Mixing my own potting soil?

Discussion in 'Houseplants' started by JoyfulC, Aug 27, 2009.

  1. JoyfulC

    JoyfulC New Seed

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    I have some cuttings that could be planted, and I was wondering if, instead of buying bagged potting soil, it would be better to buy the ingredients (peat moss? vermiculite? sand?) and make up my own according to each plant's preference.

    Any advice on what to keep on hand?

    TIA!

    ..Christine..
     
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  3. Christer Johansson

    Christer Johansson Seedling

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    Well Christine, it depends of what you are growing. If it is succulents the soil should be very porous...
     
  4. JoyfulC

    JoyfulC New Seed

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    I guess more what I was asking is what "ingredients" would be good to have on hand for mixing up various soils for various plants? What supplies would be good to keep on hand?

    Usually I just go with bagged potting soil, and so it ends up being a "one-size fits all" situation. I'd like to stock my own ingredients and make up mixes custom to each plant's needs. But I'm not sure what to get.

    ..Christine..
     
  5. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    I tend to have two mixes on hand that I use on a regular basis.

    Firstly I have one made up of one part peat moss substitute, one part vermiculite and one part perlite.
    The other is one part peat moss substitute,one part sand and one part garden soil.
    Hope this helps. :stew2:
     

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