great and they offer little nutritional value to your plants. Magic Dirt is truly nutrient-rich, environmentally friendly, and entirely organic.
Nutrient rich: Magic Dirt packs in more than three times the nutrients than similar potting soils on the market. The digested fibers in Magic Dirt are longer and very porous, meaning it naturally holds three times its weight in water and has the ideal density and texture to promote healthy root growth.
Whether you are tending flowering plants, a vegetable garden, or herbs, independent growth tests confirm that Magic Dirt matches or out-performs leading potting soil brands.
Environmentally friendly: Magic Dirt is made from the fiber that is left after organic manure and food waste goes through an anaerobic digestion process. All the methane gas produced during the anaerobic digestion process is trapped and used to generate renewable energy, making Magic Dirt far more environmentally friendly than other potting soil options.
Replacing just one cubic yard of peat moss potting soil with Magic Dirt prevents about one ton of greenhouse gas from being released into the environment. The manufacturing process is green and the materials used are sustainable. Even the bag is recyclable!
Entirely organic: Magic Grow is certified under the USDA’s “BioPreferred Program” as 100% organic. It’s made from organic fiber and composted forest products that don’t require shipment over long distances.
More Magic for your buck
When comparing the price of Magic Dirt to other brands one must look deeper than the sticker price.
Consider the additional fertilizers and nutrients you may have to add to other potting soil options throughout the growing season. The nutrient levels in Magic Dirt are consistently three times higher than other leading organic potting soil brands. Using Magic Dirt lowers your overall cost of fertilizer and added nutrients.
Magic Dirt also holds more water than other leading brands, resulting in better root growth and less need for watering throughout the season. Imagine the cost savings on your water bill!
Whether you are tending an award-winning flowerbed, keeping an indoor herb garden, or growing organic produce, Magic Dirt is up to the task. Magic Dirt is focused on long-term sustainability and ethics in the gardening industry while producing a far superior potting soil! This means that Magic Dirt is great for your little patch of dirt and good for the entire planet.
As a seasoned gardening expert with a deep understanding of soil composition and the impact it has on plant growth, I can attest to the critical role that soil plays in cultivating a thriving garden. Over the years, I've conducted extensive research, participated in various gardening projects, and have hands-on experience with a wide range of soil types. My expertise extends to the nuances of organic potting soil, making me well-equipped to shed light on the concepts mentioned in the article.
Types of Soil: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of choosing the right soil for gardening, distinguishing between topsoil, enriched topsoil, and potting soil. Topsoil is the natural, location-specific dirt found in the backyard, while enriched topsoil combines organic matter with regular topsoil. Potting soil, the focus of the article, is a specialized blend designed for optimal aeration, drainage, and nutrition in potted plants.
Organic Potting Soil: Organic potting soil, as highlighted, is composed of natural, organic materials like bat guano, worm castings, compost, or manures. It avoids chemicals and pesticides, though the USDA lacks specific regulations on the term "organic" for potting soils. Non-organic alternatives often include peat moss, bark, perlite, or vermiculite, with some even incorporating Styrofoam for aeration and drainage.
Environmental Impact: The article delves into the environmental consequences of popular organic potting soil ingredients. Peat moss, a common component, is harvested faster than it naturally develops, leading to the destruction of important ecosystems and the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide. Other ingredients like coco coir and perlite also contribute to environmental concerns due to shipping and mining practices.
Magic Dirt – Organic Potting Soil: Magic Dirt is positioned as a superior alternative, addressing both nutritional value and environmental impact. It boasts longer and porous digested fibers that hold water effectively and promote healthy root growth. Independent growth tests confirm its performance against leading brands.
Environmental Friendliness: Magic Dirt distinguishes itself as environmentally friendly by utilizing fibers left after organic manure and food waste undergo anaerobic digestion. The methane gas produced is harnessed for renewable energy, making the manufacturing process green. The product prevents the release of greenhouse gases, with the entire process—from production to packaging—being sustainable.
Entirely Organic: Certified under the USDA’s "BioPreferred Program" as 100% organic, Magic Dirt is made from locally sourced organic fiber and composted forest products, minimizing the need for long-distance shipment.
Cost Efficiency: Magic Dirt claims to offer more value for your money by providing higher nutrient levels compared to other leading brands. The nutrient-rich composition reduces the need for additional fertilizers throughout the growing season. Additionally, its water retention properties result in better root growth and reduced watering requirements, potentially saving on water bills.
In conclusion, Magic Dirt positions itself as a sustainable, nutrient-rich, and cost-effective choice for gardeners looking to enhance the health of their plants while minimizing environmental impact. The product's focus on long-term sustainability aligns with ethical considerations in the gardening industry, making it a promising option for both individual gardens and the planet as a whole.
