Why should you make your own soil or potting mix? Making your own soil can be more cost effective, way less likely to carry bug larvae or bacteria and you will always know exactly what is going into the mix and can control the ratios of each ingredient.
Let’s look at what we should be looking for in a good soil mix. The best soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, be able to retain moisture and nutrients for your plant to feed on and have a balanced consistency. The consistency of the soil should be light and airy enough to provide proper drainage and good air circulation to the plants roots but also strong enough to hold down the roots and support the plant.
There are different ingredients and ratios you can use for your own plants, depending on the needs of the plants. I will show you exactly what ingredients and ratios I use and possible alternatives.
Make Your Own Soil – Ingredients
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Coconut Coir
Coconut coir comes from the outer husk of a coconut. It may be a more sustainable alternative to peat moss. Coconut coir has a more neutral PH than the more acidic peat moss. Coco coir is a great base that helps retain moisture. I use coconut coir bricks from Amazon:
You can break off a piece of the bricks and soak in water. The coconut coir will expand significantly.
To find out more about peat moss vs coconut coir, check out this article: Sphagnum Peat Moss vs Coconut Coir | Which One is Better?
Fir Bark
Orchid bark may be more commonly used. I chose to use fir bark as it serves the same purpose and was easier for me to find and at a lower price point. The addition to bark helps keep the potting mix light and airy for better drainage and air circulation. The bark will also help retain and wick excess moisture. I use this bark:
Zoo Med Repti Bark
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Perlite
Perlite is porus volcanic rock which helps aerate the soil and keep it from compacting. It will also help hold water and keep it available for your plants when needed. Alternatively you could use vermiculite or pumice. Pumice may actually be better because it’s not as light weight and won’t float to the top of your mix.
Alternative to Perlite: Pumice
Worm Castings
Worm castings are a natural, organic fertilizer for your plants.They contain organic matter and minerals that are vital for plant health. It’s important to add nutrients to your mix as coconut coir does not provide much for your plants alone. Alternatively you can use a good quality finished compost. You will want to make sure it’s an aged compost to prevent fertilizer plant burn. I prefer worm castings should not burn your plants. This is the brand I have been using for my mix:
Mark’s Choice Organic Worm Castings
Activated/Horticultural Charcoal
Activated charcoal helps remove impurities from the soil and can help prevent mold . According to Well & Good , It may also prevent root rot and prevent plant pests.
Bonus: Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great natural rooting agent, fungicide and bug repellent. It may also help prevent root rot and rust.
Make Your Own Soil- Ratios
For most of my aroids I will use:
Coconut Coir: 35%
Fir Bark: 25%
Perlite: 25%
Worm Castings: 10%
Charcoal: 5%
I usually add a few spoonfuls of cinnamon.
For drought tolerant plants I would use the same ingredients but instead I would change coconut coir to 30% and 30%perlite.
For moisture loving plants I would change coconut coir to 40% coconut coir, 20%bark and 20% perlite.
Let me know if you try making your own soil. And if you already have, is there anything else you like to use?
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