Soil Savvy

Healthy outdoor container plantings start with the proper soil mix. If you try using garden soil, you get a heavy planter that dries out quickly. Commercial potting soil blends are more expensive but will offer a better container mix. Or, if you prefer to blend your own, you can create a homemade mixture that’s lightweight and absorbs moisture but drains well. Remember, container plants require more regular watering and fertilizing than garden plants.

Recipe for Potting Soil

1 part compost

1 part composted manure

1 part vermiculite

1 part peat moss (or substitute such as ground pine bark)

1 part perlite, sand or fine gravel (for additional drainage and plants that prefer very well drained soil)

These gardening projects are brought to you by Novelty Manufacturing, Lancaster, PA, manufacturer of quality container gardening products.