Potting Soil Recommendations

[Shawn]

Usually I use Miracle-Gro Potting Mix (not soil).  Either the Moisture Control or the Regular one.

What Potting Mixes do you use?  I am looking for recommendations since I will need to order as I can not go to the store.  (actually I can not really go anywhere in public with these pins in my toes for another 3 weeks or so )

[MaryL]

I’ve tried and liked Espoma. 

[raynebc]

I've been using the 2 parts of regular Miracle Grow potting mix with 1 part perlite and it's worked pretty well for me mostly.  I did decide to buy the moisture control version when I was at the hardware store the other day though as it already has amendments like perlite so I won't have to mix it myself.  No more tiny bags for me, I bought multiple 50 qt bags.

[Shawn]

Apr 25, 2019 11:38:08 GMT -5 raynebc said:

I've been using the 2 parts of regular Miracle Grow potting mix with 1 part perlite and it's worked pretty well for me mostly.  I did decide to buy the moisture control version when I was at the hardware store the other day though as it already has amendments like perlite so I won't have to mix it myself.  No more tiny bags for me, I bought multiple 50 qt bags.

I have the Moisture control here but I need more and when I do order I will order two 50 qt bags.  I have three planters on the deck rails and the one for the reaper.  I may get more but I am unsure right now until I can walk.

[MaryL]

I’ve never used the moisture control version. Is the aim of that formula to retain moisture, or to prevent it from becoming too sodden and soggy?

[Shawn]

Apr 25, 2019 12:45:22 GMT -5 MaryL said:

I’ve never used the moisture control version. Is the aim of that formula to retain moisture, or to prevent it from becoming too sodden and soggy?

Here is the description:

Grows plants twice as big vs. unfed plants. Absorbs 33% more water than ordinary potting soil (Potting soil that does not contain sphagnum peat moss, coir, and wetting agent.). Feeds plants up to 6 months with Miracle-Gro® Continuous Release plant food.

I have been using Espoma, like Mary and have not encountered any gnats for 3 years after comparing it to others. For seedlings I add it mixed with a bit of seed starting mix to be gentle on the roots and then when they grow tall, add more Espoma. Growth is phenomenal. I used to use Ocean Forest, but the mix was tough for poor seedlings to push through.

I also use Espoma for all my potted plants. Highly recommend.

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FKQZSQB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Shawn]

I am going to order the Epsoma to try

Also ran across this article The Best Potting Soil for Every Type of Plant, According to Experts (although the pricing on the page have changed)

Here is another one ..  Best Potting Soil for Any Plant – Buying Guide and Recommendation

[Shawn]

Sheesh, why is shipping so darn expensive.

I can get 50 qt bags from Lowes or Home Depot and even Ace Hardware for $14 a bag.  But they want $65 to deliver.  Like really !?!

However to get 16 qts or Espoma (2 bags) is $25.  That would be 6 bags (48qts) for $75  OR Miracle-Grp 16 qts for $32.  Then there is Gardener's Brand 20 qts for #21 and who knows what their shipping would be.

By the time I am able to get out and fully walk it will be fall I think.  So I may just order the Espoma (two bags for now) and call it a day.  I asked someone if they can pick it up for me and she said it would get her car dirty.  So much for that.

I am not in a good mood can you tell LOL

You don't like Prime?

[Shawn]

Apr 29, 2019 21:19:00 GMT -5 @cornne said:

You don't like Prime?

I do have Prime.  I guess my point is that if I can get to a home improvements or Walmart myself I would get a 50 Qt bag for $14.  Instead of paying Prime price of  $16 for only 16 Qt bag.

[raynebc]

Some things are just too expensive to be worth shipping by UPS, first class, etc.

[Shawn]

Well I ordered some Potting Mix from Amazon.  It should arrive tonight.  So I am hoping that I can get the pots hung and flower seeds planted tomorrow or over the weekend.  However I think it is going to rain.   

Going to keep that the weekend is not a washout.

[ERR0R1755]

I tried Miracle-Gro and had issues with fungus gnats, and I picked up another brand recently and opened it up to find a cloud of fungus gnats in my face. Thankfully I had opened that one up outdoors rather than indoors, but I left the bag outside and tomorrow I will double check the brand and post it here as a warning.

I've heard good things about the Sungro Black Gold potting soil, which also uses worm castings rather than chemical fertilizers, so I picked up a couple bags of that and will try it soon.

Has anyone else had good or bad experiences with potting soil brands?

[Sher]

I use Miracle Grow amended with perlite, compost and coco coir. But I pour plenty of boiling water over the Miracle Grow to kill any critters.

(Tip from The Rusted Garden)

[Shawn]

I will never use soil because of the bug issues.  I know mix can have some but usually not.  I also do not bring any dirt/mix in my home. 

[Quantum]

sher I like the idea of boiling water over Miracle Gro mix. Do you have a method to do this that’s quick to do and not make a huge mess in the process?

[Sher]

Quantum, it works best if the potting soil is slightly dry. I have a huge stainless steel bowl I put it in, then pour a kettle of boiling water in it and let it set until it cools. Then I put it in a big plastic bin.

I also pour boiling water over coco coir, although it is not needed because it does not support the growth of soil bugs, but it seems to soften it faster. Then I add that to the potting soil bin.

Then I mix in perlite for drainage.

You can add aged cow compost. If it is pure, aged animal manure, it will not support the growth of bugs. If it is a mixture, it will need to be sterilized, too. (Best in the zip lock method. See below.)

If you ever do get fungus gnats, you can mix one part  3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and spray the top layer of soil until the top 1/8" is wet. That will kill all fungus gnat larvae and will not hurt the plant. Repeat every several days.

I have also successfully used the microwave method of sterilizing potting mix. Make sure it's good and damp, poke a couple of holes in a gallon zip lock bag, seal and microwave to 180 degrees. Then let the bags cool naturally.

That is very handy for small potted projects.

[cloudshaper]

I use the regular Miracle Gro and amend with Vermont Compost Company's Compost Plus, coco peat and some extra perlite.  I've been interested in the Espoma but haven't seen it at a reasonable price.  My apartment's built in dehumidifier is really strong, so the extra water retention of the coco is good.

[Sher]

Apr 9, 2021 3:25:52 GMT -5 cloudshaper said:

I use the regular Miracle Gro and amend with Vermont Compost Company's Compost Plus, coco peat and some extra perlite.  I've been interested in the Espoma but haven't seen it at a reasonable price.  My apartment's built in dehumidifier is really strong, so the extra water retention of the coco is good.

That is supposed to be superb compost, although I have never used it.

I buy the bulk blocks of coco coir and use it indoors and out. It really helps plants stay hydrated in our scorching summers.

Misting your plants once or twice a day would probably be beneficial, too.