How to choose the best soil substrate for potted plants?

How do we know if a soil mixture is good for our potted plants? - In this article we will answer this question, so you can have a great start to your plants. For this purpose, we will first consider a few basic requirements when choosing a soil mixture.

How do we know if a soil mixture is good for our potted plants? - In this article we will answer this question, so you can have a great start to your plants. For this purpose, we will first consider a few basic requirements when choosing a soil mixture.

It is important for the plants that the roots can breathe and not rot after planting the plant. A good amount of air in the soil is the basis needed for plant roots to survive.

The soil mixture should seal the space around the roots of your plant to keep it in place so that it remains stable even in wind. However, the mixture should also be light enough to allow water and air to always be present below the soil surface and the roots of your plant to have a balanced atmosphere in which to grow.

The soil for pots should be light and fluffy. Look for potting soil composed of peat moss, pine bark and perlite or vermiculite.

Peat moss

Peat moss comes from peat bogs in the United States and Canada. Peat moss provides excellent moisture retention quality with good air space for healthy roots. For plants that like acids, this is sometimes the best mixture for pots, but for flowering annuals this moss itself is too acidic and it is best to choose a mix.

Pine bark

Pine bark comes from paper mills and retains moisture and fertilizer, as well as a little more air space when mixed with peat moss - pine bark adds a new dimension and helps prolong the action of fertilizers by keeping them in the soil.

Perlite and vermiculite

Both perlite and vermiculite are volcanic in origin. They are used to supplement the soil mixture to provide additional air space and balance so that the mixture is not too thick and heavy.

Enriched soil mixture - advantages

One of the most common ways to improve potting soil is to initially mix it with fertilizer or by using fertilized soil with slow release fertilizer. Both options are good and make growing easier. The slow release of fertilizer in the bag with the soil mixture means that you have more fertilizer to help your plants start.

These are the most important aspects when choosing a soil mixture for potted plants! If you need advice on growing, you can contact us!