Bucket soil is very different from other substrates, as plants in planters have special requirements. The soil can also be better adapted to the needs of the plant species by making it yourself.
Differences and requirements
The requirements of potted plants on the substrate differ from those of plants in the open in several points. This is the case because there is significantly less volume of earth available.
Because this creates some potential dangers, such as:
- little space for the root mass
- higher risk of tipping over
- higher risk of waterlogging
- smaller water reservoir
- fewer microorganisms
- less nutrients
Because of these potential problems, it is critical that the potted plant soil meet the following requirements:
- good strength
- good water storage
- high permeability
- high nutritional content
Mix the substrate yourself
Mixing potting soil yourself instead of buying ready-made potting soil or potting soil has a number of advantages. These include:
- precise adaptation to the requirements of the crops
- peat-free soil can be mixed
- often lower costs than with earth from the trade
In addition, with the right knowledge, the procedure is very simple and does not take much time.
Components
The soil for potted plants should consist of one part each of the following components:
- ripe compost soil
- fresh, high-quality garden soil
- Xylitol or coconut fiber for loosening up
As an alternative to coconut fiber or xylitol, peat can also be used. However, peat extraction has a negative impact on the environment. Hence, it is recommended to rely on this
to refrain from adding natural ingredients and to make sure that the finished potting soil is free of peat. In addition to these three basic components, other substances should be added.Loosening up
For further loosening up and the supply of water and nutrients are suitable:
- coarse sand, such as quartz sand (50 to 100 grams on five liters of soil)
- Wood chips
- chaff
- Sawdust
- Wood fiber
- lime
- Horn meal
Which other components are useful to increase the nutrient content depends on the one hand on the requirements of the plant. On the other hand, the pH value plays an important role, which can be influenced with the substances mentioned.
Tip: Even with ideally composed potting soil, it makes sense to add a drainage to the planter. This can consist of potsherds or larger stones and prevents the roots from standing in the water.
Mixing and timing
In order for the potted plant soil to be the ideal basis for healthy growth, it must be mixed well and allowed to mature for a while. This has various advantages:
- even distribution of nutrients
- Multiplication of microorganisms
- reliable measurement of the pH value
It is best to put together the soil from the various components in autumn and mix them well. This makes it ideal for repotting in the spring. It is also beneficial to shake it again before replacing the substrate or to mix it with a shovel from top to bottom.
Control: pH value
The pH value can be basic, neutral or acidic. However, not every plant tolerates every area. It is therefore crucial that the substrate is adapted to the respective requirements of the crop.
This is possible, among other things, by adding lime or horn meal, for example. But coffee grounds, lemon peel and other fertilizers also have an effect. A measuring device or test set can be used to determine the current pH value.
The advantage of the measuring device is that the analysis is quick and easy. In addition, simple models are already available very cheaply. The analysis sets require a little more effort, but are also cheap to buy.
Note: A sample of the well-mixed soil can also be examined in specialist shops. This eliminates the need for your own effort. In the long run, however, the variant is more expensive.
