Garden soil can be used for container gardening, but it is very prone to compacting. Be sure to sift it to remove rocks and then combine it with organic material.
A good quality commercial potting soil works well for starting seedlings and is sufficient for growing many vegetables.
Lettuce and greens have shallow roots and a short life cycle and do very well in commercial potting soil.
Larger plants with extensive roots and a longer life cycle will grow better in a soil mix that includes extra organic material to keep the soil from compacting, such as peat moss or sawdust.
Perlite and vermiculite are often added to soil mixes to improve aeration and help retain moisture. (Perlite and vermiculite are mined from volcanic deposits.)
Teri’s favorite potting soil mix:
- Combine 2 parts sawdust and 1 part sand, then
- Combine 1 part sawdust/sand mixture and 1 part potting soil.
Potting soil mixes can be recycled by adding more amendments (perlite, peat moss, sawdust mixture) and fertilizer.
Soil Sources
Dry Nest Pine Bedding (sawdust, 40 lbs.): IFA, Leland Mills (905 S Mill Rd, Spanish Fork, UT)
Sand, peat moss, perlite: Home Depot, Lowes