But there are a few things you should keep in mind when reusing potting soil.
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How Do You Reuse Potting Soil?
Made from in-ground soil,potting soilcontainsdirt, just like youd find in your yard.
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However, all is not lost just because your potting soil has celebrated its second anniversary.
One of the easiest ways to reuse potting soil is to add it to existing flower beds andcompost bins.
Mixing it with new, outside soil will help refresh it, says Wiggins.
However, shes careful to note that potting soil should never be allowed to dry out between uses.
Want more gardening tips?
Should You Add Nutrients to Recycled Potting Soil?
Any level between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal.
If its too low,add soil amendmentswith more nutrients.
However, if its too high, add elemental sulfur, aluminum sulfate, or sulfuric acid.
What Types of Plants Should You Use in Recycled Potting Soil?
What If There Are Pests in the Soil?
Put the soil through a sterilization process before using it for your newest plants.
The heat built up will kill any unwanted hitchhikers," Wiggins says.
You could also bake the soil at 180F in a foil-covered oven safe pan for half an hour.
Keep it covered until it cools, but Wiggins warns that might leave your kitchen with an earthy smell.
Soil and Plant Nutrition: A Gardener’s Perspective.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Can you reuse your potting soil?.
College of Agriculture, Louisiana State University.
