As a horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I can put up you with a elaborate explanation of the difference between potting soil and potting mix . These terms are often used interchangeably , but there is a distinction between the two .
pot dirt , as the name suggests , is primarily composed of grime . It is typically a blend of different types of grunge , such as surface soil , grit , and stiff . This mixture may also contain constituent matter , such as compost or peat moss , which helps ameliorate the grunge ’s fertility and water retention capabilities . Potting soil is normally used in outdoor horticulture , where it is impart to garden layer or used to fill up containers for constitute various type of plants .
On the other hand , potting commixture is a soilless medium . It does not contain any territory but is instead made up of a combination of organic and inorganic stuff . These materials can include peat moss , perlite , vermiculite , coconut meat coir , and sometimes even compost . Potting mix is designed to provide a well - drain and lightweight environment for potted plant life .
The absence seizure of soil in pot premix offers several vantage . Firstly , it reduces the risk of soil - borne diseases and pests that can affect plants . Additionally , pot admixture tends to be more uninspired compared to potting dirt , which can be beneficial when starting seeds or distribute plants . The absence of stain also intend that potting mix is less likely to become compacted over clock time , allow for good etymon growth and aeration .
Potting mixture is commonly used for indoor gardening , container gardening , and houseplant . It is especially democratic for plant that require excellent drainage , such as succulents and cacti . The lightweight nature of potting mix also make it easier to move and deal container , which is advantageous if you care to rearrange your plants or take them indoors during cold months .
The main departure between potting soil and potting admixture lies in their make-up . pot soil check grime as a chief component , while potting mix is a soilless medium made up of various constituent and inorganic material . read this difference can help you choose the most suitable growing medium for your specific horticulture pauperism .
Personal Experience : I have run across various situations where the selection between potting soil and potting mix has made a significant conflict in the success of my horticulture endeavor . For instance , when I start growing succulents , I ab initio used pot soil , think it would be sufficient . However , I presently identify that the soil did not provide the necessary drainage , leading to root rotting in some of my flora . Switching to a well - enfeeble potting premix specifically formulated for succulent made a world of departure , and my plants thrived .
Similarly , when I need to bring some of my out-of-door industrial plant indoors during the winter , I found that using pot ground in containers made them leaden and difficult to move . Switching to a lightweight potting mixing made it much easier to enrapture the plants and ascertain they had adequate drainage even in indoor environments .
These personal experiences have reinforce the grandness of understanding the difference between pot soil and potting mix and selecting the appropriate medium based on the specific need of the plant and the intended employment .
Caroline Bates
