Designer Potting Soils

Most potting soils are composed primarily of peat moss, with a minimum of 50 to 60 per cent. Those blended for starting seeds have been screened to a very fine texture.

I used to make my own potting soil by mixing two parts peat moss with one part each of shredded bark mulch, composted sheep manure, vermiculite and perlite. Individual recipes vary greatly depending on what the potting soil is used for (cuttings, seedlings, acid-loving plants, etc.)

Last year you could find many more brands with super absorbent polymers in them. I learned about this product in 1991 during a visit to Georgia where a grower explained how he had added it to a field of perennials to help during periods of drought. This dried material absorbs water and swells to thousands of times its original size, releasing the moisture gradually over a long period of time. Mixed in potting soil the polymer is ideal for homeowners who don’t want to spend a lot of time watering or for situations where plants dry out quickly. ASB Aquadrop Potting Soil is one product that incorporates water-holding polymers.

There has even been a potting soil developed for the Proven Winners group of cultivars. The company says it’s been specially formulated to produce stronger growing plants with beautiful, vibrant colours. It contains peat moss, composted bark, perlite, dolomitic lime and a wetting agent. Frankly, the description sounds very similar to other premium potting soils, but I bet the Proven Winner Premium Potting Soil packaging is a lot more colourful and appealing.

If you’re counting on a potting soil to give you stronger plants with more flowers then a blend that has slow release fertilizer incorporated into the mix should do that for you.

However, you can just buy regular potting soil and add fertilizer separately. You can doctor basic products up with any amendment you choose including sand for sharper drainage or seaweed compost for extra micronutrients.

It’s difficult to pinpoint one potting soil as being better than the others, but I tend to sway towards those that have a bit of organic material or compost in them. Choosing a brand is really a matter of individual taste, experience and oftentimes, price. The fertilizing program that follows is the key to success