Why making your own potting compost gives you total control over plant health
In short: Commercial compost can be a mystery, but crafting your own mix ensures you know exactly what your plants are growing in. Charles Dowding explains how to create a high-quality medium with the right structure, drainage, and nutrient density for successful propagation.
A superior potting mix requires four essential qualities: nutrient density, effective drainage, moisture retention, and a weed-free environment. While natural soil might be excellent in the garden, it often becomes too dense and wet when confined to pots or seed cells. To achieve the ideal fine crumb structure, ingredients should be sieved to 4mm (approximately 1/6 inch).
Beyond the primary sieved ingredients, you can incorporate additives to refine the mix. These include soil, perlite, vermiculite, sand, and minerals such as seaweed powder, wood ash, or basalt dust. Woodchip compost is another option, provided it is dry enough to sieve, though it can be difficult to manage in large quantities.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Make Your Own Potting Compost
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