Potting soil is not cheap if you want it to be of good quality. If you have a lot to plant out in spring, you should consider making the potting soil yourself. The ingredients are usually available in the garden, special additives can be bought in specialist shops.

The right mix makes good potting soil

What belongs in the potting soil?

The basis for good potting soil is mature compost, which should come from your own compost box if possible. If you don't produce your own compost, you can obtain the required amount from a composting plant, usually for a low price.
About half of the potting soil should be compost and the other half peat. Those who do not use peat for environmental reasons can use coconut fibers, wood fibers or bark humus instead. The fibers are important for the optimal water storage of the earth. This can be further enhanced by adding Perlite (37.51€) (granules made from volcanic glass).
Sand is added so that excess water or rainwater can run off well. Prehistoric rock meal, horn shavings (32.93€) or horn meal provide the necessary nutrients.

Mix the potting soil yourself

With the necessary ingredients and a little work, you can mix the best potting soil that is tailored to your needs.

  1. Get a large container that you can mix well in. A food barrel or wheelbarrow, for example, is suitable.
  2. Add equal parts mature, crumbly compost and fiber to the bin.
  3. Mix up the soil.
  4. Now add about a shovel full of sand and mix it in well.
  5. For fertilizer, add horn shavings or meal. Follow the manufacturer's specifications for the quantity.
  6. A dose of bedrock flour serves as a soil improvement.
  7. Mix the soil well again.
  8. Leave the soil for a few days before using it.

A small amount of old soil can also be mixed into the new potting soil. However, it should be checked for pests before use. If you want to be on the safe side, sterilize the earth at 100 degrees in the oven.

Less nutrient-rich soil is required for the cultivation of herbs or weak consumers. A little more sand and a little clay granulate makes the soil ideal for Mediterranean flowers or herbs.
Heavy consumers such as tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers or courgettes need a lot of food in order to thrive. A little more compost can be mixed in here.

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