Poting soil and potting soil are available in garden shops, but also at discounters. The products usually contain sufficient nutrients and are of acceptable quality. To use both soils optimally, you have to know what's in them.
Which soil should you use for vegetables – potting soil or potting soil?
Both potting soil and potting soil are suitable for growing vegetables, but the differences in nutrients can be particularly relevant. Potting soil contains more potassium, while potting soil offers more nitrogen, phosphate and sulfur. Individual adjustments are possible to meet the specific needs of each plant.
The potting soil
Potting soil contains valuable ingredients and is suitable for potted plants in the room, on the balcony and on the terrace. In addition to peat, potting soil contains
- Lime
- Compost
- Wood or coconut fibers
- NPK fertilizer (nitrogen N, phosphate P and potassium K
also possible
- Perlite (volcanic glass) for water storage
- Clay granules for water storage
The potting soil
This is a humus-rich substrate that is produced industrially. It is generally used for the garden, but also for greenhouses, raised beds and container plantings. Young plants and adult plants are cultivated in it. Therefore, the composition of the potting soil must provide enough nutrients, for example:
- Humus, usually bark humus
- Compost
- Coconut fiber or
- Wood fibers
- Algae
- Guano as fertilizer
- Peat
- Long-term fertilizer
Differences between potting soil and potting soil
For the most part, the composition of the two Earths is identical. However, there are small differences that become relevant depending on the plant being cultivated.
Fertilizer
The potting soil has less nitrogen, phosphate and sulfur, but more potassium. Potting soil contains less potassium and more nitrogen, phosphate and sulfur. The proportion of magnesium is the same in both soils.
Sound
This is only contained in the potting soil in the form of granules. This ensures optimal water storage. This is especially important for potted plants.
The pH value
The potting soil has a pH value of 6.1, the potting soil has a pH value of between 6.4 and 6.5
Other features
The potting soil must be structurally stable because it has to give the potted plants support. Microorganisms that the potted plants need to thrive can easily develop in it. Potting soil stores water and oxygen. The potting soil loosens the garden soil, it benefits from the natural structure of the garden soil.
Potting soil or potting soil for growing vegetables?
Both soils are of high quality and allow the flower or vegetable plants cultivated in them to thrive. Due to the differences, potting soil can be improved individually if the exact nutrient requirements of a plant are known.
