I'm on a budget and physically disabled, so mixing my own soil isn't an option for me right now. I'm looking for recommendations on decent, store-bought soil I can get from places like Canadian Tire, Walmart, or Home Depot. I plan to use a raised bed this year for growing vegetables. Last year, I tried Pro-Mix in my pots, but all my plants failed. I've heard mixed reviews about Miracle-Gro, which I used successfully in the past, so I'm uncertain about what to use now. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Also, my condo complex provides some cheap soil, so I'll use that to fill in my raised bed and then add better soil on top.
3 Answers
I recommend finding a good quality soil without added fertilizers so you can control the nutrients you give your plants. Miracle-Gro has an organic raised bed soil that’s pretty decent and affordable. Just watch out for pre-fertilized mixes, as they might not suit your needs.
I think Pro-Mix isn't really the issue here. It's generally solid soil, and the plant failures could be linked to other factors. If you're getting a lot of soil, consider bulk delivery; it might save you money compared to buying multiple bags. Also, mulching and using basic plant food with your soil can really help!
Pro-Mix can be a good starting point! If you use it, maybe try to amend it with some nutrient boosters like blood meal or bone meal. Just ensure to mix it up a little to enhance its effectiveness. If you’re worried about convenience, talking to a local garden shop could help you find quality bagged options, especially ones that are stored indoors.