A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2003 potting soil

ok folks,
The question of the day is this: What can I add to potting soil (Shultz potting soil plus) to make it lighter and drain better?? this was the first time I used it and I am finding it to be heavy and not well draining. Ideas anyone??

Jiffy,
Can't you put in that stuff called perlite?
That's suppose to be good at lightening up the soil.
I have heard that vermiculite is also used but may contain asbestos....but supposedly as long as you wet the stuff down before you use it, it's suppose to ok...It's the dust that's the part that's not good for you??
Weezie

Hi, Jiffymouse. Just a quick suggestion...try Miracle Gro potting soil. It's more expensive, but I haven't had a bit of trouble with drainage, plus my cuttings are doing great in it. Good luck!!!

Hi Jiifymouse

My 2 cents...get some perlite, like Weezie said, it's really easy to work with.
I agree with Sheritoots, too, Miracle Gro potting soil with plant Food works great. By the time you add the cost of perlite to the cheaper price of Schultz, you may even _save_ money with MG.

Nikkal

I am a big fan of peat moss..use it in everything. When I make new beds, I put an inch of peat moss under the new soil and on top as mulch, then amend it right in next spring, add a new layer. I add a big scoop to new pots and containers in the bottom before I add the potting soil and I also use about a half inch on the top of the soil,really helps the pots from drying out. Great stuff and cheep. I buy it by the bail for about $3

Thanks for the ideas. I didn't buy the schultz stuff, it was picked up by our town runner at work. next time I will specify. Myself, if I am worried about cheap, i go cheap all the way (sam's choice, $1.50 for 20 pounds). If not, I usuaaly buy MG myself. I have to go to wally world in a bit, so I will check for the perlite to take to work on monday. Happy 4th everyone!!

I've tried a variety of potting soils, including Shultz and Miracle-Gro.

I've finally settled on Scotts potting soil. It has a far better moisture retention than either of the above, or the generic ones I've tried. When I water my container plants, I water the ones with the Scotts soil about half as often. And the plants seem to be doing better too.

Ronni