Have you ever tried growing plants in containers? If your answer is yes, then you’re probably familiar with potting soil! Potting soil is a mix of different kinds of soil that’s a must for your container plants.
Even if you think that nothing could go wrong, it actually can! Whether you’re a rookie or a pro gardener, you could make mistakes. In the beginning stages of my gardening adventures, the first thing I remember doing was planting my flowers in pots.
I thought that I did everything from the instructions the right way, but in actuality every step I did was wrong! Since I was always in a hurry, I didn’t check everything I should have, which led to my worst fear.
The plants in my containers never bloomed, and I was left with nothing! Of course, I didn’t stop there. I started investigating what went wrong and found out that I was using potting soil incorrectly.
Luckily, I discovered how to fix my plants and I learned about all the mistakes that can happen while using potting mix.
Are you also planning to do some planting? Stop right there! First, you’ll need to take a look at all the mistakes that can be made when applying potting soil and the tricks for making it the best for your plants!
#1 If You Spot Mold In The Soil, You Might Be Storing It The Wrong Way
Let’s start with the first mistake that can go wrong – storing your potting mix the wrong way! You don’t want to keep it in areas where conditions are wet. This can lead to mold and pest infections, even if your potting soil is high quality!
That’s why you’ll need to store it indoors in a dry place far away from the sun. Also, make sure not to keep it for too long in the sheltered area, because using it fresh will give you the best results!
#2 Every Plant Has Different Needs When It Comes To Soil, So Make Sure To Choose Wisely
Now here comes the tricky part – planting! As you know, each plant will require different types of soil. For indoor plants, you definitely should use universal potting soil. It will work fantastically on your ficus, philodendron, monstera, and sansevieria!
Which potting mix should you choose for your outdoor plants? For all of your plants that grow in the garden, hanging baskets, or window boxes, it’s best to use an all-purpose mix!
#3 Be Careful When Making Your Own Potting Soil
Are you one of those gardeners that loves to DIY their own garden beds, pest repellents, or even potting soil? That’s great! I also love the idea of making things on my own with my little tools, but making potting soil from scratch can be challenging!
If you don’t add the right ingredients, it might cause big problems for your plants. But there’s nothing to worry about, because now you’ll see what a good potting mix should be.
All you need to do is mix mushroom compost, coco coir, perlite, and vermiculite. This mix is way better than anything you can buy at the store, and it will take your plants to the next level!
#4 You’re Forgetting About Adding Nutrients
Store-bought potting soil is sterilized, which means there won’t be any beneficial fungi or bacteria to help with your plants’ growth! Another terrible mistake is not adding any nutrients to the potting soil.
The hidden gem behind your plants thriving is compost or fertilizer! Every nutrient that your plants need can be found for free in your garden or kitchen. The best ingredients for compost are eggshells, dead leaves, coffee grounds, and banana peels.
As for fertilizer, you can use a balanced fertilizer once a month to encourage your plants’ growth!
You are now ready to use potting soil! Now you won’t make any mistakes thanks to these super easy tricks. You’ll be able to keep your plants thriving all season long!
If I hadn’t followed these steps, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the beautiful display of my container plants!
All that’s left to do is to use fresh soil, add some nutrients, and dive into planting.
Good luck!