Potting Soil :
Potting soil is a type of soil that may or may not contain
actual soil or sand.
The composition of potting soil is made up of soil and
other potting mixture elements. Moss peats, compost, and a variety of
other materials are combined to make a potting mix for your container
plant. Because potting soil contains actual soil, it may provide you with a
healthy dose of beneficial microorganisms, as well as aid with pot water
retention. However, it may also introduce some hazardous infections
and fungi to your container or plant, which could be harmful to some
level.
About Potting Mix : A potting mix is a soilless mix of container gardening
components. It is usually a sterile mixture that is free of diseases and
fungi, making it safer for plants. Sphagnum moss, wood bark, and
coconut husk perlite may be present, but no soil. It is capable of
providing adequate aeration to plants. However, water can simply drain
out of the pot when it comes to drainage. You must amend it on a
regular basis for water retention; it may also contain delayed release
fertiliser or starter fertiliser. It's also usually low in weight.
So, what should you do with your plants? Always use soilless potting
mixture for container planting, whether it's outdoor or indoor container
plants, or for seed starting. Because it contains some beneficial
components for your plant, it aids in proper air retention for the fragile
roots and protects your plant from hazardous pathogens and fungus that
could cause disease. As a result, the plants can grow in a regulated
environment. It is recommended that you use potting soil for outdoor
gardening and landscaping. Potting soil is rich in nutrients for your plant,
as well as beneficial microbes. It has a high-water retention rate. A
minor downside of potting soil is that it can get compacted if water
drainage is inadequate, necessitating hand loosening on a regular basis.
Types of Potting Mixes: - Standard all-purpose potting mix can be used for
container grown plants, however some plants demand adequate drainage
or a higher or lower PH.
1. Orchid Potting Mix : It's an all-purpose potting mix that holds too
much water and not enough air for orchids. It has bark for proper
drainage and air flow, which orchids require.
2. Succulent and Cactus Potting Mix : Sand in this sort of potting mix
enables for good drainage, which cactus and other succulents
require.
3. Moisture Control Potting Mix : This type of potting mix has
moisture-controlling ingredients, allowing it to hold more water
than ordinary potting mixes. Sphagnum, moss coir, and other
wetting agents have been added.
4. Seed Starting Mix :This is a type of seed starter that is used to
grow plants from seeds. It ensures and promotes strong and
healthy root development. The fine substance used in it ensures
that the seeds germinate.
5. All-Purpose Potting Mix : It's made for a variety of indoor and
outdoor applications, including houseplants, hanging baskets,
window boxes, ornamentals, herbs, and edibles.
How to make an excellent potting soil mix
People, on the other hand, are perplexed as to what to use for their containergrown plants. You can make your own potting soil, which is commonly used for
both indoor and outdoor plants, which will clear your mind. Let's have a look at
how to make general-purpose potting soil. Garden soil is the first ingredient in
potting soil. You can pick it up from the top layer of the earth or purchase it
from one of the many available locations or a reputable nursery.
The second item is coco peat, which is widely available in stores. Sand is the
third component, and you can also add nutrients to the soil by using compost,
cow dung manure, or vermicompost. When it comes to potting soil
preparation, you can employ the procedures below.
Take 30% of the garden soil as a ratio. 20% sand should be added to the mix.
Then add 30% cocopeat and 10% neem cake, as well as 10% organic fungicides
to prevent fungal infections. You can reduce the percentage of soil, sand, or
cocopeat by adding vermicompost or cow dung manure