This post shows you the best soil for growing vegetables in pots!
The success of growing vegetables in pots starts with the right environment.
You got your seeds. Now all you need is some soil, right? Well, yes and no!
While you do need soil, there are several types you can choose from.
What are the differences and does it even matter?
Yes, it does! In this article, I’ll explain the differences between garden soil and potting soil and how to choose the best soil for growing vegetables in pots.
Hopefully, this makes your next shopping trip a little less frustrating (and expensive)!
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What is Soil?
Soil is a mix of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter broken down over time. Soil is “alive” and helps support plant life.
For example, topsoil is a type of soil found under your grass lawn.
Not to be confused with dirt, which stains your clothes when gardening and does not support plant life at all.
Dirt can be found in soil but you won’t find soil in dirt.
Other elements found in soil:
Air: All plants need air to breathe and do this by seeking out air pockets in the soil through the roots. If your soil is too compact, your plant may die!
Water: Water helps plants and microorganisms in the soil hydrate. Keep your ecosystem hydrated so they can keep working hard!
Organic Matter: Breaking down organic matter allows nutrients to be released back into the soil as a slow-release fertilizer to give your plants a healthy boost.
Aim for a mix of loamy soil. Loamy soil is high in nutrient organic matter, retains enough moisture, and is spacious enough for air to filter through and microorganisms to live. It should have a loose and crumbly texture.
You’ll know you have the right consistency when you grab a handful of soil, close your fist, and the pieces crumble into your hand.
If you close your fist and the soil clumps together, it’s too dense.
What is Garden Soil?
Garden soil is a dark and dense topsoil that has extra organic matter added in, usually in the form of compost or cow manure. Think about the topsoil under your lawn but with heavy compost mixed in.
Garden soil is ideal for plant growth in outdoor or raised bed gardens. Since it’s mixed with topsoil from the outside, it also may contain living microorganisms and bacteria if it hasn’t been pasteurized.
Garden soil is too condensed for container gardening. The roots of your vegetables can become waterlogged and suffer from stunted growth or die. Remember, never use garden soil for a potted plant.
Potting Soil vs. Potting Mix
Potting soils/potting mixes are specifically made for plants in containers because plants are not able to receive their nutrients naturally from the ground. They also lose nutrients over time through water runoff.
Both are light, contain heavy organic matter, and promote healthy drainage. It’s the ideal environment for tiny seedlings to grow.
As you start your gardening journey, you may hear the terms ‘potting soil’ and ‘potting mix’ used interchangeably to refer to one or the other.
However, there is a key difference between potting soil and potting mix.
Products labeled potting soil may or may not contain soil.
Products labeled potting mix are completely “soilless” and do not contain soil at all.
Potting mixes are also completely sterile.
A sterile mix eliminates the risk of pathogens or bacteria, whereas, in potting soil, bacterial properties are unknown.
Starting your container vegetables with a healthy potting mix will help mitigate issues and give them the best chance at germination and growth.
Don’t get overwhelmed by fancy labels like seed starters, organic, etc. Fancy labels or higher prices don’t always mean higher quality and can be misleading.
If you can afford it, of course, go for a high-quality potting mix. But if you’re on a budget, know that organic potting soil works too. It can be a tad bit heavier or dense, but it’s honestly your personal preference.
Potting mixes are popular and the most recommended choice for growing vegetables in pots.
Adding in extra compost to potting soil over time will help the soil become a lighter and fluffier medium, similar to a mix.
How to DIY Your Own Potting Mix for Growing in Pots
If you’re on a budget or into sustainability, become the DIY type and make your own potting soil!
An ideal potting soil needs three things:
- Aeration and drainage
- Water retention
- Nutrients
In simple terms: Plants need oxygen to breathe, water to drink, and food to eat.
Note: This is potting soil for cheap or free so it may not always be of the highest quality. Always check the quality of any free resources but we’re focusing on sustainability here!
Ingredients:
1 part compost for nutrients: Find free compost at recycling centers, yard waste facilities, or make your own at home.
2 parts coconut coir for water retention: You can also use wood chips from tree-trimming businesses as a free alternative.
1/2 part perlite for aeration: Perlite is only five dollars for a large bag but if you live on the coast, you can use free sand from the beach. A little goes a long way!
Now that you know what kind of soil you need, you can plant your vegetable seeds with knowledge and confidence in hand. Happy gardening! 🙂
This article has shown you the best soil for growing vegetables in pots!
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