Compost and wood chips make an excellent team when it comes to creating a potting mix. Compost adds essential nutrients and enhances soil fertility, while wood chips work like perlite or vermiculite, ...

Typical backyard soil is too compacted, full of weed seeds and it is not pasteurized, causing seedling diseases and death. Native soil often does not drain as well as seedling mixes.

For instance, because of its drainage capabilities, perlite can't hold onto nutrients in the soil well. "Regular fertilization is necessary to ensure plants receive adequate nutrition," says Brandt.

Houseplants need a good place to set down roots. A healthy soil that fits each plant is the key to a lush indoor garden. Most houseplants grow best in rich, well-drained soil. The mix should be ...

You want a soil that drains well. Many of the commercially available mixes contain chemical fertilizers. I wish they didn’t, but they are unlikely to listen to me.

Potting soil mixes work well in containers. Be aware that these amendments can be high in nutrients or salts. If a soil test reveals excess salts and nutrients, try running water (leach) over the ...