difference between potting soil and potting mix? - Knowledgebase Question

US
Avatar for vpatchigolla
Question by vpatchigolla
April 20, 2008
I want to know what is the difference between miracle gro potting soil and potting mix.I live in NJ. Is it required to add potting mix to my veg. patch or flower patch every year?


Image
Answer from NGA
April 20, 2008
Potting mix is basically the same, regardless of brand. You'll find composted organic matter, sand and peat moss. In some of the less expensive brands, there will be bark chips, as well, which adds bulk. Miracle Gro Potting Soil has some garden soil (loam) and some fertilizer mixed in with the organic matter. Either type of product will help enhance your garden soil. Since they are basically organic matter which will decompose over time, you may want to add more to your soil each year (but it isn't required). If your soil is hard and compacted you can add potting soil or potting mix and dig it in well, then lay a 3-4" layer of the same product over the top of the soil after planting. This layer of mulch will help suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature and help slow evaporation. At the end of the gardening season you can dig this mulch into your soil. After a few years of adding mulch and digging it into the soil you'll improve your soil and have loam - something your plant roots will love!

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by Lucius93 and is called "Gerbera"

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.