What is Potting Soil : Interesting Facts That You Should Know

have you ever wondered what is Potting soil? Did you know that Potting soil has little or does not contain soil at all?
Yes, potting soil is specially made for plants that grow in containers either indoors or outdoors. The contents in the soil should be changed according to the type of plant and vegetable that will be grown in the pot. Knowing the right soil mix will help you to give your plant the best performance. In this article, you will learn more information about potting soil, Mix, Use, and many differences.

What is Potting Soil?

Potting soil is used for many soil types, specially designed for plants and vegetables in pots and containers. The soil is lightweight and fluffy but also holds moisture with its potting mixes.nIn simple words, Potting soil is Potting Mix with soil The potting mix contains Perlite, Peat moss, Fine barks, vermiculite, and compost. The soil mix can be done according to what plant is to be grown in the pot.

What are the Uses of Potting Soil?

The primary use of potting soil is for potted and container-grown plants and vegetables. The best use is for seedings.

What is the potting soil made of?

• Little or no soil.
• Perlite helps in collecting the excess water in the soil.
• Peat moss is used for acid-loving plants and provides water retention along with good air space.
• Barks come from paper waste. With this, the life of Potting soil is extended.
  Compost is made from recycled plants and food waste.
• Vermiculite helps in holding nutrients in the root of the plant.
  Coir from coconut husks acts as a good fertilizer.
• Pumice is volcanic ash, a lightweight concrete used to add extra porous to the soil.
• Mineral and organic matter: Plant waste such as leaves, twigs, and such. Animal waste such as cow dunk and pet waste.

Interesting Fact:
James Boodley and Raymond Sheldrake invented the Potting mix in the late 1800s.

Advantages of Potting Soil

• Cost-efficient.
• Can be made 100% organic.
• Enriched with Nutrients.
• High Durability

Disadvantages of Potting Soil

• When Bought from the store, it can be expensive.

What is Organic Potting Soil?

Organic Potting soil uses the natural form of nutrients in its soil mixing such as plants and animal waste. This soil helps your plant be free from pests and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Some other natural organic matters in this soil are casting, Compost, Manure, and Composed tree waste.

What is the best potting soil for vegetables?

The best potting soil mix for the vegetables are organic nutrients, Loamy sand in the right amount, Natural fertilizers in the ratio of 3:1:2, and disease suppressors.

Pro Tip
If you ever run out of one potting soil in between planting, use half parts of both the soil. Blending both the soil as much as possible will make it better for plants.

What is the best Potting Soil for outdoor plants?

For Outdoor plants, The best potting soil contains all the same things as potting soil but with preferences according to plants. For example, Orchids with a mix provide excellent drainage. Cacti and succulent plants with clay pot and 50 % sand and compost will make it grow better.

What is the difference between potting soil and ground soil?

The ground soil or garden soil is mixed with the native soil and is used for gardening on large grounds. The Potting soil is used only for potted plants with the required potting mix for the specifications of plants and vegetables. The garden soil is also called ground soil because of its best use in the ground for leveling the garden bed and filling up the spaces with nutrients in it.

• Ground soil is a blend of Topsoil and organic matter.
• Potting soil is a soil type with potting mixes according to the plant.

What is the difference between potting soil and planting soil?

The Loamy soil is best for planting, thus having the name planting soil. The major difference between Planting soil and Potting soil is the number of nutrients held in the soil. Panting soil is the type of soil and potting soil is mixed giving its name Potting soil.

What is the white stuff in Potting soil?

• The white stuff in potting soil could be Perlite or gypsum.
• These white stuff are not found in organic potting soil. The perlite is not organic, it comes from lava.
• It can be used with soil to achieve lightness in soil.
• Gypsum is a mineral that contains calcium and sulfur. Gypsum removes excess sodium from the soil.
• Perlite and gypsum with the same texture and color are often mistaken for each other. Checking the Label will help know it.

Conclusion

Now that you know a little about potting soil, you should relax so that you will make healthy plants in pots. With the knowledge of its potting mix and the differences between Ground soil and planting soil, you can go a long way in understanding the soil and plants to grow.

FAQs

1. Is Potting soil reusable?

It is reusable only when proper nutrient content is in the soil. The soil with diseased plants can’t be reused.

2. How long can potting soil be used?

Potting soil if store-bought should be used within six months if opened and unopened 1 to 2 years of purchase. In the case of homemade, add nutrients to keep it healthy.