It's spring and the seed sacs seem to be trembling with impatience. The selection of substrates in garden shops is large. Does it necessarily have to be the advertised potting soil? What makes them so special?
What is potting soil?
Growing soil is anutrient-poor substrate, which provides seeds and cuttings with ideal conditions forgerminationandgrowingshould offer.
Why do you need potting soil?
You can use growing soil as a base forsowing seeds. The seedlings can also remain in the growing soil. Even young plants usually benefit from such soil, as the low nutrient content causes them to form more and well-branched roots.
Furthermore, growing soil is suitable forRooting of cuttings, sinkers and runners.
What characteristics does potting soil typically have?
Usually potting soil is veryfine-grainedandpoor in nutrients. It differs from typical potting soil, for example, which is rich in nutrients and often already enriched with fertilizers.
What advantages does potting soil have?
Growing soil, due to itsloosetexture andlow nutrient density, increases the likelihood that plants can develop many roots and grow he althily in their first weeks of life. Once properly rooted, the plants can later develop their full potential.
Furthermore, growing soil is usuallysterile and therefore free of possible pathogens such as fungi. It also doesn’t contain any pests. It therefore does not need to be sterilized beforehand.
Is it absolutely necessary to use potting soil?
Basically, it isnot absolutely necessary to use potting soil. The result should just be more advantageous. As an alternative to growing soil from the gardening store, you can also use other substrates or make your own growing soil.
Is potting soil the same as seeding soil?
Growing soil and sowing soil are basicsame. That's why growing soil is often mentioned in the same breath as sowing soil. So you can also use sowing soil for growing cuttings etc.
Tip
Save costs with DIY potting soil
It doesn't always have to be the expensive growing soil from the gardening store. You can also make such a substrate yourself and do so more cost-effectively. This is especially worthwhile if you need larger quantities.
