Potting Soil

About

What is Potting Soil? Soil is by definition, the upper layer of earth where plants grow. Soil is generally black or dark brown and consists of a mixture of organic matter, clay, and rock particles as well as minerals, gases, water, and organisms. Potting soil or planting mix is not soil at all because natural soil tends to be too heavy for most houseplants and other container grown plants. Planting mix is commonly made of peat, composted bark, sand, and/or perlite and is sterilized to avoid the spread of weeds, pests, and diseases. Specialty soils can be used for planting in pots or mixed with your own soil to improve the quality when planting in the ground. How to Make Soil Acidic You can lower soil pH by amending your yard or garden with aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur. Aluminum sulfate is a chemical compound that reduces the pH of your soil. Elemental sulfur is pure sulfur which is an element that acidifies your soil. Both aluminum sulfate and elemental sulfur work by making aluminum available to your plants. This reaction acidifies the soil. Elemental sulfur is the cheaper choice, but aluminum sulfate works faster so it is usually the preferred choice of most gardeners. How to Raise Soil pH Solu-Cal Enhanced Calcitic Lime can increase pH faster than anything on the market. You will be ready to get your lawn off to a great start within 8 weeks. Maintain an optimal soil pH by using this product up to 3 times per year. An ideal pH level helps with nutrient availability, microbial activity, soil structure, and turf vigor. How to Test Soil pH Soil can be tested with a simple test that can be found at most garden centers. Be sure the water you use is not rain water or tap water as they can affect the results. Rain water can be acidic and tap water can be basic. Distilled water can be purchased at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and big box stores. Your local extension agent may offer soil testing services at no cost. How to Amend Clay Soil Clay soils can be impr