Australia is a leader in the development and manufacture of good-quality potting mixes. Potting mixes have been developed to ensure that potted plants have the best environment to grow and develop. They are used in the production of nursery plants and by home gardeners.
Potting mix is manufactured from composted bark ensuring that a by-product of the timber industry is recycled into a valuable commodity. The bark is composted under stringent conditions to ensure that it is fully broken down and suitable for growing plants. Some mixes also include other composted organic materials such as food and garden waste collected in FOGO bins (Food Organic Garden Organic). To learn more about what goes into creating a potting mix, have a read of this article.
Bagged potting mixes meet an Australian Standard to indicate that not only are they fully composted, but also that they contain the right balance of solid particles and air spaces, are neutral in pH (the measure of soil alkalinity and acidity) and are not contaminated, for example by weed seeds or toxins. A basic potting mix that meets the Australian Standard is indicated by black ticks on the bag. There is also a higher level of potting mix called Premium potting mix, which is indicated by red ticks on the bag. It also meets the Australian Standard but contains slow-release fertiliser that will feed potted plants for at least 5-6 months before additional fertiliser is needed.
Notice the red tick graphic on this bag of Supersoil Professional Potting Mix? That indicates it's a Premium Australian Standard potting mix with slow-release fertiliser included.
Why not just use garden soil?
Potting mixes may seem like an added expense for the gardener, however they perform much better in a container than garden soil, which may become compacted, weedy, fail to drain well and can pass on pests and diseases from the soil to the plant. Soil behaves differently in a container than it does in a garden bed where it is cultivated and naturally aerated by soil organisms. Containers filled with soil are also very heavy.
Quality potting mixes will produce happy, healthy and rewarding plants for every type of container and garden situation. They are a worthwhile investment in your gardening success.
While garden soil is a great growing medium in garden beds, it's not suitable for use in pots or containers.
Why you need a specialty indoor potting mix
As well as general mixes, manufacturers have developed specialised mixes that suit the needs of certain groups of plants including vegetables, Australian native plants, acid-loving plants (such as azaleas and camellias), orchids, cacti and succulents. With the rise in popularity of indoor plants, potting mix manufacturers have also developed mixes that suit indoor plants. Specialist mixes may contain vital trace elements (nutrients that are needed in very small amounts) and the correct ratio of the major plant nutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). All this information will be outlined on the potting mix bag to help consumers understand what they are buying.
Some potting mixes also contain a soil wetting agent so mixes are easy to water and absorb and hold moisture. This is of particular importance for indoor plants, balcony plants and those growing in hanging baskets. Flower Power’s #1 recommendation for indoor plants is Supersoil Professional Indoor, Balcony & Hanging Plant Potting & Planting Mix. It’s a premium Australian Standard mix that is guaranteed to provide the best growing environment for plants.
Ready to choose the perfect mix for your potted plants? Click here to shop Flower Power's extensive range of both all-purpose and specialised potting mixes.
Want to grow healthy indoor plants like this beautiful philodendron? We recommend a specialist indoor potting mix, such as Supersoil Professional Indoor, Balcony & Hanging Basket Potting Mix.
FAQs
Potting mixes may seem like an added expense for the gardener, however they perform much better in a container than garden soil, which may become compacted, weedy, fail to drain well and can pass on pests and diseases from the soil to the plant.
Why use potting mix in pots? ›
Potting soil, also known as potting mix, is comprised of various ingredients that provide a healthy environment for potted plants to grow. These mixes are designed to keep the soil from becoming too compacted, which can suffocate roots and impede the flow of water and nutrients.
Which is better, potting soil or potting mix? ›
Potting Mix vs Potting Soil: Which One Should You Use? Potting soil's composition makes it suitable for outdoor plants. On the other hand, a soilless potting mix is a better choice for potted plants or a container garden because it: Offers a good balance of moisture retention and water drainage for potted plants.
Should I use potting soil for container gardening? ›
Using good potting soil is a simple way to get your outdoor container gardens off to a great start. Quality potting soil will help your container plants thrive.
What are the disadvantages of potting mix? ›
The main disadvantage of potting soils is that it can be expensive, while soil from your own garden is free. Some plants can be harmed by a potting mix intended for another type of plant. Also, some potting mixes are not suitable for organic gardening because of synthetic ingredients they contain.
What is the best soil mix for potted plants? ›
Most gardeners make potting soil by combining perlite or vemiculite with peat or sphagnum moss. Two other organic materials that you could add to your potting mix are leaf mold and compost, which offer a wide spectrum of nutrients.
Does potting soil really matter? ›
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.
Do I need to add fertilizer to potting mix? ›
It's a good idea to start regular fertilizer applications between two to six weeks after planting a container, depending on the type of potting media, watering schedule, and rate of plant growth. There are many options for fertilizers to use in container plants. A good place to start is with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Is potting mix good for all plants? ›
For most container-grown plants, use a standard all-purpose potting mix but some plants require exceptionally good drainage or a higher or lower pH.
What is the number one potting soil? ›
If you think all potting soil is created equal, FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil will change your mind. This is our best overall pick for a potting soil because it can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor plants.
When growing plants in containers or raised beds, you need to pay special attention to the soil you use. Soil taken from your yard or a garden bed is too dense to use in a pot or raised bed. Instead, for containers, you'll want to use potting mix (also called potting soil), a lightweight and fluffy alternative.
Does potting soil expire? ›
Potting soil does not necessarily go bad if not used, but its quality can deteriorate over time. The shelf life of potting soil is typically one to two years when stored properly.
Can I mix potting mix with soil? ›
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.
Why shouldn't you touch potting mix? ›
Gardeners can reduce the risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease from soil, compost or potting mix, by taking the following precautions: Always wear a mask and gloves when handling soil, compost or potting mix.
Is there a difference between potting soil and potting mix? ›
Both potting mix and potting soil have their unique strengths—potting mix is great for providing superior drainage, while potting soil is nutrient-rich due to its composition, for instance. Here's when to use each growing medium.
What is the difference between Miracle-Gro potting soil and potting mix? ›
Potting mix is basically the same, regardless of brand. You'll find composted organic matter, sand and peat moss. In some of the less expensive brands, there will be bark chips, as well, which adds bulk. Miracle Gro Potting Soil has some garden soil (loam) and some fertilizer mixed in with the organic matter.
When should I use potting mix? ›
Use it when you are growing plants in a container or starting seeds. Don't use it for flower beds or raised beds. It's too expensive to dump by the pound into your yard and beds, and it doesn't have enough nutrients to feed plants season after season.
How often should you change potting soil in pots? ›
Plants typically benefit from being repotted every 12 to 18 months, depending on how actively they are growing. Some slow growers, like cacti, can call the same pot home for years, but will just require a soil replenishment.
What is the significance of potting mixture? ›
Potting mix is an essential component of container gardening. It provides plants with the necessary nutrients, water, and air for healthy growth and development. It is lightweight, easy to use, and versatile, making it an ideal growing medium for a range of plants.
