Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the world of plants, distinguishing between potting mix and potting soil can often be perplexing. Both are used for planting purposes, but understanding their proper usage is crucial to avoid ending up with dead plants. So, to make well-informed decisions for your gardening endeavors, you must know the basics first!
Do you really need both? Can they be used interchangeably? It’s vital to determine which option is most suitable for the specific plants you wish to nurture and the environmental conditions they will thrive in. Continue reading to gain a clearer understanding of the distinctions between potting soil and potting mix.
Table of Contents
What is a Potting Mix?
A potting mix is a mixture of ingredients – it’s typically made from a combination of potting mix organic and inorganic materials that can be used to grow plants in containers. It contains more nutrients than potting soil and has a higher nutrient concentration. That’s why they are ideal for plants that need good drainage.
Many people prefer a potting mix since they find it easier than searching for individual components needed to create one at home. Potting mixes are usually composed of the following elements:
- Peat Moss
- Vermiculite
- Perlite
- Composted Pine Bark
- Worm Castings
- Composted Manure
- Other amendments like limestone or dolomite lime (depending on your local climate)
What is Potting Soil?
Potting soil is the stuff you use to make a home for your plants. It contains healthy dirt for plants, including mineral elements like sand, clay, and loam. They’re usually mixed in varying amounts with added compost for extra nutritional value. It’s often sold as garden soil and is best known for in-ground use because it’s formulated to have the best component in the ground.
It also differs from regular soil in that it usually has less clay content and higher levels of organic material, including composted animal waste, leaf mould and other decaying matter. This helps retain moisture in the plant’s root ball. The result is an environment where roots have access to nutrients but also stay moist for longer periods, making it perfect for houseplants!
How Do They Differ?
Here are some key differences to know about potting soil and potting mix:
Composition: Potting soil combines sand, silt, and clay with enough compost. Whereas, the potting mix, also called “soilless mix”, combines peat moss, vermiculite or perlite (all are lightweight materials), and compost (a soil-based additive).
Cost: Potting mix is generally more expensive than potting soil because it requires more ingredients, which may also be organic. A potting mix is still a great option for many gardeners, though. This is because the added costs are worth its value in terms of quality and performance.
Features: The best potting mix for succulents has a huge fluffy/airy nature, moisture retention properties, and drainage and is lightweight. In contrast, potting soil is normally heavier and denser as it has many natural soil properties. It also needs more water when used in containers to allow the plants to breathe more effectively.
What are the Benefits of Using Each Type?
Potting mix has more excellent airflow properties and water drainage but fewer nutrients than soil. That means it doesn’t compact as easily and plants can breathe more freely.
Potting mix organics are also lighter than soils, so they’re easier to handle. This is especially useful if you’re a beginner gardener who isn’t confident in their horticultural prowess. That’s because you don’t want to spill your plant’s new home accidentally!
Meanwhile, potting soil contains more nutrients than potting mixes. Soil micronutrients provide your plants with all of the nutrition they require for healthy growth while simultaneously helping prevent their roots from getting tangled with one another and thus keeping the roots from becoming tangled up with each other.
They also have larger particles that hold onto moisture for longer than smaller particles found in potting mixes. The heavier particle size makes them better at retaining moisture over time. Also, they’re more affordable, and you can buy bulk potting soil at friendly prices.
Choosing the Right Option: When and Which Plants Benefit from Potting Soil or Potting Mix?
Both potting soil and potting mix can be used for planting purposes, with distinct differences. You should use potting soil when your plant requires more nutrients or moisture such as tomatoes or peppers while soil can absorb moisture more readily than its counterpart does.
Potting mix, on the other hand, is best used with more established plants that need something special in order to flourish, like tropicals, orchids, and bonsais. Plus, potting mix is much less likely to attract pests so diseases won’t wipe them out so fast – giving you plenty of time to learn how to care for plants properly before having to worry about infestations of insects or fungal growths on leaves!
If you’re just starting with your garden, it’s best to use potting soil. Once the plants are more established and need more airflow, you can switch to the potting mix. You can do it the other way around if your plant is particularly less nutrient-needy and requires more breathable spaces.
Conclusion
We trust we’ve given you an understanding of the differences between potting soil and potting mix, both products of which have unique benefits that should be utilized when appropriate. Should any questions arise as to which could best serve your garden or plants, contact our experts at Dasta & Sons!
We are one of the top sources of garden supplies in Melbourne and have been serving the community for 15 years. Call us at 0411 402 401 or email us at sales@dastaandsons.com.au to get started.
