The Spruce / Tara Anand
What is Potting Soil?
Quality bagged soil products are formulated to mimic the components of the best natural soils in the ground.
Bagged potting soils are often mixed with compost to improve their nutritional value.
The Spruce / Tara Anand
What is Potting Mix?
Potting mixes do not contain any dirt.
These bagged products are sometimes labeled “soilless mix” or “soilless medium.”
Potting mix (top) and potting soil (bottom)The Spruce / Michele Lee
They sometimes contain slow-release fertilizers as a component.
What Is Potting Mix vs. Potting Soil?
When purchased as bagged products, potting soil is much different than potting mix.
Always read the ingredients on the bag.The Spruce / Michele Lee
When shopping for a growing medium, read the label to know what you are buying.
Dont be tempted by the colorful design on the bag.
If the bag doesn’t list ingredients, dont buy it.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
A soilless potting mix is a much more controlled growing medium than potting soil.
It can also sometimes be used to fill large raised beds or large elevated planters.
Note potting soil contains true mineral soil and can become compacted, dense, and water-soaked.
Tip
Frequent watering flushes out nutrients even from soilless potting mixes with added fertilizer.
True soil, by contrast, is typically much heavier and denser than a potting mix.
Rejuvenate old potting soil by adding fertilizer and compost.
You canreuse potting soilonly if the plants that grew in the soil before were healthy and vigorous.
Do not reuse potting soil that was used with unhealthy plants.
After planting with potting mix, it’s a good idea to add an all-purpose fertilizer.
However, know your plant’s needs so you don’t overfeed or underfeed it.
It’s a good idea not to use these products interchangeably.
Soil-free potting mix is for containers and potting soil is formulated for in-ground use.
