Soil in flower pots and in vegetable beds constantly releases nutrients to the plants growing in it. The available nutrients are consequently continuously depleted. In order to avoid an undersupply of the plants, you can replace the soil again and again or treat it.
Potting soil can be mixed with compost
Good soil - Delightful flowers - Beautiful vegetables
If you want success in plant cultivation in the garden, on the balcony or terrace, the soil used also matters. This should always be well ventilated, sufficiently watered and provided with nutrients.
This is easily achieved by changing the potting soil every season. In the long run, this is an expensive undertaking. With little effort, the potting soil can be used permanently. The following rules should therefore be observed:
- aerate the soil well at regular intervals
- if possible green manure
- add compost
- Use of good slow-release fertilizers
Aerate the earth
Here it is advisable to regularly tackle the beds and also the flower pots with a cultivator or a small tick. With the right tools, it is easy to loosen up the hard soil and remove the unwanted weeds.
Mature compost is incorporated in the same operation. The soft material brings air into hard soil and nutrients at the same time. In addition, mature compost attracts worms, which naturally loosen the soil.
The green manure
Green manuring is done with different materials. The first cut of the lawn, for example, can easily be applied to the land and also to potting soil. For larger areas, it is advisable to sow a foundation after the harvest. Alfalfa, clover or phacelia thrive in any garden soil, look pretty in the fall and can later be dug under as cover crops.
compost and slow-release fertilizer
Both materials return important nutrients to the soil. The compost can come from your own compost bin, well matured and sifted. Long-term fertilizers are available in a large selection. If possible, you should use natural fertilizers such as wool fertilizer, horn meal or shavings and cleaned manure pellets.
Well prepared, the potting soil can be used over a longer period of time. However, care should be taken not to grow plants from the same botanical family in the same spot every year. On the one hand, the soil leaches out on one side and, on the other hand, germs can settle that specialize in this family and do not allow subsequent cultures to thrive.