Potting soil – as opposed to native soil, loam, dirt or landscaper’s soil – is what should be used in pots - no matter what the crop. Potting soil should be light weight. I do not recommend peat moss potting soils. Peat moss is anti-microbial. Microbes don’t grow well in it. That’s just the opposite of what we want. Peat moss is excellent for storing bulbs or shipping food or other perishable material that would otherwise decay. Potting soil should not be sterile as some recommend, but alive and dynamic. It should be light, loose, well aerated, fertile, full of microorganisms and have the ability to stimulate quick and sustained growth.

My latest recommended formula is as follows:

60% Compost (compost, humate, coconut fiber, coffee grounds)
30% Rock (lava sand, Ditamoaecous Earth DE, zeolite, granite)
10% Sugar - (corn meal, dry molasses, wheat midlandss)

Other amendments that can be in small amounts include greensand, beneficial microbes (Bacteria and fungi) and organic fertilizers. Some of the best fertilizers for interior plants include earthworm castings, kelp meal and coffee grounds. They are mild and odor free. Garrett Juice is also an excellent fertilizer for plants in containers. 

Some of the best fertilizers for interior plants include earthworm castings, kelp meal and coffee grounds.  They are mild and odor free.  Garrett Juice is also an excellent fertilizer for plants in containers.

 Updated 6/11