Comments on: The Best Potting Soil for Plants: 6 Peat-Free DIY Soil Recipes

By: Akriti

Akriti — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 12:08:26 +0000

Hello! Thanks for this post! This might be an obvious question but I’m wondering, when measuring parts, do you measure parts by volume or by weight? Thanks!

By: June

June — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 12:20:44 +0000

ohhh my gosh, I can’t beleive you have fallen for the climate change scam!

Only God can affect our climate???? God gave us the earth to use all of its many benefits!!!

I do not follow climate changers because you haven’t thought it throug????

By: Stephanie Rose

Stephanie Rose — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 17:45:36 +0000

In reply to Nicole Sebok. Hi Nicole, great question! Composted manure is fertilizer, and not the same as compost. It is very easy to buy in Canada, I love here too! Go to your local garden center and ask where the compost is. They will have it in bags and perhaps even a pile you can serve yourself with. Stay away from the big box stores, as they will not have what you need. The garden nurseries will though.

By: Nicole Sebok

Nicole Sebok — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 18:45:52 +0000

Hi there! I am wondering about your DIY All-Purpose Potting Soil for Containers (Peat-Free) recipe.
I live in Canada and have to buy all the parts for this recipe. I do not make my own compost at this time. For this recipe have you tried using composted manure for the compost? would this work as this is the only thing I can find at this time of year here. I am planting a lot of bulbs in containers this year (tulips, narcissus, anenome, irises etc. I was hoping to do it try peat free soil but have heard mixed reviews of people doing it themselves. This was a big investment into the bulb/corms, so I really don’t want to have a mix that doesn’t work. Do you think this would be a good mix for this if I add additional grit below the bulbs (such as oyster shell…can’t find horticultural grit here). Thanks so much Nicole

By: Stephanie Rose

Stephanie Rose — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 20:40:07 +0000

In reply to John Hite. John, definitely read more about this in my book, Garden Alchemy where I discuss it in detail.

By: John Hite

John Hite — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:18:24 +0000

Folks talk about the environmental costs of peat moss and put coir on a pedestal. But that brick of coir didn’t spring out of the floor at Lowe’s. There is some processing going on to convert the natural stuff to that condensed brick. Also what does it cost to ship it to the U.S. from WhereTheHeckIsThatAstan? Inquiring minds want to know…

By: Stephanie Rose

Stephanie Rose — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:32:48 +0000

In reply to Kitzia Casasola. yes, absolutely, as long as it's not treated. Play sand usually is washed for children's safety so it's a great option.

By: Kitzia Casasola

Kitzia Casasola — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 17:27:38 +0000

Hello! Thank you so much for this post. I was wondering, for the DIY vegetable garden soil mix, can I use play sand (unused, still in the bag)?

By: Stephanie Rose

Stephanie Rose — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 19:28:37 +0000

In reply to Michaela. Hi Michaela, I would definitely re pot them into fresh soil, that way you can see what's going on. Remove them from the soil and discard it (especially if there is pests). You can shake as much off the roots as you can get, and wash your pots with mild dish detergent and soap. Divide crowded plants if necessary and then, add the fresh soil and replant. I hope that helps!

By: Michaela

Michaela — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 20:14:55 +0000

I’ve noticed with some of our indoor plants aren’t doing too good this winter here in Wisconsin. I don’t have anymore fresh potting soil to add to them so I can’t transplant them. Have been told winter is not the time to be feeding and messing with the plants. I’m trying to keep our houseplants alive by not overwatering them and spraying them with dawn soap in water. I have found some little bugs in my soil. Any advice on what I can do?