The Dirt on Dirt

There are several kinds to choose from for starting seedlings, I usually use potting soil of some sort.  You can usually watch sales on potting soils for some good deals.  I have found that Miracle Gro potting mix has many of the nutrients that seeds to plants needs, however if you watch sales and find less expensive ones, you can always mix them together. Miracle Gro, this site will show you a variety of soils on the market from Scott's.

Keep in mind that soil is the base for your plant growth, so if you want to focus on one thing I would say your soil. There are some acidic plants that require different soil, these would be like the Foxglove & Bleeding Heart. Here is a chart that I found that has some variations on soil Soil Mixing Chart Acid-Loving Plant Mix --for plants that need acidic soil to grow 4 parts organic matter 1 part sand, perlite or vermiculite All-Purpose Mix - for use with most types of plants 3 parts organic matter, such as peat, humus or sawdust 1 part sand, perlite, vermiculite or a combination of all three 1 part sphagnum peat moss Cactus and Succulent Mix -- for cactus, succulents and other plants requiring good drainage 3 parts organic matter 2 parts sand, perlite or vermiculite Seed Starting Mix -- for starting seeds in flats 1 part sphagnum peat moss 1 part vermiculite Seedling Mix --for seedlings that have developed their first set of leaves 2 parts organic matter 1 part vermiculite 1 part sphagnum peat moss What is in a potting mix?  You will want to check the ingredients on the side of the bag, usually you will find the following: 1. Sphagnum peat moss- this is necessary for holding water in the soil. 2. Compost- is the ingredient that adds nutrients to your soil. 3. Vermiculite or Perlite- this helps to make the soil more porous, which also allows oxygen to get to the roots for plant growth. You can also buy a specific seedling starting mix- I tried this and it works great, but also found that an all purpose soil which I add in compost from my composter, vermiculite and peat moss.  I usually take a large drum and mix it all together just like if I were mixing a recipe of bread with the mixer in the house. I have a tool- an auger for bulb planting,  that I attach to a electric drill that does a nice job of mixing it all up, and also gets rid of any dirt clods. Plant Auger on Amazon