Spring : Potting Mix

Garden soil, manure and topsoil are not meant to be used in planters as they are. These materials are too heavy, they dry out quickly, and they do not allow the flow of oxygen to the plants roots. If you are going to spend the time and money to make up planters, you should use the most appropriate mix to give your plants the best environment for a fruitful life. When gardening with containers, you want to use a "soilless" mix, because they do not contain as much heavy indigenous soil. A good potting mix will have peat, humus, vermiculite, perlite and some nutritional component. These minerals are designed to retain moisture and prevent compaction. The range of choices for soilless mixes is endless. Price usually dictates quality, so do your homework.