Organic Potting Soil

By adding rich organic compost to our beds we further enrich the soil, producing healthy plants and flowers and abundant harvests of vegetables and fruits.

We want our container plants and houseplants to enjoy the benefit of soils that are not chemically altered or treated as well, by using organic potting soil for our potted plants.

We can use this in our garden beds as well, instead of additional topsoil, to raise the beds and provide a healthy, rich growing medium.

It is preferred because it contains no chemicals, and does not add to the harmful runoff to waterways that commercially available topsoil and garden soil can.

Commercial Organic Potting Soils

Although they are more expensive than standard potting mixes, organic potting soils actually last longer and are therefore economical.

Most standard potting mixes contain peat, which decomposes quickly. Many organic soils do not contain peat.

If you've ever wondered why the soil level in a potted plant looks low after a few months, it's because the peat in the standard soil mix has broken down. The plant then needs to be repotted in fresh, new soil.

With organic soils that contain no peat, the breakdown takes much longer, and plants need repotting much less often; usually only when they outgrow the pots they're in.

They also contain living micro-organisms from combinations of diatomaceous earth, perlite, compost, pine bark, coir, guano, bone meal or worm castings, which combine to provide a moist, well-drained soil to grow plants in.

You'll need to water less often because of the perlite and compost in the soil that help retain moisture.

There are many types of organic potting soil varieties available, specifically for use in vegetable container gardening, flowering pots and plants.

Home-made Organic Potting Soils

If you have a lot of container and indoor plants, it may be more cost effective to make a larger quantity of potting soil mix.

A basic potting soil consists of one-third each of compost, organic garden soil and sand. This works for indoor houseplants.

For outdoor potted plants add 2 parts peat and some perlite to help retain moisture in plants exposed to direct sun and wind.

For seeds, make a mix of 5 parts compost, 4 parts organic garden soil, 1 part each of sand and leaf mold. Sift this mix to create a fine soil for starting seeds.

Whether you purchase it prepackaged or in bulk, or make your own, using organic potting soils contributes to the health and vitality of your potted plants and garden beds and is an environmentally sound choice for the home gardener.

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