Story: DIY Potting Mix - Why It Might Not Be So Good
Episode: 5
Presenter: Shontelle Sinclaire
Air Date: 30th March 2024

Shontelle shows us how to make our own potting mix at home, using Osmocote as a comparison.

• Potted plants add a lovely greenery to gardens and homes, but they require quality potting mix for thriving growth.
• Choosing from various potting mix options, including ready-made mixes or DIY blends, can be a daunting task, especially for an amateur gardener.
• Key attributes of a great potting mix include lightness, fluffiness, nutrient content, and moisture retention.
• The best base ingredients to use for an at-home potting mix include cocopeat to retain moisture, sand for aeration, and compost which will feed your plant.
• Other soil ingredients for DIY mixes can include water storage crystals, Epsom salts, dolomite lime, Seasol liquid fertiliser, wetter soil, trace elements, compost, manure, bark, etc.
• DIY mixes allow customisation based on watering habits or specific plant needs.
• It is good to note high-quality organic ingredients are crucial to prevent root burn and maintain potting mix acidity.
• Purchasing individual ingredients for DIY mixes can be costly and lacks certification for quality, meanwhile, pre-mixed bags with certification ticks ensure the potting mix you buy has been scientifically tested and uses high-quality ingredients.
• Pre-made mixes like Osmocote potting mix contain essential components for healthy plant growth, including wetting agents, growth stimulants, and trace elements.
• Experimenting with DIY mixes is an option, but pre-made bags offer convenience and peace of mind with scientifically backed formulations.