Is moisture control potting soil is better to use in containers?

Sandy White
by Sandy White
  7 answers
  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Mar 28, 2017

    Garden soil can be used as a container media but it needs to be modified or amended. An acceptable soil based mix can be made by using one part garden soil, one part peat moss and one part perlite or coarse builders sand. Don't use fine beach sand or play sand. Good luck!

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Mar 28, 2017

    The answer is yes,they contain a wetting agent that other soils do not.

  • Kathy Bitzan Kathy Bitzan on Apr 01, 2017

    I have some diapers I got from my granddaughter when we were potty training. She would change every time she went to the bathroom and didn't see the point in throwing these out just because they touched her bare bum.... So when I put my pots together this spring, I'm going to put a diaper in every pot to help with the watering. I use to tear them apart for the inside stuff, but it was messy. Then I saw someone just lay the diaper in the pot. Genius I thought to myself, so will be trying it this year. But the amended soil as on topic can stay to moist for some plants that need to dry out a bit.

  • My personal preference is Miracle Gro organic. Anything in a pot will dry out much faster in a pot than in ground. It also depends upon your climate and shade. Where I live it gets blazing hot for months on end and pots needed to be watered daily.

  • Judy Judy on Apr 01, 2017

    I really think this depends on your care to the pots, and if they are clean, from yr to yr. The soil, should have stones in the bottom of the pot, to help drainage, and this will be a great blessing, also. Do not pack down the soil to tight, for the plants must breathe, and do water each morn. Early. Do not water after 11:00 AM, for the heat of the day will be out, and they will scorch the plants. Be alert to this, ok? Enjoy your plants!!

  • Georget Georget on Apr 01, 2017

    I believe you're asking about the moisture retaining crystals. I've found that when the soil dried out it forms a crust on top. You can add some from inexpensive disposable diapers and then you can determine how much moisture you want. As some have said too much moisture isn't good for some plants as the roots rot. Plastic pots take longer to dry out. We use a drill and place 4-5 holes 1 inch from the bottom of the pot. That eliminates any need for stones or pebbles and add weight to the plant if you have to move it. If you want extra drainage in the bottom place plastic peanuts (the type they use to ship items) in the bottom. Less weight.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 01, 2017

    I would opt for the moisture control potting soil before using the not foul proof method of the diapers.There are moisture control crystals you can purchase to add to your potting soil should you choose that method.