Comments on: Homemade Potting Soil

By: Wanda

Wanda — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:32:28 +0000

I just found your site after looking at Renee’sgardenseeds. It looks so interesting and helpful. I have neglected gardening and am planning to get back to it this spring after a couple really busy years. I’ll look forward to following your blog.
Wanda´s last blog ..Snow, Snow: Creamy Rice Pudding

By: Susy

Susy — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:41:41 +0000

You can mix in small batches and store in a large rubbermaid containers. You can use 2 gallons of each (I use a gallon vinegar jug that I cut the bottom off) and then mix in the ammendments. It’s easy to mix in a wheel barrow or on a piece of cement with a shovel, although I’m sure mixing it in a big plastic container wouldn’t be difficult.

You can store it outside in containers, along with everything else. The vermiculite you’ll need to store in a plastic container if you store it outside.

I would suggest finding a local farm supply store and calling them about vermiculite. I get a great deal on mine from my local store, I pay $11 for 4 cu. ft.

By: Mangochild

Mangochild — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:25:00 +0000

Thanks for the recipe! I used regular potting soil this year, but I want to try mixing my own combo for the fall plantings. Like Dan though, storage space is a bit of an issue, so I'd have to figure out a way around that. Ideas? But the cost of the potting soil, yipes. Its enough to make me ready to *find* a way. Mangochild’s last blog post.. Tuesdays Independence Days – starting anew

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 20 May 2009 02:31:15 +0000

I regrettably buy potting soil all the time. I really do plan on mixing my own but it never seems to happen. I always buy 4 cubic feet at a time though so it doesn't cost a ransom. One of these days I'd like to find a large storage container so I can start mixing my own. Dan’s last blog post.. Solanum Post

By: Susy

Susy — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:56:52 +0000

You’ll be impressed with how great it is! My homemade potting mix is much better than the store bought kind. I have to say, I save a bundle making my own. And I love knowing exactly what’s in it!

By: warren

warren — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:55:02 +0000

We have always bought it but we started a compost pile last year and may try to use it some in combination with other stuff that we buy…I don’t know for sure…

By: David in Kansas

David in Kansas — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:28:55 +0000

This post makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Up to this season, I have bought all of my garden soil and you are right, it has cost me a small fortune. I began making compost (or is it I am allowing compost to happen?)

I have promised myself that next year I am not buying any garden soil and instead I am making my own. I made the soil for the square-foot-gardening beds according to Mel’s formula and that’s what I will again –minus the peat (will use coir instead)

By: Chicago Mike

Chicago Mike — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:30:14 +0000

I am not sure what I am using. This coming weekend I have to fill the pots and get my herbs in. I don’t have that many pots though. I am tempted to use bagged potting soil (organic) but I do seem to always run short and scam some from the garden for the easier to grow stuff.

By: Helen at Toronto Gardens

Helen at Toronto Gardens — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:38:51 +0000

I admire your dedication — sifting the compost alone is a job and a half. I purchased a compost sifter many years ago and think I used it once. Instead, any uncomposted material that’s small enough to fall between the tines of a garden fork goes right onto the garden. Anything larger goes back into the compost for next time.

Potting soil might need to be finer for cosmetic reasons, but I’m afraid I cheat for my few pots and purchase commercial soil mix (ProMix if I can get it). However, I do tend to reuse the soil in my pots from year to year, and top it up with compost. See above.