When working with plants, whether it’s potting up a few houseplants or planting fresh veggies, you may be under the impression that just any ol’ dirt will do. We can see why you might think that, but unfortunately, that’s not the case! When it comes to potting soil vs garden soil, there are actually some very significant differences. Read on to learn more about the crucial contrasts of these very different soil mediums.
Potting Soil
What exactly is potting soil made up of? The term potting soil is misleading as it doesn’t actually contain soil at all. The exact contents will differ depending on the types of plants you’re working with. Ultimately, most potting soils contain a medium, limestone (to help balance pH levels), and a slow-release fertilizer.
For example, cacti and succulents need a soil mix that is well-draining and won’t retain moisture. For these reasons, cacti and succulent mixes will most likely contain sand, perlite, and pumice as all these materials are quicker to dry out and are faster draining.
In comparison, tropical mixes will contain nutrient-rich organic materials, such as peat moss, coco coir, or compost as potting mediums. These materials provide better moisture retention while also being chock-full of much-needed nutrients to give your tropical beauties the boost they need to stay happy.
The following are the most common types of indoor potting soils:
- All-purpose potting mix
- African violets and tropical plants
- Cacti, succulents, citrus, and palm
- Orchid mix
Always make sure to read the ingredient lists to know you’re using the correct soil type for the plants you’re working with! Of course, potting soil isn’t just for houseplants. Anytime you plan to pot up some container plants, such as herbs or annuals, we recommend using potting soil vs garden soil. Read on to find out why.
Garden Soil
The purpose of garden soil vs the purpose of potting soil is slightly different. Over time, the dirt in your garden loses its nutrients and organic materials as the plants you’ve added feed on them. Garden soil is an additive that replenishes nutrients, replaces organic materials, and introduces good bacteria leaving your garden freshly prepared for a new crop.
The contents of garden soil are much less specific than potting soil and contain roughly three main ingredients. Typically, these will be a mixture of native soil, manure, and chunky organic materials like bark.
Garden soil is also much heavier than potting soil, which is great for moisture retention but could lead to problems like root rot if used with the wrong kinds of plants. As we mentioned, garden soil contains bacteria and microbes. While these are beneficial to soil outdoors, it is far less sanitary to introduce bacteria into your home. For this reason, a significant difference between potting soil vs garden soil is that potting soil is completely sterile.
What to Do with Leftover Soil?
Now that you know the key differences of potting soil vs garden soil you may find yourself wondering what to do with leftover soil. There are a few efficient ways of using excess soil that won’t be harmful to your plants. You can work it into your yard (for example, if any holes need filling), or add as part of a winter layer for perennials, or of course, mix it into your garden. Another simple solution is to compost it!
If you have further questions or inquiries about potting soil vs garden soil, feel free to pop into any one of our Westwood Garden Center locations, and while you’re at it, grab a bag or two! We’re always happy to assist you, and our knowledgeable staff will ensure that you’re using the right soil for your needs.
FAQs
Potting mix is meant to stand alone, as opposed to being mixed in with existing soils. It is a self-contained product designed to provide potted plants with everything they need to grow and thrive. Garden soil is meant to be spread around. Mix garden soil in with your native dirt to improve it.
Can I use garden soil instead of potting soil? ›
Yes, you could use either garden soil or potting soil to grow outdoor plants. However, potting soil is a better choice as a growing medium as it's specifically created to support plant growth. But neither is the right choice for indoor plants or container gardening.
What is the best soil for a garden? ›
Loam, however, is an ideal garden soil blend of just the right amounts of clay, sand, silt, and organic material.
Can I use Miracle-Gro garden soil in pots? ›
It typically consists of a blend of organic materials, such as peat moss and compost, enriched with added minerals and fertilizers. Suitability for Pots: Miracle Gro Garden Soil can indeed be used in pots with successful results. Its rich composition helps promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms in container plants.
What happens if I use garden soil for potted plants? ›
However, while this mixture is beneficial for gardens, says Rodger, it doesn't cater to the needs of your container plants. 'Using garden soil in pots is not ideal. The reason is that it tends to dry out more quickly than other types of soil and it can become compacted in pots,' Rodger says.
Why potting mix is better than garden soil? ›
Potting mix is meant for houseplants, seed starting, and container gardens. Since it's less dense and much lighter than garden soil, it makes it easier to move plant pots around—that's especially important for large houseplants or containers that you need to shift.
Can you use bagged garden soil for potted plants? ›
Don't use it in containers. Since it doesn't have vermiculite, perlite or pumice, it lacks the drainage required for containers. Garden soil won't let plant roots breathe.
Can you mix garden soil and potting soil together? ›
Potting mix is meant to stand alone, as opposed to being mixed in with existing soils. It is a self-contained product designed to provide potted plants with everything they need to grow and thrive. Garden soil is meant to be spread around. Mix garden soil in with your native dirt to improve it.
Can you plant directly into garden soil? ›
Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results.
Is potting mix or garden soil better for raised beds? ›
Raised Bed Soil: Where Garden Soil and Potting Soil Combine
You want to use far more garden soil than potting mix, around a 5:1 ratio. You can also make your own raised bed mix by mixing all the individual parts of garden soil and potting soil, so topsoil, bark or peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite.
For a 4x8-foot raised bed with a 6” height, using Mel's Mix: about 5 cubic feet each of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite is needed. It usually takes about two to three bags of purchased fertile mix (1.5 cubic feet each) to cover the bed surface to a depth of 2 inches.
Is garden soil and topsoil the same thing? ›
Garden soil is just topsoil that has extra organic matter mixed in, like compost, peat, bark shredding, or fertilizer. It's intended to be used in the garden, where your plants benefit from the added fertility and nutrients. Some garden soils are even specifically tailored for vegetables or flowers.
Why not to use Miracle Grow soil? ›
Some Products Have Chemical Additives
Miracle-Gro soils often contain synthetic fertilizers and chemical additives that provide a rapid but short-lived burst of nutrients to plants. These additives can include things like synthetic growth enhancers, pesticides, and other compounds.
Why can't I use garden soil in pots? ›
Garden soils are typically intended for use in the ground and contain minerals and organic matter. They are not a good choice for containers because the soil can quickly become compacted and waterlogged, reducing air space around the roots. This can lead to poor or stunted growth.
What is the difference between bagged garden soil and potting soil? ›
Potting soil - Bagged potting soil usually does not contain dirt. Generally used for container gardening, it usually is a mix of peat moss, composted pine bark, and some other organic materials. Water drains out from potting soil easily. Garden soil - Garden soil usually contains a percentage of dirt in it.
Is it okay to use garden soil for indoor plants? ›
Potting mix is different from outdoor soil. It's best to use potting mix for any indoor plants. Use one that gives your plant roots the preferred air, moisture and nutrition balance it needs. Soil from the outdoors is heavy and is best used for outdoor gardening.
Can you use raised garden bed soil in pots? ›
Using Raised Bed Soil in Containers
Cover the base of the pot or container with Raised Bed Soil and press down firmly. Following directions on the package, add an organic granular fertilizer.
Can I use dirt from outside to grow plants? ›
Yes, you can use indoor potting soil for an outdoor plant, but you shouldn't use outdoor potting soil for an indoor plant. Here's why: Indoor potting soil has a viable structure for outdoor plants. You just need to add fertilizer and a wetting agent since indoor soil typically dries quickly.
Can I use garden soil in grow bags? ›
Avoid using heavy garden soil or clay, as they tend to retain water and hinder proper drainage. b. Ensure your grow bags have sufficient drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely.
