How to Make Well Draining Potting Soil
Are you looking for an easy DIY approach to making your own well draining potting soil mix? This guide will tell you exactly how to do it! It’s important to use a well draining potting soil for potted plants, as it prevents them from becoming waterlogged and prevents the growth of fungus and disease.
Step #1: Gather Your Ingredients
The ingredients you’ll need to make well draining potting soil include:
- Peat Moss: Peat moss helps to retain moisture while also providing aeration.
- Compost or Manure: Compost or manure helps provide essential nutrients for your plants.
- Vermiculite, Perlite or Coarse Sand: These ingredients help to aerate your potting soil and make it well draining.
- Optional: Nutrients or Fertilizer: You can opt to add nutrients or fertilizer to enrich your potting soil.
Step #2: Mix Your Ingredients Together
Take your ingredients and mix them together in a large bowl. The ratio of the ingredients should be 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 compost or manure, and 1/3 vermiculite, perlite or coarse sand. If adding fertilizer or nutrients, add 1/4 of the mixture. Stir the ingredients together and mix well, or transfer the ingredients into a large storage container and cover the lid loosely with a kitchen towel.
Step #3: Make Sure Your Mixture is Well Draining
Take a handful of your potting soil mix and squeeze it into a tight ball. This will help you to determine if your mixture is too wet or too dry. If two or three drops of water come out of the squeezed ball, then the mix is just right for your potting soil. If no water comes out, then you need to add a bit of water to the mixture and stir or shake it up. If too much water comes out, then you need to add more peat moss or compost to your mixture.
Step #4: Store Your Potting Soil
After you’ve got your potting soil mix just right, you can store it in a sealed storage container or plastic bin. This will ensure that your potting soil mix is ready whenever you need it!
Voila! You Now Know How to Make Well Draining Potting Soil!
Making your own well draining potting soil mix is an easy DIY project that can be done in no time! With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can start to use your potting soil mix for your potted plants and ensure that they are well cared for and able to thrive. Good luck and enjoy your own homemade potting soil mix!
