How to Make Your Own Soilless Mix

Soilless mixes are commonly used in planters and pots, where ordinary garden soil would be too heavy. These mixes may also be used to start seeds indoors. Soilless mixes are lightweight and use moisture efficiently without rotting plant roots. Soilless mixes are also free of plant pathogens and weeds. Commercial mixes are somewhat expensive; make your own if you are an avid gardener, and save money. You can make a custom-blended mix specific to the needs of your plants.

1/2 bushel peat moss
1/2 bushel vermiculite
1/2 cup ground limestone
1/2 cup superphosphate
1 cup granular, low-nitrogen fertilizer
Wheelbarrow or large bucket for mixing
Stick or spade

Instructions

- 1
  Combine 1/2 bushel peat moss, 1/2 bushel vermiculite, 1/2 cup ground limestone, 1/2 cup superphosphate, and 1 cup granular, low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-5, or similar formula) in a wheelbarrow or large bucket, mixing thoroughly with a spade or stick. Mixing creates a lot of dust, so work outside and wear gloves.
- 2
  Store the materials in a covered container in a dry, cool location, such as a shed. To use the soilless mix, scoop the mix into pots, and moisten it slightly before you plant in it.
- 3
  Use soilless mix for both indoor and outdoor planting, and for starting seeds. You can keep the soilless mix indefinitely, as long as it is kept dry.

How to Plant Tacca Chantrieri from the Bulb

What Do Ferns Require to Grow & Germinate?

Plant Basics