Potting Soil: 3 Gardening Tips for Beginners

potting soilSoil is an essential part of growing any plant. Without potting soil, all of your beloved plants, herbs, and vegetables wouldn’t be able to grow or survive. Soil is evaluated by taking a look at two basic features: its fertility and its texture. If you’re unsure of how to properly use and maintain this essential gardening material, it’s important that you learn as much as possible to keep your plants healthy.

Here are some beginner gardening tips that will help you better understand how to handle your soil for potted plants.

Focus on drainage
If you skimp out on your plant’s drainage needs, you will likely ruin your garden before it even begins. When there isn’t large enough holes in your plant, water isn’t able to escape, which means your potting soil will be much too wet and your plant’s roots will rot and eventually die. Get a pot with sufficient drainage or drill your own holes.

Know how much light you’re using
Every plant is different and requires various amounts of light. It’s essential that you know exactly how much lighting you’ll be able to provide before you choose the plants you’ll be gardening. Place your pot where you plan on actually keeping it and see how long the sun shines its light on it. You can also use a sun calculator to figure out how much sunlight your plants will get.

Don’t discard the plant tag
Plant tags are very important and should be kept on at all times. These tags inform you (and anyone else who might be taking care of them) about how big they will grow, how much light is required, how much water and food it needs, and how much general care and maintenance it will need. If you lose the tag and forget what to do — you’ll be putting your entire garden in jeopardy.

From the fill dirt you’re using to how much water is getting into your potting soil, it’s essential that you’re aware of these planting tips to keep a healthy garden. Having the right knowledge is just as important as having the right landscape supply. If you want to find out more about soil requirements, find landscaping ground supplies, or learn more about gardening, contact Southern Landscaping Materials today.