Does Potting Soil Compact?

Warning

• Potting soil does not compact easily. When commercial potting soil compacts, it is a sign that the mixture is old and the ingredients have broken down. This is a sign that the potting soil needs to be discarded and replaced.

Composition

• Most organic potting soils are composed of special ingredients to prevent compaction. Commercial potting soil may contain peat moss, bark, sand, compost, perlite and vermiculite. Combined, these items prevent soil compaction.

Soilless

• Soilless potting mixtures are made up of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss and bark. This lightweight mixture does not compact and is good for most potted plants. The peat moss holds on to the moisture and the rest of the ingredients keep the soilless mixture loose.