Homemade Potting Soil

Your garden soil may be top of the line but making homemade potting soil is a good idea when starting seeds.

No matter how rich your topsoil is, it can harbor organisms that put seedlings at risk. Bagged seed-starting mixes are widely available but you can save money by using our easy to make homemade potting soil recipe below.

Soil is made up of inorganic particles such as clay, sand, and silt. As well as minerals, organic matter, water, and air. The quality of soil is judged by the proportions of these ingredients. Organic matter is an essential part of the soil makeup because it supplies nutrients to the plants and can help to improve drainage.

Homemade Potting Soil Recipe

1. Combine equal parts of fine vermiculite and milled peat moss for a seed starting mix. Wear a disposable mask to avoid breathing in the fine particles.

2. Add hot water to the potting soil until it is moist enough to stick together. On the other hand, you do not want it dripping wet. The hot water keeps seeds warm.

3. Fill your containers or flats to within about ¼ inch from the top. Then plant your seeds following the directions on the seed packets for spacing and depth.

Peat moss is a staple when you make your own potting soil because it absorbs and retains water, which helps cut down on the chore of watering. Vermiculite is used also for its ability to make soil that is highly retentive of water. It is a mineral that will absorb excess water and release it later.

Perlite is another material often used for making potting soil. It lightens the mix and allows the soil mixture to drain easier to drain. Compost is also a very important additive as a time release agent of essential nutrients to the plants. Most good potting soil mixes incorporate a few of the additives mentioned above.

* A General Purpose organic home made potting soil mix consists of 2 parts perlite, 3 parts topsoil, 2 parts vermiculite, 2 parts manure, 3 parts peat moss, 1/2 part bone meal.

Controlling Pests

If a soil disease has made it impossible to raise a favorite crop in your garden, you may choose to grow the plants in a sterile your home made potting soil.

How to Sterilize Potting Soil

You can use your microwave oven to sterilize potting soil made at home quickly and efficiently. Use two pound containers that are non-metallic and have sealing lids or microwave safe plastic bags. Leave the bag or lid unsealed to vent while you are sterilizing the soil in the microwave.

For every two pounds of soil you want sterilized, microwave it on high power for about 90 seconds until it reaches a temperature of 180 degrees. Use a microwave-safe thermometer to gauge the temperature. The homemade potting soil needs to remain at 180 degrees for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the containers from the microwave and allow the potting soil to cool. Then, replace the lids on securely or seal the bag until you are ready to use.

Soil Texture

Soil should crumble slightly when squeezed. Soil texture can have a great effect on the growth of your plants. You want to prevent water from draining away so quickly that your plants will require more frequent watering. On the other hand, you do not want the soil to become waterlogged. Finding a happy medium is the main goal of making homemade potting soil.

Good soil is the foundation to a gardener's success. Besides providing support for plant roots, homemade potting soil provides the nutrients and water needed to survive. The best soil is loose and well-draining but also retains enough air and water for healthy root growth.

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