What soil is best for container gardening? We’re glad you asked.
Growing in Felt Pots
Felt pots and grow bags are a good choice for growing. There are many sizes available, ranging from 5 to 30 gallons. Because they offer important benefits for gardeners and plants, they are gaining popularity.
Benefits of Growing in Felt Pots
- The ability to regulate the temperature can be achieved by airflow.
- The fabric pot allows plants to self-prune their root systems, which prevents them from becoming root-bound.
- High-quality drainage is essential to avoid wet feet or overwatering.
- Pots have handles that allow for easy transport.
*Please note that increased airflow can dry the soil in felt pots or grow bags faster. So make sure to keep track of how often you water your plants throughout the growing season.
Layering soil in a container garden
A few key ingredients are needed to make the best soil for container gardening.
- Composted Chicken Manure
- Slow-release organic fertilizer granular fertilizer
- Potting Mix
- Worm Castings
- Compost
- Mulch
Calculating How Much Soil you’ll need
It is important to determine how much soil you need for container gardening once you’ve purchased your containers and grow bags. Fortunately, you can buy all your materials in one place without needing to go back to the garden center. Try using a soil calculator to help you determine the exact amount of soil you need in order to layer your container.
Use raised bed soil in containers
Raised soil contains thicker, decomposed forest material particles that will continue to build soil over time. It reduces compaction and allows roots and other organisms to move around the soil. Pro Tip: When you fill your bag with soil, you can fold the top of the fabric grow bag down!
- Add a layer of soil from a raised bed (of several inches) to the bottom of your felt pot.
- Although you can put soil in a grow bag, it is best to do so manually. This will allow you to break up any organic matter that has formed in the bag.
- A gray or white mold may be present. Saprophyte is a white or gray-colored mold that is found naturally on the forest floor. It is safe for both plants and humans. It is actually a positive thing. It is a good sign that the soil has life.
Add fertilizer to a container garden
Container gardening soil should provide adequate nutrition to allow plants to grow as necessary. Your plants will grow and spread to seek out more nutrients as they mature. By adding organic fertilizer to your grow bag halfway through, you can help them thrive.
- Mix a few inches of chicken manure with the soil to get the rich organic matter. This will slowly release nitrogen into the soil, increasing soil fertility.
- You can add more soil from the raised bed to the pot.
- You can replenish nutrients by adding a slow-release, organic fertilizer.
Top your Pot with Potting Mix
A couple of inches of potting mixture can be added to your container to make it easier for direct sowing and will help ensure a successful germination. The potting mixture contains finer particles and is better for seed starting.
Repairing soil with Worm Castings
Your soil mixtures will be enhanced with worm castings. Even if your soil is already strong enough for container gardening, worm castings will make it even stronger.
How to Start a Seed in a Container Garden
Once you’ve prepared the soil for container gardening it is time to start planting your seeds. Bridget shared great tips for starting seeds in grow bags and containers.
- Soak the soil in water before you sow the seeds.
- Place seeds at a distance of two times the width and diameter of the seed.
- You can place seeds on top of soil, and then you can use a sifter or a spoon to add a thin layer of potting mixture over the soil.
- The germination period should be prolonged by keeping the soil moist.
- You need to ensure that you have enough airflow to prevent fungal growth.
