At it’s most basic definition, it means soil it is capable of supporting life. But even more to the point it is soil that is alive.

In order for our garden soil to be truly fertile it must be populated with diverse micro-organisms such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, protozoa and earth worms.

These most basic life forms perform the necessary function of converting fertilizer and organic matter into food for our plants.

That is why they are so important to have in our soil! Beneficial microbes also produce a lot of polysaccharides. This is like a glue that holds the soil together and increase aggregate structure.

Let explain soil fertility in a different manner.
“soil chemistry + organic matter + microorganisms = soil fertility”

Years ago, I remember seeing a depiction of The Cycle of Life in an elementary Science book. It showed how every living thing comes up from the earth and eventually it all returns back to where it came.

I think we all can remember seeing similar pictures at some point. But what is missed too often is that a similar life cycle is also functioning at a micro level in our soil.

Land development, tillage and chemical applications have all but destroyed natural populations of these in our soil. The good news is that we can restore it.

Compost is the most common way microorganisms are increased in our soil.

Bokashi compost is even a more effective method due to the fact contains an even more diverse combination of organisms. (beneficial bacteria, fungi and yeasts)

Modern farming methods simply are not sustainable. These methods which employ synthetic chemicals destroy the basis for soil fertility. Chemicals kill off the very micro-organisms needed to grow healthy crops.( And guess who is eating these chemically treated, nutritionally vacuous foods?)

I’ve said for years that “what you’re growing – can’t be any more healthy than the what it is being grown in.”

However, it is Baron Justus Von Liebig credited with the discovery what is now known as the ‘Law of Minimums.’

Von Liebig proved that soil having a deficiency in any one element would result in deficient growth, even if the other elements are in abundant supply. It’s all about balance.

Remember, Organic Gardening Is A Process. Not an Event!

I understand that it can often seem confusing deciding exactly where to start and please understand that you really don’t need to have to drive yourself to frustration.
So until you have gained the confidence from experience it is much simpler to purchase a really good quality inoculant that already contains all the ingredients that you are going to need to lay the foundation for really great soil.

It will take the guess work out of it for you and it is about the closest to “instant” that you are going to get.

There are a lot of products on the market that make these type of claims but there is only one that I am going to share with you because, quite honestly, it is the only one I trust enough.

There are several reasons for that. The most important factor is that it always works and I know that the bottle you get is going to be the exact same laboratory tested recipe that I get.

The second main reason is that it is the most complete recipe of organic inoculants that I have found. The trade name is EM·1® microbial inoculant. Who better to trust than the people who originally discovered it?

It is a true organic soil amendment that provides a broad spectrum of beneficial microorganisms, enzymes, trace minerals, vitamins, and various organic acids, all essential components for healthy soil and plants.

EM-1 is a great way to enhance your soil fertility.

These microbes will support the growth of other beneficial organisms like mychorrizae, worms, and beneficial insects already in your soil. It is great for your organic garden and turf application as well. You can even use it as an accelerant when starting a new compost pile. It is that good.

It is extremely easy to use, just fill the reservoir of a hose-end sprayer, then apply it to your plants. Your average quart size sprayer will treat about 1/8 acre so it goes a long, long way.

That equals about two tablespoons per gallon. Only apply it once per week throughout the growing season, you won’t really need any more than that. You will want to spray your plants in the evening, after the heat of the day when it is cooling down.

Since microbes convert organic matter to a usable food source for plants, your fruits and vegetables will not only taste better but they are going to be more nutritious as well and that is the whole point, isn’t it?

It is a process of fermentation that preserves all of the nutrients, minerals and trace elements contained in organic waste.

Once it is incorporated into your soil it quickly breaks down rapidly providing an excellent fertilizer for your organic vegetables.

Two weeks in a bucket and the bokashi is done

Unlike traditional composting that uses aerobic bacteria to breakdown organic matter, this method uses anaerobic bacteria.

There is no heat, methane or carbon dioxide produced during fermentation.This makes it much higher in carbon than traditional composting methods.
You do not need to turn it or add water and you never have to be concerned with carbon to nitrogen ratios!

Simply add your kitchen scraps, press them down firmly and sprinkle a covering of Bokashi Bran over the top and put the cover back on.

It does not get any easier than that!

Bokashi compost allows you to recycle all your organic waste!

As long as you are careful to keep your bucket’s contents as compacted as possible and covered in an airtight container at all times, you can compost every bit of organic waste that your household generates.

I mean every bit of it, from orange peels, small bones, cheese, fish scraps, hair and even nail clippings.

Starting your own Bokashi bucket will naturally process all of your households organic waste into a form that is easily broken down in your soil. It is the ultimate in recycling!

The secret behind Bokashi Bran is that it is inoculated with billions of friendly anaerobic bacteria in each square centimeter.

These are the same types of bacteria that are used in making pickles, bread, cheese, wine and even your favorite yogurt. They are totally safe!

Inside your bucket this bacteria ferments your organic waste instead of composting . Bokashi Bran is made by inoculating wheat or rice bran with EM-1 (the EM stands for “Effective Microorganisms”)

This is a proprietary formulation of several strains of yeast, photosythetic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria. EM-1 is pathogen free and does not contain any form of GMO’s.

Once it is introduced into your soil these microorganisms go to work helping your plants grow healthy while assisting in overpowering disease pathogens.

“Effective Microorganisms” is a term that was coined by Dr. Tuero Higa, who first discovered and pioneered the field of combining several species of bacteria and yeast in a single liquid culture.

That all happened while he was a professor at the College of Agriculture in Okinawa, Japan back in the late 1960’s. There are no other formulations that contain Dr. Higa’s discovery. (EM-1 is patent protected)

While relatively unknown here in the United States, Effective Microorganisms have been in use for a half of a century on nearly every continent and over a 150 countries around the globe!
When it came time to buy some to try for myself I went to Teraganix they are the only laboratory licensed to produce and distribute EM-1 in the United States and they have been doing so since 1992. And who better to get it from the the folks who invented it?

What can I expect with mybokashi bucket?

Your waste is not going to decompose, it will retain relatively the same bulk as it had when it went into the bucket.

It will not turn black or rot. Nothing is broken down and therefore nothing gets wasted. The entire contents will become inoculated with Effective Microorganisms.

Then it is ready to bury it in your garden where it then will break down very rapidly. When your bucket is full, press it down to remove excess air and then apply another slight layer of bran. Then set it aside for two weeks. That’s all here is to it!

When you remove the cover, you will probably notice white fungus growing on the top, this is a good sign! It is a visual indicator that it is fermented properly.

After two weeks you will see white fungus growing.

I do not fill my buckets all the way to the top because it is just too heavy to lift them. I dig a hole in one of my raised beds, empty a bucket, then cover it back up with about four inches of soil.
I have observed that after about two weeks, other than a bit of orange peel or a large piece that wasn’t cut up, there is little that I can see that hasn’t been decomposed. It is usually teaming with worms!

Finished Bokashi is also excellent for container gardening. Add a few inches into the bottom of a container and then cover the remaining space with soil and plant as usual. It will feed your plants all season long without the need for fertilizer.

Depending on how much you plan on using you can either purchase pre-made Bokashi Bran or you can save some money buy making your own! It is a very simple process and is actually quite an enjoyable project to involve the kids with as it is Non-Toxic!

Bokashi Bran Recipe: (Large Batch) Ingredients

• A small bottle of EM-1 from Teraganix (under $16)A 50 pound bag of either rice bran or wheat bran. You can find it at most any cattle feed store. I use the wheat bran because it is about half the cost of rice bran ( under $15 including tax)
• 3 gallons of distilled water (under $1 each)
• 1 bottle of molasses (under $5 at most grocery stores)

Instructions to Create your Bokashi Compost:

1. Place a tarp (8’x10’) on a flat surface such as your drive way or garage floor.
2. In a large 5 gallon bucket, empty the 3 gallons of distilled water. (Use distilled as the chlorine in drinking water may very well kill off all the microorganisms before you even get started and you don‘t want any other contaminants like fluoride either)
3. Mix 1/3 cup of your EM-1 (Effective Microorganisms) and 1/3 cup of molasses.
4. You can stir it up sufficiently in about 20 seconds with your clean washed hands.
5. Slowly pour the mixture over the wheat bran that you have spread out fairly evenly on the tarp.
6. Now the fun part! Simply mix it up well using nothing but your hands.

When it is all mixed you should be able to take a handful and squeeze it without anything dripping down your arm, if not mix it up little more. You are done when it is moist enough to hold its shape after you squeeze it yet somewhat crumbly.

Now that it is all mixed up start loading it into black plastic garbage bags being careful not to fill them in to heavy to lift safely or tear.

For added security, I double up the bags. Important, squeeze ALL the air out of the bag before you twist it up and tie it off! Remember we are growing anaerobic bacteria in there, excess air will only slow the process.
Once you have it all bagged up, put it in an undisturbed location and allow the microorganisms to inoculate all the wheat bran. I ended up with about 6 good sized bags.

Bokashi bran drying in the sun

After two weeks, lay out your tarp again and empty all your bags. Spread it out evenly and allow it to dry out in the full sun. Stir occasionally, three or four times over the course of the day.
Once it has dried sufficiently, put it back in a coupe large lawn & leaf bag and store it. I use a 35 gallon plastic barrel. The barrel has a removable top and a locking band that holds it in place. Remember to squeeze out all the air before you seal up your bag before you tie it off.
You now have enough Bokashi to keep a couple buckets going at all times throughout the year. You can also add Bokashi bran in with potting soil or directly into your garden to help replenish microbes in the soil.

Bokashi Bran Recipe: Small Batch Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds of bulk wheat or rice bran from you favorite organic store
• 1 ½ teas spoons of EM-1
• 3 tablespoons of molasses.
• 3 cups of distilled water

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together as detailed above. Store it in a couple large zip-lock baggie and then roll it up and put it in another bag.
2. Place in a warm, dark location for at least two weeks. Then empty the bag and spread it out to dry well before re-storing. Small batches are perfect for those with limited space or simply want to test a small batch before attempting a larger batch.

I am going to give you a basic biodynamic compost recipe. You can build it in a nice square anywhere, or in a designated location. I like to have all four sides of it, at least three, accessible. You can build it more evenly, get to it easier for good watering and really do conscious building of it with all the elements to get the best results come spring. Build a big one so you will get lots of great compost for a long time. And high enough to keep some of the animals out of the kitchen scraps that will go in the middle.

You want a “boxspring” base using branches, that will be edged with green matter, and the center filled with straw and manure with kitchen scraps in the middle.  All the ingredients are important to getting magical compost in spring so include them all. Watering the layers while you build it is important to get the composting process started once it’s all closed up….and important to start watering it again come spring.  You will be amazed at the rich soil that you will find at the bottom of this pile in spring when you make an opening at the bottom to shovel it out.

So here is my treasured compost recipe for you.

Compost Pile

• 80% manure and straw
• 10% green matter
• 10% food compost and topsoil mixed with blood meal and kelp meal

1. Create compost “box spring” with branches
2. Edge with green matter
3. Fill with straw and manure

Build in layers:

• Manure
• Green matter
• Straw
• Rew shovels of top soil mix with blood meal and kelp meal
• Spray with water well to soak
• Repeat process above numerous times
• Add food compost to center

let this sit all winter and in spring, start to water the pile

Dut a hole at the bottom on one side of pile to retrieve compost for garden

go feed your garden soil with this for a happy abundant garden

I really hope you will go out and build a compost pile. It is putting life force back into the ground, and there is magic in the dis-integration. Everything has a purpose under the sun, including us. I believe with all my heart that every answer to every question can be found in Nature.

Happy composting!

Home Gardening

startup materials and taking the time to nurture plants. While gardening does come naturally to some people just as a musician can make a piano sing or an artist can fill a painting with emotion, raising a robust garden is a skill that can be developed and perfected.

Preparation of any endeavor is as important as the act itself and home gardening is no different. If you have the space, a 10′x10′ patch will produce more vegetables than you can handle. Larger gardens can quickly get over run with weeds, insects and become overwhelming with all of the work involved. Keep the space small and get to know your plants.

The Importance Of Soil

Plants need six to eight hours of full sunlight per day in order to receive nutrition. They also need lots of water and well-draining soil. If you have a low-lying area in your yard that always seems to fill with water, this would not be a good spot for a home garden. Roots can rot when waterlogged and prevent growth. If you have a shady yard that cannot offer the amount of sunshine needed, leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach grow well without as much sun.

Testing your soil can give you a good idea of what type of base you have to work with. Choose an area that is sunny and mark off a 2′ x 2′ square. Saturate this area with water and allow it to rest for 24 hours. Next, dig up a good sampling of the dirt and form into a ball with your hands. The soil should not be soppy or dry and crumbly. If you find either of these conditions, the soil needs work.

Compost is an excellent way to prepare inadequate soil for home gardening. In addition to adding nutrients, compost adds fertility to the ground for stronger activity. If you want to know the actual balance of your soil, purchase a home test kit that will present readings for the pH balance of your soil. Once you find out the nature and quality of your soil, it can be balanced with potash, ashes or wood chips, depending on the acidity.

Gardening Alternatives

Another idea for starting with good soil is a raised bed. Raised beds have gained attention for first time gardeners because the soil is in perfect shape for gardening. Proper drainage, no packed down dirt to work up, the soil warms quicker in the spring and plants are easier to tend to. Raised beds also add to the charm of a garden with defined wood lines that hold your garden in a conformed style. There are now kits that can be assembled easily so building your own is not the only way to have a raised bed.

Potted gardens are becoming popular when the luxury of a large back yard is not available and can work just as well as a plot of ground. 5-gallon buckets are the perfect way to raise tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and other hardy plants. They provide depth and cages can be fitted around the top so the vines have somewhere to travel. This is an excellent way to get the feel of certain types of vegetables, fruits and flowers that can be placed on a patio during the growing season.

What To Plant?

First year gardening should begin with vegetables that are suited for your area of the country. The most popular assortment of vegetables are beans, asparagus, peas, beets, brussel sprouts, beets, lettuce, radishes, carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes and corn. These plants perform very well in sunny areas with fertile soil. Other types of specialized vegetables can be planted as you become more familiar with what grows best in your region.

Laying The Groundwork

Laying out your garden begins with the direction of the rows. Running rows north and south gives the best air circulation plus provides good exposure by the sun. When rows are planted east and west, the shadow of the sun’s rising and falling tend to shadow one row after another, creating a domino affect of shade. Taller plants should be positioned on the northern end so there is never a shadow over the lower growing vegetables. Place medium sized plants in the middle and the root varieties on the far southern end.

Why Spacing Is Important

Seeds are tiny and it is hard to imagine that they can burst into growth and expand but they do. Careful positioning of each seed can save you from having to thin out plants that have grown too closely to one another. Each gardening variety has a specific placement, depth and spacing that should be adhered to. For example, cauliflower seeds need to be spaced 18″ to 24″ apart while radishes and peas only require 2″. You will see why alignment and spacing is so important as your vegetables rise and demand room.

Predators

One of the worst sights that a newly invested gardener can have is to discover that a garden has been ransacked during the night. Predators like rabbits, deer and raccoons love fresh vegetables. Know what type of predators you have lurking in your neighborhood and be ready before it is too late. Rabbits do not like cats so sprinkling used kitty litter around the edges of the garden is helpful in keeping rabbits out without harming them. Deer are a beautiful species but let them rip your corn stalks in half and suddenly they do not seem so sweet. There are deer deterrents that can be purchased so a fence is not necessary.

Home gardening can provide lots of fresh food, a feeling of calmness and teaching one to be patient in creating and molding natural beauty. By planning for the upcoming spring, preparing the ground and selecting the right types of vegetables for your area, your first try at gardening can be a complete success. You will find hours flying by once you begin tending to weeds, watering and enjoying the artistic array that you have helped nature create.

Peat Moss: Peat moss was introduced to gardeners around 1950, and it has greatly taken the gardening world by storm due to its impressive ability to hold on to vital nutrients that would usually get drained away. Peat moss also can absorb up to 5 times its weight in water, creating the ideal medium for seed germination and plant growth. Peat moss is composed mainly of decomposed moss which takes 1000’s of years to form, thus making it a non-renewable source that is non sustainable.

Coco Coir: Also known as Coco Moss or Coconut coir. Yes, you probably guessed it already! Coco coir holds the same amazing soil enhancements of peat moss, but is sustainable and is the environmental friendly option. Coco coir is made by decomposing the fibrous coconut shell.

Pine Bark: Pine bark enhances the soil by retaining moisture, protecting the soil against soil borne diseases and from extreme hot/cold weather conditions

Perlite: Perlite is a volcanic glass and a naturally occurring mineral that has a high water content. Perlite is extremely light and holds moisture, loosens up soil in order to improve root aeration. Thus, helps lighten and loosen soils. Perlite looks like white round styrofoam balls, but is as solid as a rock. A good potting soil can either have perlite, vermiculite or a mix of both.

Vermiculite: Vermiculite shares the exact same soil enhancement benefits as perlite, but consists of silicate material. It is beige in color and feels like sawdust.

Nutrients: Most popular commercial potting soils add slow-release fertilizers to maintain a nutritious soil for 3-6 months for a healthy plant growth. Fertilizers can be added manually later either via adding organic compost or chemical NPK fertilizer.

A decent potting mix is a combination of all the ingredients above in appropriate proportions, and will have the following characteristics:

• Will be lightweight and fluffy.
• Have proper aeration to prevent root rot.
• Help maintain moisture and nutrients in the soil for healthy plant growth.

Not sure which commercial potting soil to buy? We have tried over 100 different brands and reviewed the top 9 potting soils to help you make an informed buying decision, check it out!

Is potting mix the same as potting soil?

Technically: NO! But Commercially: YES!

Technically speaking: The term “potting soil” is used for any soil regardless of the added soil enhancers. Once enhancers are added, that “potting soil” is then called “potting mix”

Commercially speaking: The term “potting soil” is used even when the product is a “potting mix” that contains all the soil enhancers (Perlite/Vermiculite, Peat Moss/Coco coir, Fertilizers). So if you were ever wondering “what is potting mix?”, now you know!

Fun fact: Potting Soil is also commercially sold as “Soilless potting mix”

Can you mix potting soil with garden soil?

Containers: No, mixing potting soil is not recommended at all for containers since garden soil is dense and has poor drainage. Garden soil is naturally aerated by works or grubs, and that is never going to happen inside your container. So if you are planting in containers, stray away from adding any garden soil. Not only will it compact your relatively small container, but it will also make the container less portable since garden soil is 20x heavier than potting soil.

Raised Beds: Yes, due to the nature of raised beds being not as portable as containers, with a much larger surface area, and is not frequently moved around; you can mix garden soil along with compost with your potting mix. In fact, there are lots of commercial potting mixes being sold and labeled specifically “For raised beds”.

Can you mix compost with potting soil?

Yes, we occasionally add compost to our potting soil as a soil amendment and it has been working wonders for us. Mixing compost with your potting soil will:

• Help retain moisture levels
• Help in naturally releasing micro nutrients to feed your plants
• Help in increasing soil porosity
• Help in increasing

But keep in mind that adding too much compost may introduce unwanted problems. So stick to a maximum of 1:1 ratio, with 1 part compost to 1 part potting soil.

With our containers and raised beds, we usually add a 2-3 inch layer of compost every year. Ideally in early fall, in order to give the compost a chance to break down by spring and diffuse its magic into the soil.

Adding the annual layer of compost every year also helps in reducing weed growth.

Does bagged potting mix expire / does potting soil go bad?

Yes, potting soil does go bad due to the fact that peat moss’ lifespan is 2 years. It is not advisable to use expired potting soil since it will reduce your soil’s drainage and may cause root rot due to cutting off the oxygen supply in the soil.

So the next time someone asks you: “Does miracle gro potting mix expire?”, you know the answer.

How to determine if my potting soil went bad?

You can determine that if you detect one or more of the following:

• Rotten smell
• If you can see white mold growing.
• If you see gnats flying around/inside the bag

How to properly store potting soil?

We have all been there with some extra potting soil left in the package. In order to properly store your potting soil and prevent it from rotting, growing mold or inviting those tiny unwanted gnats, it is recommended to store your extra potting soil in a dry area away from any direct sunlight. We always store our extra potting soil in their original bags (Sealed with tape) inside a protective container. Detergent containers work well, and if you want that extra protection then get one of those rubbermaid bins.

How to sterilize potting soil?

If I got a penny for everytime I answer this question, I would be a thousandaire!

I have had my bad share of experiences with unwanted bugs, fungus, weeds, surprisingly even from top potting soil brands that advertise a “Sterilized Potting Mix”. I always sterilize my potting soil prior to using them in my garden raised beds or indoor containers. Here are 4 methods you can use to sterilize effectively:

Method #1: Boiling Water

1. Place the potting soil you are about to use in a large bowl or bucket
2. Pour boiling water over it.
3. Stir the soil with any utensil to make sure that boiling water seeps into the soil.
4. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes, and you’re good to go.

Method #2: Using an Oven

1. Prepare your oven safe container
2. Now put a layer of 4-6 inches of soil in your oven safe container
3. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95 degrees Celsius)
4. Put the container in the oven for 20 minutes, then you’re good to go.

Do not heat your oven heat to anywhere above 200°F to avoid overcooking the soil (In that case it will not be suitable for planting)

Method #3: Using a Microwave

1. Prepare a microwave safe container with a lid. Make sure the lid has ventilation holes for the heat to escape.
2. Put 2 pound of soil at a time in your container
3. Heat for 90 seconds on a high setting, then you’re good to go.

Method #4: Using a Freezer

1. Buy a freezer. (Just kidding)
   Put the bag of potting soil in your freezer.
2. Leave it in your freezer for 2 days, and you’re good to go.

Can you reuse potting soil?

You definitely can. In fact, a big portion of our beautiful garden plants have been grown this year reusing last year’s potting soil. Nothing wrong with saving some moolah.

But before you reuse your potting soil, there are a couple of steps you should take to revitalize your soil with nutrients and clean it up:

1. Grab your favorite gardening gloves
2. Now clean up your old soil by removing any old plant matter like leaves, dead roots and twigs.
3. Use a garden trowel to loosen up the soil. We want our soil to be light and fluffy.
4. Now you need to revitalize your soil with some nutrients. I personally add in some compost (1:1 ratio) and you can also add some organic plant food that is sold on Amazon.
5. Mix everything together, and you’re all set with your nutritious

How to make potting soil at home?

Mix in the following ratios together, and you have just made yourself the ideal potting mix:

• 2 Parts Peat Moss or Coco Coir
• 1 Part Perlite
• 1 Part Vermiculite
• 1 Part Compost

Additional optional ingredients you can add:

• 1/2 Part Fine Sand
• 0.1 Part Lime (To neutralize the acidity of the peat moss)
• 1/2 Part time-release fertilizer

Nine Best Organic Potting Soil for Your Plants

So, here are the top 9 potting soils that you should consider using for your plants. We tested them all, and here are our top picks:

Product	Title	Our Rating	Price	Buy
Top	Organic Plant Magic Compressed Soil	4.9 / 5.0	$$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix	4.87 / 5.0	$$	Check Price on Amazon
	Black Gold SUGRBG16QT	4.85 / 5.0	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	Proven Winners All Purpose Potting Soil	4.82 / 5.0	$$$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	Espoma AP4 Organic Potting Mix	4.8 / 5.0	$$	Check Price on Amazon
	Miracle-Gro 72776430 Indoor Potting	4.77 / 5.0	$$$	Check Price on Amazon
	FoxFarm FX14240 FX14054 Happy Frog Potting Soil	4.73 / 5.0	$	Check Price on Amazon
	FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Organic Mix	4.72 / 5.0	$$	Check Price on Amazon
	Miracle-Gro VB00009 Potting Mix	4.7 / 5.0	$$	Check Price on Amazon

Both indoor and outdoor plants require the best potting mix to get all the nutrients. Furthermore, getting the right potting soil for indoor plants is especially crucial as these are deprived of sunshine and rains.

So, if you are wondering what your friend does to have a beautiful garden, you know the drill. It is mainly the choice of potting soil that makes a huge difference.

In this article, we are here to guide you through the world of potting soil so that you fetch the beauty out of your plants. Let’s have a look.

How Should You Determine the Best Organic Potting Soil?

With so many potting soil mix options in the market, it is likely for you to get overwhelmed. However, there are simple rules that you need to follow to get the best soil mix.

Fertilizer: The best potting soil is the one that is specially tailored for your plants with added fertilizer. Potting mixes come in either slow release fertilizer or starter fertilizer. If you are considering using the potting mix to start growing new seeds, then the slow fertilizer option is your best bet. If you need potting soil to enrich your garden, or transplant plants, then the slow release fertilizer option is the way to go. Slow release fertilizers definitely last longer, but you should consider adding additional fertilizer after 4-6 weeks.

Potting Mix Weight: Heavier definitely does not equate to better when it comes to potting soil mixes. In fact, you should consider buying a lightweight potting mix as this will help in proper root aeration which is essential for healthy plant growth.

Heave mixes usually contain unneeded elements such as sand or other unwanted materials. That is something we definitely do not need.

Properly Maintaining Moisture Levels: The added ingredients in your potting soil mix that are mainly responsible in maintaining proper moisture content in your soil, enhance drainage, along with soil aeration enhancement are either perlite or vermiculite. Usually one or both of those are added to the commercial potting mixes.

In our 9 picks, we looked into the potting soil mixes that have all the important aspects we just mentioned:

The best 9 Potting Soils That You Should Consider Buying in 2020

Pick Number 1) Organic Plant Magic Compressed Organic Potting-Soil (OUR TOP PICK)

This soil mixture contains all those essential nutrients required for stable plant growth. Another great feature of this soil is that it expands to seven times its size when added to water. It contains bacteria, worm castings, and coconut coir that makes it natural and healthy for plant growth. Furthermore, it has an odd moisture-retaining capacity. Apart from expanding with water, it also holds the water well up to three times longer than other soils. If you are looking for a chemical-free potting soil, this one is the best option for you.

Pick Number 2) Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix

This potting mix from Burpee is again a unique product made with special ingredients. Surprisingly, this potting mix contains coconut. The potting mix is specifically created, keeping a special plant food diet in mind. It has potassium, nitrogen, and phosphate in just the right amount. The other essential items are also added to create a perfect balance. Moreover, coconut coir adds the cherry on the cake. Now, you might wonder why coconut coir? Naturally, coconut coir is used to retain moisture in plant soil. Unlike other chemicals, this one is natural and renewable. So, you are feeding your plants with natural ingredients. It also has an extended-release profile, but it is shorter as compared to other mixes. It can work for up to three months. After three months, you will need to replant or replenish the oil supply. Again, this soil is suitable for flowers, vegetables, and herbs. If you wish to add it to other plants, you might need to add different ingredients.

Pick Number 3) Black Gold Natural and Organic Potting Soil

Just like its name, this soil can be called the gold standard of soils. Why? Because it has got everything, your plant needs to grow healthy and happy. The other soils mentioned earlier are suitable for every type of plant. However, this particular soil is suited for specific types. You can use it perfectly for flowers, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables. The texture of this soil is loamy, and it is loaded with all essential nutrients. Also, the loamy soil retains moisture brilliantly. Furthermore, it also contains perlite and pumice that keeps the pores and air spaces open. Overall, it creates a perfect environment for vegetables and flowering plants to grow. So, you don’t need to add anything extra. This potting mix gives you a pH of 6.5. So, you might need to adjust the pH according to your plant needs.

Pick Number 4) Premium All Purpose Potting Soil

Now, if you are in search of a soil that fits every plant, this is the one for you. The Proven Winners Premium Potting Soil solves all of your soil issues. Firstly, this soil is fairly priced. You get around two pounds of potting soil for a good price. Thus, it is cost-effective with various sizes to choose from. The star benefit of this soil is that you can use it with any potted plant. For instance, annuals, perennials, shrubs, or herbs, vegetables, and other DIY plant projects, this one is just right for every use. The one thing to take notice of is that this soil is prepared without fertilizer. So, if you wish to improve your soil a little more, you will need to add fertilizer by yourself. Furthermore, unlike other soils mentioned previously, this one is medium weight soil. If we talk about potted plants, these require light soil to create an airy environment. However, this particular soil is more on the heavier side that might need a little extra care from your side.

Pick Number 5) Espoma AP4 Organic Potting Mix

The Espoma potting mix has been trusted by many gardeners for its miraculous effects on plants. You can check the reviews online about how users have benefited from this soil. This soil is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. The excellent ingredient list ensures that your plants attain a good height and grow both below as well as above the soil. Thus, you get stronger roots along with greater blooms. Another advantage of this soil is that it retains moisture. It doesn’t make your plant all dry. This is because of its drought preventing ingredients that lock moisture in the soil. Thus, this soil is suitable for all those plants that require a lot of moisture to grow. Furthermore, it also contains peat moss, peat humus, perlite, and dolomitic limestone. Overall, there’s no doubt that this soil makes the perfect balance for your plants.

Pick Number 6) Miracle-Gro 72776430 Indoor Potting Mix

Another potting mix from Miracle-Gro, this soil is packed with all those ingredients your soil needs to grow. Furthermore, this soil also protects your plants from gnats. The Miracle-Gro has specifically designed this potting mix to keep the pests off from your plants. Thus, you no longer need to worry about the damages caused by pests to the plants. Apart from this, it is quite similar to the previous Miracle-Gro potting mix. Also, it has an extended-release design. So you can rest assured that your plants get all the food they need.

Pick Number 7) FoxFarm FX14047 Happy Frog Potting Soil

Another potting mix by FoxFarm, this is similar to the above product. The only difference is in the ingredient list. This potting soil also contains nitrogen and phosphate but in different proportions. The N-P-K ratio of this soil is around 4-1-7, which is pretty good for most of the plants. Furthermore, it also contains humic acid, and mycorrhizal that allow the plant to grow aggressively. You can use this potting mix for both indoor and outdoor plant settings. It has a light texture, and you can either use it stand-alone or mix it up with other soil.

Pick Number 8) FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil

This potting soil is not popular, but it still offers all that you need. For instance, if you look at the ingredient list, you will find a perfect balance of ingredients. This soil contains a good amount of nitrogen and phosphate that is crucial for your plants. Furthermore, you will also find some other essential nutrients that make it a perfect mix. The potting soil is made up of natural components, including bat guano, earthworm castings, and more that provide nutrients. On the other hand, forest humus and sandy loam keep the soil moist and light. The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that this soil gives you a pH between 6.3-6.8. Thus, you need to adjust the pH according to your plant needs.

Pick Number 9) Miracle-Gro Potting Mix

Miracle-Gro is a trusted brand when it comes to the potting mix. If you are an experienced gardener, you must have given this soil a shot once in your life. Like its name, this soil is packed with all those nutrients your plants need to grow. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. Furthermore, it has a light texture that makes it suitable for roots to spread and grow. Aside from this, the soil has an extended-release design. Thus, it continues to nourish your plants for up to six months after the initial feeding. With proper nourishment, this potting soil can turn your plants beautiful by producing twice as many flowers. Whether you choose to use it a stand-alone soil or you wish to mix it with your other, it is perfect for every setup.

Frequently Answered Questions

Q) Can you use outdoor potting soil for indoor plants?

To put it concisely, both indoor and outdoor potting soils are the same. These are both made with the same amount of nutrients. The only difference lies in the labeling of the product.

Furthermore, some plants can only grow outdoors, including shrubs. Thus, outdoor potting mixes are specially designed for such plants.

If we talk about core ingredients, these are essentially the same. So, you can use an outdoor potting mix for indoor plants.

Q) What is the Difference Between Potting Soil and Potting Mix?

While potting soil and potting mix might sound similar, there is a little difference that makes them distinct.

Potting soil is nothing but the regular soil you put in your plants. It is not specifically designed to amp up nutrients in the soil. This is mostly suitable for outdoor plants. You can also call it gardening soil.

On the contrary, the potting mix is different. It is specifically designed for potted plants. It is lighter in consistency as potted plants need more air for root expansion. These are usually suitable for indoor potted plants.

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To Sum It Up

Good soil is the basic necessity of a plant. Apart from rains and light, your plant requires proper nutrients for growth and nourishment.

Potting mixes available in the market are specifically designed to cater to all your plant needs in one go. However, you cannot just buy any potting mix you see because it creates a huge difference. The products mentioned here are curated, keeping potted plants in mind. Most of these are best-selling organic potting soil mixes, so you can rest assured about their quality and performance. Simply check them online, read a couple of reviews, and place an order for a potting mix that is suitable for your gardening goals.

Buying the best potting mix is simple. All you need to do is know the requirements of your plants, including the basic ingredients, required pH, or moisture, and you are halfway already.

Happy gardening – keep visiting our space for more genuine product reviews!