Selecting the Best Potting Mix
Selecting the best potting mix when transplanting houseplants, growing herbs indoors or planting outdoor container gardens can be overwhelming.
Start by reading the label. Most potting mixes are soilless and consist of peat moss, sphagnum moss and compost for moisture retention and vermiculite, perlite or rice hulls for drainage. They are lightweight and blended to hold moisture while draining well.
Organic potting mixes include organic and OMRI certified on the label. Those with a “starter charge” of fertilizer provide nutrients for the first few waterings. Controlled-, time- or slow release fertilizers may be added to provide additional nutrients over a longer period of time.
Then lift the bag. Potting mixes should be light, fluffy and moist. Avoid heavy waterlogged bags where the mix can break down and become compacted.
A bit more information: Potting mixes may also contain synthetic wetting agents to help water penetrate and evenly moisten the potting mix. Moisture retaining products may also be incorporated and are supposed to hold water near plant roots and reduce the frequency of watering. Be careful not to overwater and do not add more water-retaining products to mixes that contain these products.
Related
Audio
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
Register now
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
May 4, 2024
Garden U 2024
New Richmond, WI
Register now
May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now
May 11, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 12, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2024
Ask The Plant Doctor Q & A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
June 1, 2024
Selecting, Planting, Pruning and Caring for Hydrangeas
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
June 5, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Under-Appreciated Pollinators
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More