Soil vs. Potting mix
Soil
Description: Soil is what you find naturally in your garden. It’s a mix of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and countless organisms that support life.
Pros:
Nutrient-rich: Soil is naturally rich in nutrients from decomposing organic matter.
Cost-effective: Since it's naturally occurring, you don’t have to spend money on it.
Eco-friendly: Using existing soil can reduce the need for Potting Mix
Description: Potting mix (also known as potting soil, although it’s not soil) is a blend of materials like peat moss, compost, perlite, vermiculite, and bark. It's designed specifically for growing plants in containers.
Pros:
Good Drainage: Potting mix is formulated to provide excellent drainage, reducing the risk of root rot.
Sterile: Most potting mixes are sterilized, meaning they're free of pests, weeds, and diseases.
Consistency: The composition is consistent, ensuring reliable plant growth.
Cons:
Cost: Potting mix can be more expensive than using natural soil.
Nutrient Levels: It may need additional fertilization as it's not as naturally nutrient-rich as soil.
Sustainability: Some components of potting mix, like peat moss, have environmental concerns due to their extraction process.ditional resources.
Summary
Soil is great for outdoor planting, cost-effective, and nutrient-rich, but may have drainage and pest issues.
Potting Mix is ideal for container gardening with good drainage and sterility but comes at a higher cost and may need added nutrients.
Got any specific plant you’re curious about? Email us, Archetypeplants@gmail.com
