Make quality potting soil and soil-less mixes at home.
Seedling Mix For Seedlings In Styrofoam Flats
2 parts compost2 part peat moss or coir1 part perlite
The second recipe is a soilless recipe based on the Cornell Mix concept; the third is a classic soil-based formula.
Organic Substitute for Cornell Mix (large quantity)
1/2 cu. yd. Sphagnum peat or coir1/2 cu. yd perlite10 lbs. bonemeal5 lbs. ground limestone5 lbs. bloodmeal
Classic Soil-Based Mix
1/3 mature compost or leaf mold, screened1/3 garden topsoil1/3 sharp sand
Note: This mix results in a potting soil that is heavier than modern peat mixes, but still has good drainage. Compost has been shown to promote a healthy soil mix that can reduce root diseases. Perlite can be used instead of sand. Organic fertilizer can be added to this base.
Prick-out Mix For Growing Seedlings To Transplant Size
6 parts compost3 parts soil1-2 parts sand1-2 parts aged manure1 part peat moss, pre-wet and sifted1-2 parts leaf mold, if available1 6″ pot bone meal
The following recipe is credited to Eliot Coleman.
Organic Potting Mix
1 part sphagnum peat or coir1 part peat humus (short fiber)1 part compost1 part sharp sand (builder’s)
to every 80 qts. of this add:
1 cup greensand1 cup colloidal phosphate1 1/2 to 2 cups crabmeal, or bloodmeal1/2 cup lime
Learn More About Potting Soil
If you’re interested in learning more about how to make your own potting soil and why,m read how To Make Your Own Potting Soil. You can also get more recipes for potting soil. Have you ever wondered if you can reuse potting soil?
