Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix, 4 Quarts, Brown/A .1 Pack
- Organic cactus and succulent soil mix
- Professionally formulated for use with both jungle and desert cacti
- Provides the drainage cacti need to flourish; ready to use; pH balanced
- Complete package directions provide useful growing information
- This product measures 4 quarts
How to choose the soil?
The soil is used by most gardeners, both as a substrate for potted plants and for growing in the ground. But what is it made of? Why use potting soil? And above all, how to choose? In fact, there is a wide range of potting soil at all price points and under a large number of different names, making it difficult to navigate at times. Here are some benchmarks to see more clearly and choose the best flooring for your intended use.
Definition of potting soil
Potting soil is a growing medium. It consists mainly of peat and composted plant debris (leaves ...). To improve the structure, topsoil and other organic materials (wood fibers, composted bark, manure ...) can be added. Other elements can come to complete it to give it specific qualities:
Fertilizer: provides nutrients that contribute to the good start of the plantations.
Mineral materials: they are designed to retain water (clay) or to lighten the soil and improve aeration (sand, perlite, vermiculite).
What is soil for?
For potted plantings , potting soil is often the only growing medium and is used as is. Aerated, it allows a good development of the root system, promotes a good anchorage of the plant, limits the suffocation of the soil and, therefore, the rotting of the root. Optimally transports water and nutrients to the plant. Finally, thanks to the various elements it contains or is enriched, it stimulates the growth of the plant.
For crops in the ground , in the garden, the supply of soil is at the level of the planting hole. The soil is used as is or mixed with the garden soil. Its use can serve two different purposes: to improve the nutritional qualities of the soil, which is depleted as crops grow, and / or to improve the soil. There is talk of an amendment when it comes to modifying the structure of the soil, such as improving the ability of a sandy soil to retain water and nutrients or, conversely, lightening a heavy clay soil.
What potting soil to choose according to its use?
The first criteria in choosing a potting soil is the use for which it is intended. Depending on whether you want to plant, seed, transplant, cut, or repot, you will not use the same soil. Also, for some types of plants, a specific soil is needed.
Terreaux for plantation
Universal Soil - In theory, universal potting soil should be suitable for all kinds of uses except plants with special needs. It can be a good option if you are looking to modify the soil in your garden.
- Horticultural soil : it is a soil rich in humus and organic matter (manure, algae ...). Contrary to what its name suggests, it is a very versatile soil, suitable not only for planting flowers and flowering shrubs, but also in the vegetable garden and garden. It is suitable for both pots and field crops, but not for plants with special needs.
- Vegetable soil : it is a soil enriched in organic manure and manure. It is generally used in organic farming.
- Terreau pots and planters: is a potting soil designed to have strong water retention and to limit watering.
- Green Soil Plants: It is an aerated soil that promotes rooting of plants to allow them a harmonious growth.
Some plants have special needs, which absolutely require the use of suitable soil: they are heather or acidophilic plants (azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, camellias ...), cacti and succulents. Orchids and citrus.
- Heather earth : it is an acid soil, which can be composed of pure earth (true heather earth), or simply a mixture of various elements (peat, pine bark ...) making the potting soil acidic.
Soil orchids: it is also a very airy soil, rich in bark and pozzolana or perlite.
- Citrus soil: it is a soil rich in clay, which retains enough water while being light and flexible. Enriched with nutrients more specifically for citrus, it promotes their growth and fruiting.
Soil for seedlings, cuttings and pots.
The soil for sowing and cuttings is a healthy soil, particularly fine and light, which favors the success of planting and cuttings. It can be used for both types of operations, even if it is not expressly mentioned in the name "cuts". This potting soil can also be used to transplant flower or vegetable seedlings after planting.
The soil pot is a pot soil adapted to pot all potted plants, green or flower, except those with specific needs.
How to recognize a potting soil?
Good quality potting soil is dark in color. It must be flexible to the touch and homogeneous. Large badly decomposed elements are, on the contrary, the mark of a mediocre soil. Finally it must be easily wet and retain water.
- For the rest, read the labels! Depending on the type of compost you are looking for, some mentions are quality compromises: presence of manure, organic fertilizer, rooting stimulator ... On the contrary, unless they are specific uses, a soil very rich in bark and wood fiber. less interesting because it is grosser and less decomposed.
- The mention "usable in organic agriculture" is an advantage, guaranteeing the absence of any chemical product in the soil.
- In general, avoid very cheap land. They can simply serve to improve the structure of your soil, especially if you already regularly compost it.
Good soil, often the only substrate for potted plants, is the guarantee of good rooting while promoting optimal water and nutrient intake to the roots. It is worth choosing carefully, always in accordance with the intended use!
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