I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed here. Is anyone else struggling with the high prices of potting soil? I live in the city where everything is brick, so I can't just dig up dirt from the ground. I want to start a container garden, but I'm wondering if I'm just missing something. Should I be looking for cheaper alternatives or is there a trick I'm not aware of?
3 Answers
You definitely want to use soil rather than just dirt! Soil is alive and packed with nutrients. If you have a little bit of space, consider composting your own materials. Grass clippings can provide nitrogen, and dead leaves will give you carbon. Maybe check out a local farm; they might let you collect manure from their fields! Good luck with your garden!
The best bargain I’ve found is the Walmart Expert Gardener potting mix at about $9 for 2 cu ft. If you’re in the south, keep in mind that you’ll want to add perlite for better drainage—trust me, your plants will thank you! I had to stock up because my plants were suffering from root rot without it.
Consider buying soil in bulk from a landscaping center if you have access to a truck—way cheaper than small bags! Also, don't overlook Facebook Marketplace. People often give away dirt for free, though you may need some compost to help improve the quality. I've also filled my planter bottoms with grass clippings before topping it off with lower quality soil, which has worked out well!