How to Choose the Right Type of Soil for Your Plant?
Choosing the right type of soil for your plant is one of the essential steps to actually grow healthy plants. It’s an essential step that doesn’t always get enough attention. Soil types are described by their textures, such as sand, clay, and silt. The soil texture affects the number of nutrients and drainage capabilities, which in turn affect the health of the plants.
What Are the Different Types of Soil?
Many outdoor soil products are specified to various plant needs. Some of the soil constitutions are specifically made for:
- Vegetables
- Houseplants
- Container plants
- Garden
- Seeding
- Plant transplantation
These formulas are tailored to cater to the needs of different types of plants. They contain specific nutrients that support the plant’s health in different stages. Besides that, the soil types have a specific structure where they either hold moisture, contain the essential nutrients for vigorous growth, or revitalize the soil where needed. For example, soil for plant containers is formulated to have a good ratio of both waters holding capacity and air space, whereas other soil types are denser.
How to Revitalize Tired Soil?
A mix bone meal, peat moss, kelp, and manure can give recently transplanted trees and shrubs a great start. To revitalize the soil, mix into the existing soil as you fill the hole. This can help to reduce shock and establish plant growth.
What Is the Difference Between Soil Types?
If you’re just starting to transplant your plants, the most important aspect of their growth is to develop strong roots quickly, so they settle in their new position. Plants in a container don’t get any nutrients from the surrounding soil, so their soil needs to contain nutritional elements to support their growth. This difference highlights the benefit of the right type of soil for your plants.
How Much Soil Do You Need for a Plant Container?
The amount of soil you need depends on the size of the plant and the corresponding size of the container. When you fill a container, depending on the size, you can take the following guidelines into account:
- Fill the container completely with soil but leave some space between the top of the soil and the top of the pot.
- For smaller containers: you can leave less space on the top, around 0,5 inches.
- For larger containers: you can leave more space on the top, up to 2 inches.
- Once you fill the container, gently wet it down to settle the soil.
Shopping list
Here’s a recommended shopping list for you:
- Check our soil products or ask a member of our staff for advice to pick the right type of soil for your needs
- Gloves
- Spade or hand shovel
- Bone meal
- Peat moss
- Kelp
- Manure
More Advice on Soil Types for Your Plants
Visit one of our stores and our team will be happy to help you with all of your questions regarding plant care and soil types. Have a look at our various soil formulas, to find one that matches your garden's needs or find a store nearby for more information!
