In autumn at the latest, when the beautiful balcony plants or annual flowers on the terrace have bloomed, the question arises as to what to do with the potting soil? Small leftovers sometimes go into the normal trash, but with larger planters it becomes problematic. Regional regulations may need to be observed.
How to dispose of potting soil?
Dispose of small amounts of potting soil in the residual waste bin. Larger quantities belong in the organic waste bin. Observe regional disposal regulations. Although you can revive depleted soil, it makes more sense to dispose of it.
Disposal of old potting soil
Potting soil that is no longer needed can be disposed of in small quantities in the residual waste bin. Larger quantities go into the organic waste bin, if one is available. However, it is important to ensure that there are no plastic residues. Regional regulations must be observed in any case. Potting soil that is contaminated with bacteria or vermin should definitely be disposed of with residual waste. If continued use in the garden, the pests would spread unhindered and cause even greater damage.
However, you should not think that old potting soil is “waste”, on the contrary. The earth is depleted, but can be revived. Therefore, it makes more sense to dispose of the soil in the garden. It can be sprinkled over the garden soil and incorporated or used in the compost. In the compost heap, the old soil immediately becomes part of the decomposition cycle and is enriched with nutrients again. After some time it can be used again.
Continue using potting soil
Although the potting soil contains no or only a few nutrients, it can still be used in other ways. Some examples:
- Use old potting soil for mulching. A layer of mulch protects against excessive drying out and suppresses weeds
- protect the roses from winter cold with old potting soil
- mixed with leaves, grass clippings, straw and brushwood, old potting soil forms the basis for the winter quarters of mice and hedgehogs
- potted plants can be insulated from frost using old potting soil
- old potting soil is further decomposed in the compost and converted into usable soil
Prepare potting soil
Instead of taking large amounts of old potting soil to the materials yard or disposing of it in the organic waste bin, it can be processed with little effort. Incorporating biological long-term fertilizer (horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon), horn meal) or a soil activator (primitive rock powder, algae and microorganisms) will bring the old soil back into the right place.
