Keeping your leafy friends happy and healthy exact more than just sunlight and water – it require good - timbre potting grime too . So when it comes time to brush up your plant ’s living quarter , should you recycle that old potting mix or initiate fresh ?
Yes , you’re able to reuse old potting soil , but with some safeguard . Reused potting stain require to be review with nutrient and checked for disease before planting new things . you may also add it to your out-of-door garden beds instead of reusing it in tidy sum .
Let ’s grasp into the pros and cons of reusing old potting grunge . Also , get to know , how and when to reuse old soil .
Table of Contents
Why Reusing Potting Soil Seem Tempting?
We get it – high - quality potting stain can take a real bite out of your gardening budget , especially if you have a circumstances of potted plant to lean to . It ’s only natural to inquire if dumping out all that “ used ” soil is really necessary . Here are a few reasons you might be eyeing that old potting commixture for a second human action .
But What’s the Problem with Reusing Potting Soil?
As much as we ’d sleep with to give that sometime soil another go - around , there are some compelling reasons to reconsider .
While there may be some saving in reusing quondam potting grease , the risks to your plants ’ health can outweigh the financial benefits . Lackluster growth and sickly plants will likely be you more in the long run .
Step 1: Give It a Checkup
Some potting soils are riskier to reuse than others . Before you even consider recycling your old mix , postulate yourself :
Step 2: Flush It (Optional)
even out soil with plenty of water can aid remove some of the accumulated mineral salt , but it also washes away nutrients . While not stringently necessary , it can be helpful for soil that ’s been heavily fertilise . Here ’s how .
Step 3: Sterilize It
To kill off any lingering pests , weed seed , or disease pathogens , sterilizing former potting filth is an significant step you should n’t cut . There are two main methods .
overspread soil in an even stratum on a baking sheet or dish and cover with foil .
Bake at 180 - 200 ° F ( 82 - 93 ° C ) for at least 30 minutes .
countenance nerveless completely before handling .
pose soil in a black plastic bag or sealed container .
define in a cheery spot for 4 - 6 weeks to solarize .
Avoid opening until quick to use .
Step 4 : Revive It
To help restitute the soil ’s texture , drain , and rankness , you ’ll want to mix in some new component :
Once your refreshed pot soil is blended , it ’s ready to use . Just retrieve to keep a close eye on plant potted up with recycled mixing and set your care as needed to keep them look their best .
Recommended Articles : meliorate Your Garden ’s Soil Quality
FAQs
For more worthful brainwave , have a look at the Q&A below .
Q : Can I reuse potting soil from plant life that died due to nameless causes ?
No , it ’s skilful not to recycle soil from works that croak without a decipherable understanding , as the soil may contain harmful pathogen or pestilence that could taint your new plants .
Q : Is it okay to commix old potting soil with garden soil for out-of-door plant ?
While it may seem like a respectable estimate , conflate old potting soil with garden soil is not commend . pot filth has different holding and may not allow the same benefits as garden filth . It ’s good to use the freshen potting mix for container plants only .
Conclusion
Still on the fencing about whether to reuse honest-to-goodness potting soil ? Consider splitting the dispute – recycle some soil to utilize for hardier , less demand plants and splurge on a refreshful commixture for your picky plant life friends .
With a little provision and creative thinking , you may save a few gardening dollars without skimping on your gullible thumb duties .
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