To garden or not to garden? That is the question. Many people claim gardening is good for the soul. You get vitamin D, exercise, the satisfaction of working hard, and maybe even a tan in the process. Yet there are many aspects of gardening that are easy to look over and implementing them could be the difference between growing lots of plants or nothing at all. If you want a green thumb that demonstrates your prowess as a gardener, you may want to spend some extra time in the dirt aisle of your local nursery.  

Dirt does not look as interesting as flowers, vegetables or trees but dirt is the foundation for making these plants thrive, which is the ultimate goal of every aspiring and professional gardener alike. However, not all plants are alike and this fact attributes to the different types of soil needed. To select the correct dirt mixtures for your plants, it is also a good idea to consider how you plan to garden. Will you be using pots or a raised bed? Will you be starting with seeds or transplants? 

Starting with Seeds 

Pick a Seed Starting Mixture. 

It is tempting to start with seeds because they are much cheaper than transplants and last for years on end. You will want to pick the best seed starting mixture which does not typically include soil. Some soils can actually harm seeds. Seeds are incredibly delicate and would prefer a mix of vermiculite or perlite to aerate and sphagnum peat moss to retain water. 

Using a Container or Pot 

Pick a Potting Soil. 

The key is to buy proper potting mix because taking dirt from your existing garden or even your neighbor’s yard will be too dense. High-density soil means low water drainage which could cause your plants to drown or suffocate. Look for the bags labeled “potting soil” so that your dirt will be lightweight and fluffy. Then look for the best potting soil for the types of plants you plan to grow. These range from seed starting potting mixes, orchids, organic, cacti and citrus, moisture control, outdoor and the umbrella all-purpose potting soils. 

Growing Flowers in Raised Beds 

Pick a Raised Bed Mix 

You can pick a raised bed mix from the selection at your local nursery. You can also make your own raised bed mix with 60% topsoil, 30% compost and 10% potting soil. Essentially, this is a combination of garden soil and potting mix. You want adequate drainage in your raised beds, so avoid putting rocks at the bottom or other objects that might cause excess water retention. 

If you are making the mix, this may be a sign for you to start composting. Composting is a great way to slim down on food waste and you will be making your flowers healthy too. It does take time, between one and twelve months, for your compost to break down, so do not expect to have your compost ready to use as soon as you start a compost bin. Composting may also take a little extra maintenance including adding dirt and mixing everything together, so patience is key. 

Growing Vegetables in Raised Beds 

Pick an Organic Compost 

You may think that everything in a raised bed would require the basic raised bed soil. This is not the case. Make sure that when you buy a raised bed mix for your vegetables, the packaging is clear that it is also for vegetables and not just flowers or other plants. 

The other option is to buy a raised bed mix that is labeled organic because this means it is ideal for vegetables. Usually this is a mixture of compost, peat, worm castings, kelp meal, mycorrhizae and greensand. Different brands have some different ingredients or percentages of components, but they are similar overall. 

Pay attention to the climate you live in because some soils are better for dry areas and others are better for humid places. Usually, the soil package will make it clear what climate it is best used in. 

Planting in the Ground 

Pick a garden soil. 

While this may seem like a time to just use the dirt already there, you would be right. However, it is recommended that you mix in garden soil or enriched topsoil to get the best results. Garden soil is a combination of organic matter and nutrients that can boost the soil already in the ground. The ingredients in garden soil can vary from mushroom compost to manure.  

Potting succulents 

Pick a cactus soil. 

People often laugh when someone kills a succulent because they are relatively low maintenance, but if the plant does not have the right soil, then efforts, however small, will not have a positive impact. Succulents are special because they do not require a lot of water. This also means that the soil they live in must have drainage. When the succulent’s roots get too much water, the plant starts to rot. The recommended combination of ingredients is one part sand, one part soil and half a part of perlite or pumice. Sand particles are large in comparison to soil which causes water to drain faster.  

There are so many more types of plants that require specific soil types, and your nursery is your best bet to find what you need. If your plants are not growing, one of the first things to check is the soil, because it is not a one size fits all product as we have discussed and often times it needs to be replaced or upgraded after a year of use. Our experts at MSNW know what type of soil works for different plants and landscapes and our soil selection shows in the lush exterior facilities we manage.