Materials from outdoor gardens are not necessary for potting soil if they cannot provide the nutrition and moisture needed for potting soil. How to make potting soil mix is a must for most gardeners because they know exactly what their plants need. Perlite, vermiculite and peat moss compose most of commercial potting soils sold on the market. Avid gardeners can very well do the right mixture themselves.

Once you are familiar with the characteristics of a potting material, it will be easy to find an alternative that is abundant in your area. There’s no point using peat moss when you are not residing anywhere near the wetland bogs in Michigan or Canada. Coconut husks can also be replaced with coir, which is abundant in Central America. Peat substitutions can also be rotted leaves or rotted sawdust. A combination of both is also becoming more popular. Before doing some experimentation, refer to the following steps for basic preparation:

1. Choose horticultural vermiculite over the common vermiculite used in potting soil. They are non-toxic, odorless and sterile. Vermiculite in general helps improve aeration. It also retains water absorption that enhances nutrient absorption for better growth.

2. Root growth is encouraged and the soil texture softens when shredded peat moss is added to all-purpose potting soil. Made from bogs full of decomposed sphagnum moss, it promotes a healthy combination of air and water. However, it is not the source of the nutrients required by plants and it can dry up after some time. It should be properly mixed with other components.

3. Superphosphates are sources of essential nutrients. They provide phosphorous needed by plants as they gradually decompose. Stock them up, especially when you are growing flowering plants. They are good additives for these stages of vegetation.

4. If limestone is found in your area, you have a greater chance of getting limestone dust at very reasonable rate. The acidic property of limestone due to its calcium carbonate content enhances the alkaline ingredients in soil, causing pH balance. Take advantage of the limestone dust supply when available.

5. Make sure that your plants are supplied with the proper balance of essential nutrients. Provide your plants with the 5 percent nitrogen, 15 percent potassium and 10 percent phosphorous for a better harvest. The potting mix must be supplemented with these minerals for healthier growth.

6. When you’ve found the right ingredients and formula, make a small portion and add them to store-bought potting soil to add to your supply. You can then increase your personally formulated mixture once you are confident of its success. At least when you do make mistakes, your plants will not be eliminated right away.

7. Only add measured ingredients to the large container ready for mixing and storage so that there will be no need to transfer the mixed potting soil to another container. That can make the job a bit messy. Wear gloves, masks and eyewear during the mixing process to protect yourself from chemicals.

Being resourceful in finding alternative materials is crucial in learning how to make potting soil mix. Be aware of what’s going on in the garden areas in your neighborhood. This is how you get ideas for the best ingredients for your potting soil mix. What works in colder climates may not be applicable in the tropics. So, might as well make your own – even if this means that you have to experiment just to develop the best potting soil.