With so many soil choices, the key is to spend a little time researching the best type of soil for your goals. While versatile, ordinary potting soil isn't always the best alternative. Finding the right soil for your needs is easier than you may think.
As a novice gardener, I thought all I needed to start my very own indoor vegetable garden was some potting soil, seeds, and a pot to plant them in.
A quick Google search led me to discover a surprisingly wide world of soil types, mixtures, and uses.
Your gardening goals should dictate the type of soil you choose. Planting an indoor vegetable garden, for instance, requires a different type of soil than an outdoor garden. Ordinary potting soil is far too heavy for container gardening so I needed to either buy or create a lighter mixture.
A lighter mixture encourages water drainage, water conservation, and keeps the soil from compacting. Lack of compaction allows room for roots to grow and develop, which is especially important for seedlings.
Since the soil components were relatively inexpensive, I quickly and easily made my own mixture by combining one part Miracle Grow Organic Choice potting soil with one part Miracle Grow Perlite, one part Vermiculite, and one part Sphagnum Peat Moss. This created a light weight mixture perfect for an indoor vegetable garden.
When you decide you are ready to plant your own garden, make sure you look around and find the best soil options for your needs. Start your garden with the right foundation.
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