The Secret to Happy Plants (and a Fuller Wallet): Make Your Own Potting Mix

For years, I relied on store-bought soil mixes, but my plants just weren't thriving. The options were often too dense, packed with large mulch pieces, or couldn't retain moisture. Frustrated, I decided to take control and started creating my own blends.

I remembered reading years ago about Martha Stewart's advice: ideal soil should resemble crumbled chocolate cake. Unfortunately, nothing I bought even came close to that texture or consistency. As a result, I started with a good bagged garden soil and mixing in my own ingredients.

Now, I'm excited to share my DIY approach that's transformed my gardening experience!

Building a Better Blend: Your Guide to DIY Potting Soil

Here's how I create a custom planting mix that saves money and caters to my plants' needs:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

• Base Mix: Start with a budget-friendly bagged garden soil. Look for sales!

• Organic Boosters: Add natural ingredients like compost (if available), aged cow manure, worm castings, and Espoma Plant-Tone for extra nutrients. Don't have compost? Espoma chicken manure and worm castings are great substitutes.

• Drainage Enhancer: Include peat moss or coconut coir to improve drainage, especially for moisture-sensitive plants.

2. Mix It Up:

• Ratio as a Guide: A common starting point is 60% garden soil, 20% peat moss/coir, and 20% combined chicken manure and worm castings/compost. Adjust this based on your plants' preferences.

• Plant-Specific Boost: Before planting, consider adding a sprinkle of Espoma Plant-Tone for an extra nutritional kick.

• Mixing Methods: Use a wheelbarrow for larger batches or a potting table for smaller amounts.

3. Test and Refine:

Once mixed, test the soil by planting a few seeds or small plants. Observe their growth:

• Nutrient Deficiency? Add more compost if your plants show signs of needing more nutrients.

• Drainage Issues? Include more peat moss/coir if drainage seems poor.

By following these steps and observing your plants, you can create a high-quality soil mix specifically tailored to their needs.

Benefits of DIY Soil:

• Cost-Effective: Stretches your gardening budget by using a base mix and adding high-impact ingredients.

• Customization: Cater to specific plant needs by adjusting the mix's composition.

• Sustainability: Reduce waste by avoiding excessive store-bought bags.

Conclusion:

Making your own soil is a rewarding and practical task that empowers you to create a thriving garden. So, grab your supplies and get started on your personalized soil mix today!

Happy Gardening!