How to make your own gardening potting mix using organic and sustainable materials.

Описание: Since most potting mixes in stores are made from peat moss, which is not considered to be a sustainable material or process for the environment, I decided to try making my own. This way I can control what goes into my mix.

Potting mix is generally a sterile environment, meaning there’s no life or nutrients in it, which is why it’s such a good choice for starting seeds in. This is also why many companies add their own fertilizer. Eventually plants will need nutrients in the form of amendments or fertilizers to keep the plants looking their best.

These items are often used for potting mix:

COCONUT COIR
improves the air porosity of soils, even when wet
absorbs 30 percent more water than peat
easier to re-wet when dry
sterile medium for seed starting
sustainable option in regards to the environment

PEAT MOSS
coconut coir base substitute
lightens, aerates, and helps retain moisture
more acidic in nature, which is why it’s a good choice for blueberries
not considered a sustainable option but easy to find locally

VERMICULITE
improves aeration and moisture retention
naturally occurring silicate mineral

PERLITE
absorbs water, improves aeration, and improves drainage
naturally occurring volcanic mineral

SAND
improves drainage and aeration
does not improve water-holding capacity
used more in citrus or cactus mixes

COMPOST / WORM CASTINGS
adds organic nutrients to the soil-less, sterile potting mixture

FERTILIZERS
adds additional nutrients to the mixture

Here’s a video on how to make your own potting mix, using more sustainable, organic materials…

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