What is the main difference between potting soil and garden soil?
can i use garden soil in pots
Successful gardeners always have a lot of information about plants and the know-how to grow plants with the best flowering techniques. One of the aspects you need to know is the type of soil.
What is soil?
We need to clarify this before going into details.
Contrary to what you have heard, it is not soil or mud; although it may be associated with these substances, it is not definable.
Sludge and dirt make other things dirty, but the soil is not.
The soil plants the plants, and we as gardeners should know the characteristics of each type of soil because they are different from each other, and then we choose one of them based on our preferences.
There are at least five types of soil:
- Sand
- clay
- Plaster
- Soil pot
- Soil with moss
The composition of this soil depends on where you live. Now in this section, we are going to compare potting soil with garden soil.
The soil we use for the garden should have at least 30 cm of topsoil. We also have to put it underground. As mentioned, the composition of the soil surface varies from region to region but is generally dense and heavy and easily retains water.
If you live in a sandy area, the soil absorbs water quickly and dries out, and clay soils hold water for a long time and then dry out.
Garden soil characteristics:
- This soil remains on earth for millions of years, and many plants and animals are born and die on it.
- It has a lot of nutrients and can not be said to be necessary.
- These soils are living and contain microorganisms, fungi, and seeds.
- You can buy garden soil with different types of garden stores.
- The other available soil is enriched garden soil, which is sold in horticultural centers but added to the soil for fertility.
- Garden soil retains water and does not dry out quickly.
- The garden soil is dense and heavy.
Pot soil characteristics:
- We need to know about potting soil because it should not be considered artificial soil.
- This soil is similar to other natural soils, but its type is different and combines different components with specific purposes.
- A typical potting soil contains organic matter such as sawdust.
- Another important quality of soil pots is that they are sterile and free of microorganisms.
- The soil in the pot also has a lot of air, so it dries easily and helps the plants to breathe, and because of the lightness of this soil, a lot of air flows in it, and its roots grow well.
- The soil in the pot is light.
- Potting soil can not easily hold water.
When should garden soil be used?
As mentioned above, we need to have enough knowledge about plants to learning their cultivation skills. We need to know when to use what type of soil.
Garden soil is very suitable for gardens and plants that are outdoors.
Use this soil if you want to fill the small holes in your garden.
Garden soil is also useful for areas where you want to plant trees, and usually, if you do not need to improve soil quality and want to fill the gap, garden soil is the best option and very cheap.
But if soil quality is important to you, it is best to use fortified garden soil, and remember that fortified garden soil is more expensive, so choose carefully before buying.
When should potting soil be used?
Potting soil is ideal for indoor plants. If you have a pot basket and want to grow plants indoors, use this soil.
This soil holds a lot of water. Potting soil is very suitable for potted plants.
Potting soil is designed for specific purposes, and different types are available.
You need to make sure you buy the right type.
Many people think potting soil is better than garden soil, but this is not the case, and you should pay attention to your goals.
Potting soil is more expensive than garden soil or fortified garden soil, but you will never waste your money if you use it properly.
