AT A GLANCE
As an alternative to potting soil, you can coconut soil, bark humus, old garden soil or even one own mix use.
What is the most popular alternative to potting soil?
The most popular alternative to expensive potting soil is coconut soil. This is extremely low in nutrients and just like special growing soil very loose and permeable. It is made from the fibers of coconut trees.
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Which alternatives to potting soil are less common?
bark humus is a good growing soil next to coconut soil. It mostly consists of the bark of pine and spruce trees.
Furthermore you can wood fibers use as growing soil. However, they have the disadvantage that they decompose relatively quickly.
In addition, old and already drained vegetable soil be taken from the garden.
Can you also make your own potting soil?
If you like it very creative, you can use your growing soil too self made. To the to make your own potting soil, you only need sand, regular garden soil and compost. Mix these components together by one third.
Do alternatives to potting soil really make sense?
The alternatives to potting soil are under certain conditions sensible. Above all, they have one decisive advantage: they are cheaper. But they also have certain disadvantages. This includes, for example, that they are not sterile. Diseases can therefore occur in the seedlings or Young plants emerge quickly. It could also contain eggs from pests and seeds from other plants.
What should be considered with the alternatives to potting soil?
Due to the lack of sterility, it is advisable to use alternatives to commercial potting soil sterilize. If, for example, only one fungal spore is contained, this could infect the healthy growing plant and mean its end. You can sterilize in the oven.
Is potting soil a good alternative to potting soil?
potting soil is not a good alternative to potting soil. The reason is that potting soil is too rich in nutrients. It often even contains fertilizers. It is suitable for mature plants such as flowers that need a lot of nutrients to bloom.
Tip
Growing soil right outside the front door
Those who are very clever reach for the earth of molehills. But beware: before you drive into the park or even into the forest with a wheelbarrow, there are huge amounts of soil from molehills, you should observe: According to the law, you are only allowed to use small amounts of soil take along. A bucketful should be enough.