Unfortunately while it may be cheap, or in some cases free, using ordinary soil as a potting mix could end up turning into an expensive exercise when you have to replace the plant when it dies, that you potted up.
Choosing a potting mix can be a very daunting exercise because there are so many on the market. The safest bet is to use one with the Australian Standards tick of approval like Waterwise Premium Potting Mix. It has been developed to drain freely and that’s one of the problems that can occur with garden soil, it gets too wet because its heavy and the roots rot.
It contains a slow release fertiliser that will feed your plants for up to 8 - 9 months. The problem with pots is that people forget to water them. Your plant may forgive you once or twice, but do it too often and your potting mix will dry out to the point of no return.
What you need to do is re-hydrate your potting mix because it has dried out so much that it wont absorb the water you give it. This can be done by using a wetting agent, which is kind of like a detergent for your soil. All you do is mix it with water and pour it in and let it absorb. Also you can put the plant in a bucket of liquid until all the bubbles have disappeared but try not to get any on the leaves as you may remove the protective surface (wash it off with fresh water if you do).
Another way to stop your potting mix and plant from drying out is using water crystals. These swell up to a hundred times their size when wet. Add them into your potting mix instead of just on the surface, so the plant can draw on them for a drink when the rest of the soil dries out.
Featured Products
Waterwise Premium Potting Mix
- Wetting agents and water crystals help water penetrate into the mix and retain moisture in containers or in garden soil for release over time.
- Ideal for container grown and garden plants.
- Contains Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food for plant nutrition and to encourage beneficial soil micro-organisms and earthworms.
- Contains coir peat which stores water and nutrients and improves the structure of the mix.
Waterwise Concentrate Soil Wetter
- For use on garden beds and potted plants.
- Contains a combination of fast acting wetting agents and soil conditioners that improve moisture penetration or water repellent soils and aid soil structure.
- Includes trace elements for added vitality and healthier plants.
- Includes seaweed with is a natural plant growth promoter.
- Easy to use.
