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.

Interior plants and outdoor potted plants should be planted in a well-drained, organic potting soil like I recommend.  My favorite basic ingredients are compost, coconut fiber and expanded shale. 

My latest recommended formula is as follows:

30% Compost

30% Coconut Fiber

15% Decomposed granite

15% Expanded Shale

5% Alfalfa meal

4% Lava sand

1% Greensand

Beneficial microbes (bacteria and fungi)

Soil Mender makes my specific formula, but there are other “non-peat moss” potting soils on the market.  Two others that we know of are Ladybug and Nature’s Guide Bagman’s Blend. 

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 1/09