I'm on the hunt for potting soil that's more like good old-fashioned dirt without a bunch of mulch or wood pieces mixed in. When I was younger, it was all dirt, but now it feels like everything is filled with crummy wood bits and other trash. Has anyone found a product that's just high-quality dirt?
3 Answers
I feel you on this! I've had similar issues with "garden soil" or "raised bed soil". But honestly, potting soils like Miracle-Gro and Renew have been pretty reliable. If you wanna go DIY, mixing compost, coconut coir, and builder’s sand can work wonders without the annoying wood pieces.
It’s true that many commercial potting soils are designed to be lighter, which keeps shipping costs down. Real soil ingredients can be pricey. I used to run a boutique potting soil business, and we only provided high-quality ingredients. Cheaper options tend to use ground wood, which doesn’t help with plant growth at all.
You can definitely find good potting soil! I've had great success with brands like Fox Farm or Happy Frog. They seem to stick to more traditional practices. Just do a little research before you buy!