DIY Potting Mix With Peat, Vermiculite & Perlite

Packaged, ready-to-use potting mix is a convenient time saver for your container garden. This mix is sometimes expensive, and the price of a few large bags adds up quickly. If you have dozens of containers to fill, make your own potting mix with peat, vermiculite and perlite. This homemade all-purpose potting mix saves you money, and it makes an ideal blend for most plant types, including flowers, herbs and vegetables.

Sphagnum peat moss
1-gallon container
3-gallon container
5-gallon container
Coarse sand (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a 1-gallon container with sphagnum peat moss. Peat moss is an ideal additive because it helps the soil retain water. Pour the sphagnum peat moss into a 5-gallon container.
- 2
  Fill the 1-gallon container with vermiculite, perlite or coarse sand. If desired, you can also blend these together. Vermiculite, sand and perlite improve drainage in plant containers. Pour the vermiculite, sand or perlite into the 5-gallon container.
- 3
  Fill a 3-gallon container with organic material, such as peat. Sawdust and humus are also ideal. Pour the organic material into the 5-gallon container. Thoroughly mix the contents of the 5-gallon container.

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