I'm curious about the maximum compost-to-soil ratio I can use for my plants. Most resources talk about minimum compost ratios, but there's not much guidance on how much soil or potting mix to incorporate. Compost is easy for me to get since it's free and within easy reach, but potting mix can get pretty pricey. I sometimes find soil for free, but it can be tough to transport since I have to carry it back home with my toddler. Our yard is mostly concrete, so I can't just dig up dirt. We started with a bag of potting mix, but it's running low, and I need to transition to bigger pots. Any advice on how much soil I should mix with the compost?
2 Answers
Without any direct contact with natural soil underneath, it can be tricky. I recommend using bagged potting mix since it’s specifically formulated for containers. It’s tailored to ensure proper drainage and nutrients. By ‘no access to the street,’ do you mean there’s only a narrow path through a gate? If so, maybe you can work with that. Getting some quality potting mix might just save you the hassle in the long run!
It sounds like you're on the right track! You can go up to 100% compost if you're really in a pinch, but keep in mind that too much can lead to drainage problems. A great alternative is to mix 50% compost with coarse sand, which helps with drainage while still giving your plants the nutrients they need. If sand is accessible to you, that could be a great way to balance things out!