{"id":40161,"date":"2016-05-13T11:40:30","date_gmt":"2016-05-13T15:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hobbyfarms.com\/?p=40161"},"modified":"2020-11-03T03:48:16","modified_gmt":"2020-11-03T08:48:16","slug":"create-a-custom-potting-soil-mix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hobbyfarms.com\/create-a-custom-potting-soil-mix\/","title":{"rendered":"Create A Custom Potting Soil Mix"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although many commercial potting mixes exist for purchase, many gardeners choose to make their own. A grower might want to create a custom blend for special growing conditions, if retailers are far, or if they have access to on-farm compost or fertilizer that could reduce overall cost. Because some materials come from potentially unsustainable sources or are not Certified Organic, some people choose to make their own potting soil to embody their personal environmental ethics.<\/p>\n

Young plants seek two basic needs in a potting soil mix: nutrition and proper tilth, aka soil texture. Ideally the soil will hold enough water to keep seed and young roots moist but will drain quickly enough that no fungus or rot occurs. The nutrient balance should allow for adequate growth for the four to six weeks in the cell tray before transplanting.<\/p>\n

Common Potting Soil Materials<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve already done research on potting soil ingredients<\/a>, there\u2019s a chance you\u2019ve read about some materials you\u2019re not very familiar with. One of the keys to creating an effective mix that suits your farm ideals is to understand each of these ingredients and how they work.<\/p>\n

Coir<\/h3>\n

Coir is a shredded fiber made from coconut husks. It breaks down slowly and holds up to nine times its weight in water, making it an ideal base material. As coir is a by-product of the coco-fiber industry, it is considered a renewable resource but it\u2019s only grown in the tropics.<\/p>\n

Peat<\/h3>\n

Sphagnum peat moss also decomposes slowly and is a stable organic material well-suited to the base of a potting mix. It holds even more water by weight than coir, but with a low pH of 4, must be amended to neutralize acidity. Some people are concerned about the over-harvesting of peat<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Compost<\/h3>\n

Compost<\/a> from food scraps and lawn waste improves soil structure, which increases the exchange of water, air and nutrients to plant roots. In addition, compost can add organic matter and beneficial microbes. If using homemade compost, be sure ingredients are shredded finely and free of disease. If disease is a concern, pasteurize compost by heating it to 200 degrees F in a solar oven or home oven.<\/p>\n

Fertilizer<\/h3>\n

Adding fertilizer<\/a> to a potting mix increases nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, as well as other elements necessary for young plant growth. Compost adds some nitrogen, but supplementing with blood meal, fish meal or composted poultry manure ensures that plants will have sufficient nitrogen over the span of time they\u2019ll stay in the pot. Choose potassium sulfate or greensand for potassium and bone meal or clay\/rock phosphate for phosphorus.<\/p>\n

Sand<\/h3>\n

Coarse, sharp or builder\u2019s sand adds no nutritive benefit but contributes to soil weight and air space to a potting mix. Sand is especially useful to balance top-heavy plants expected to grow tall.<\/p>\n

Vermiculite<\/h3>\n

Vermiculite is a mined, neutral pH mineral that contributes to holding water and fertilization in the soil. It contains a small amount of calcium and magnesium.<\/p>\n

Perlite<\/h3>\n

Perlite is a processed volcanic rock product that increases drainage and aeration. Its light density can be used to alter the weight of a mix.<\/p>\n

A Basic Recipe<\/h2>\n

Here is a basic potting soil recipe to help you get started. As you become more familiar with your plants and environmental needs, you can adjust the amounts of each ingredient used. (Go here<\/a> for more ideas.)<\/p>\n