How can I avoid spending a fortune on potting soil?
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Due to back problems, I have switched to container gardening. Not only are big pots expensive, but so is the soil! I have been told I should switch out the soil each year.
I don't believe that is necessary, but wonder what other people are doing?
Do you change out your soil, or reuse it? Is there a way to renew or rejuvenate it somehow?
I don't believe that is necessary, but wonder what other people are doing?
Do you change out your soil, or reuse it? Is there a way to renew or rejuvenate it somehow?
This is one of the areas in my yard with large and small pots. I need economical way to fill old and new ones!
138 answers
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Many of my main container plants are permanent (with annuals around them), I don't change out the pots but I do add a little compost in the Spring and I do fertilize every few months. If a plant container looks like the plants were doing poorly, then I do dump the pot way off in a corner of my yard and clean the pot with boiling water and bleach and start over in case there was a disease in it. Go to yard sales for big, sometimes unusual pots at reasonable prices. I have a big, nice looking one made out of a tire...paid $1 for it at a yard sale.
![Bonny McDaniel]()
Bonny McDaniel
on Mar 21, 2014
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I empty the old potting soil into a wheelbarrow, then mix it with some new. You can just take out the top part of the soil in the container and then add some new and mix it up. I've never had a problem.
![MaryAnn B]()
MaryAnn B
on Mar 21, 2014
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I agree with MaryAnnB. I use what I have and add in mulch and more soil. Mix really well and then add it back into the pots. As there is always extra I use it on the established beds for additional nutrients or additional hanging pots.
![Connie]()
Connie
on Mar 21, 2014
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I read last year (and I did incorporate the idea and it worked very well)..to place an old planter (I even used the plastic potting containers and cut them to fit in) turn them upside down to take up some of the space in the pot so you don't need so much soil. Water can get down through and you use a lot less soil.
![Jackie Erickson]()
Jackie Erickson
on Mar 21, 2014
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You can add compost as well as fine pine bark mulch. Also be sure to fertilize with a water soluble fertilizer often. I also add osmacote.
![Darwin]()
Darwin
on Mar 21, 2014
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Have you tried planting directly out of the bag? Containers are heavy and need to be potted and replanted. Out of the bag--all the nutrients are in the soil and the plants and vegetables love it. There is no waste "out of the bag" because you plant what you need and fill the entire space. You can even set the entire bag on a bench--off the ground. Ivy's look wonderful--and watering is easy too. Just soak the bag with the hose.
![Celeste Gettings]()
Celeste Gettings
on Mar 21, 2014
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My grandmother used to bake garden dirt in the oven and then mix in fertilizer, etc for her Violets and other indoor plants. They were always lush and thriving.
![Lynda Lingg]()
Lynda Lingg
on Mar 23, 2014
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For large pots, I use Styrofoam peanuts or cut up slabs of packing materials in the bottom, cover that with weed barrier (the kind that lets water drain through) then put my potting soil in. Saves the need for filling the pots full of dirt, and keeps it light enough for me to move it if I need to. Water drains through just fine.
![Hderoche]()
Hderoche
on Mar 23, 2014
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I do not use commercial soils for potting plants or starting seeds. I use my compost pile along with garden soil. With my garden soil I put it in large metal pans and put it in the oven to "bake" at 300 degrees for several hours. I know that this sounds weird but the soil is then "purified" from any critters and weed seeds and any other thing which it comes across. It is an unusual way to make the soil purified, but it works and I am only out my time. My home gets this aroma of the soil as it is baking and I like the aroma. But let me remind you...you have to turn your soil. I know this is weird but it works for me. I do not do this to my compost, because it would kill the good things in it.
![Atira]()
Atira
on Mar 23, 2014
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Water bottles work great as filler. That is what I use
![Elysa Wallingford]()
Elysa Wallingford
on Mar 23, 2014
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@No search results.Lynda Lingg,My father used to bake soil he used for seed starting and house plants. His plants were lush and healthy. I know other things go along with healthy plants, but it works. I also use empty plastic coffee cantainers for space fillers in large pot of annuals.
![Gesele Dreslinski]()
Gesele Dreslinski
on Mar 23, 2014
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I have been container gardening successfully for many years and I never have had to switch out the soil on ornamentals, only on veggies. If the soil and plant look healthy, no need to replace. I just consistently fertilize and clean up the plant. I agree with using a filler at the bottom of the container. It not only calls for less soil, but helps to retain water. What I have found works best is shredded paper. I shred my old documents and newspaper in the $29 shredder I bought on sale and add this to the bottom of my pots. It also works as a fertilizer and aerator for the plants. Also, to make my potting soil go further I do half compost and half soil. I buy the cheapie compost at Home Depot or Lowes, $3 - $4 a bag.
![Maria Jimenez]()
Maria Jimenez
on Mar 23, 2014
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Baking garden soil is fine but beware of the smell it will make. Not that it's poisonous, it's just really stinky
![June]()
June
on Mar 23, 2014
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Compost. you don't have to have a big area and as long as the pile gets hot enough it doesn't have to take very long. a 3 x 3 x 3 dark colored container that is well layered, appropriately moist and turned should only take about 30 days from start to cured. Get online to different sites and get different opinions about the things that work best for "Greens" and "browns" and get started. Every month you'll have "free" dirt and the best growing medium for any plant or vegetable.
![Andrea]()
Andrea
on Mar 23, 2014
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!
![Linda Vellucci]()
Linda Vellucci
on Mar 23, 2014
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If you want vegetable or plants that are free of chemicals, please stay away from anything plastic to fill you containers. You should use clay pots or glass. You can use pine cones to fill the bottom of the pot then put your dirt on top of that. Andrea is so right. You want free good dirt start composting. There are lots of site ( I think Hometalk will tell you how) that show you how to make it and you help the earth by using thing you would put in the landfill anyway. Like leaves, grass clippings. raw vegetable scraps. And flowers after the season is done. Have fun with it. Just do small piles so it won't hurt your back. And you don't need to buy expensive compost containers. Just read up on composting. I think you will enjoy it. Happy Gardening.
![Janette]()
Janette
on Mar 23, 2014
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Have you tried straw bale gardening or lasagna gardening? You can also lasagna garden in large pots. Lasagna gardening is layering leaves, straw (not hay) compost, grass clippings, and finally potting soil on top to plant. The entire thing will break down over the growing season, and be the bottom layer of soil or compost for next year. Straw bale gardening will be better to google.
![Linda Bailey]()
Linda Bailey
on Mar 23, 2014
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At the beginning of every spring, I take all my pots and dump the dirt into a big pile...then I turn it a few times, mix in watering crystals (love these things) and let the sun bake it. Then I mix in fertilizer, maybe some sand or soil buster...then put some straw/leaves in with it and then fill my pots. Soil is soil and the only difference is what you mix in with it and making it absorbent of water. I don't do the ph, etc...just take my chances.
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on Mar 23, 2014
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In the past I have bought so many ready made baskets when they are about out of bloom to enjoy the blooms but save money. When the new spring arrives I take all of my "last years baskets" plus any plants I have potted before with annuals and dump them all into a large wheelbarrow or other large vat and mix it all up and use that first. Many times when I have new things to plant it takes up room and I have plenty to refill several containers.
![Tanya Peterson Felsheim]()
Tanya Peterson Felsheim
on Mar 23, 2014
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I used old plastic soda bottles last year but my peppers didn't respond as well to the new space so maybe I'll do that for any flowers. Somewhere on HT I saw where cracked pots were turned upside down in bigger pots and used to take up space. @Jeanette S and @Tanya Peterson Felsheim have the best way. Reuse what you have and add amendments as required for the particular plants you're growing.
![Kelly S]()
Kelly S
on Mar 23, 2014
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There are some good ideas here. Also, there are several recipes on HomeTalk on how to make your own soil mix, which will be more cost effective than buying it.
![Liliana Wells]()
Liliana Wells
on Mar 23, 2014
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@Marta Parrott Great minds!!
![Hderoche]()
Hderoche
on Mar 23, 2014
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I find any organic material will decompose eventually returning back to dust, earth or soil which can be used to grow plants, flowers, etc..
![Marz Bo]()
Marz Bo
on Mar 23, 2014
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If I am reusing soil from a deceased plant, I just aerate it, and mix in some pebbles for drainage. I don't buy potting soil (except for succulents)--we have rich soil next to a creek near our home.
![KathrynElizabeth Etier]()
KathrynElizabeth Etier
on Mar 23, 2014
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I live by a lake. Can I use the sand from the shore to mix with potting soil or yard soil that is clay-ish? Will it have the fish emulsion that is supposed to be good for plants??
![Sheryl S]()
Sheryl S
on Mar 23, 2014
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How do you keep the OLD roots and etc that are in the soil ( sometimes u can see them sometimes you can't ) from growing up with the NEW stuff you are doing? and what about eggshells and coffe grounds do they work well and with what ...any ideas?
![Mary C]()
Mary C
on Mar 23, 2014
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If you don't want to use water crystals there is a sand called lava sand that works the same way.
![Tamir DuCharme]()
Tamir DuCharme
on Mar 23, 2014
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4 parts organic matter 1 part sand will make soil. You can add anything else you want after that..
![Jane Seaver]()
Jane Seaver
on Mar 23, 2014
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I compost directly into my garden spot (which contains mostly raspberry bushes) all year round. I dump all my pots into one of my flower beds and buy fresh soil for new potting year...getting older so am using alot less pots. Buying more perennials now.With my pallet gardens I fertilize and add some fresh soil.
![Mar188685]()
Mar188685
on Mar 23, 2014
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I reuse soil. I dump it out and add a little new and mix it and it seems to work fine
![Carmen Webster]()
Carmen Webster
on Mar 23, 2014
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I crush soda cans to put in the bottom of pot.
![Mary Fewer Allen]()
Mary Fewer Allen
on Mar 23, 2014
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For a few weeks before planting I grab a bag of top soil . Mix in egg shells and coffee grounds(used) add some all purpose plant food and plant my pot. as year went along added more food and grounds. Grounds help keep the leave eaters away. We are in sw Florida so we have pots year around.
![Emma Pettit]()
Emma Pettit
on Mar 23, 2014
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composting is the best way to make fresh healthy soil , you can add it to the dirt you have (mix everything together as some have mentioned) also coffee grounds help to speed up the composting action and they are good for practically any plants. My Roses Love em, and coffee made from old grounds to feed my Jade plants works wonders!! If you want good compost any vegetation matter will rot down into compost,, but there may be some seeds that go along with it so you may get some unwanted guests in your dirt.. thats ok , just pull them out.... I have used sawdust as a compost medium adding manure and coffee grounds to it , breaks down great and is a easy to use soil... (I raise pigeons so I have great manure for the cause)... If you have a cabinet shop, or a sawmill near you they will usually give you all the sawdust you want.
![Buster Evans]()
Buster Evans
on Mar 23, 2014
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I dump all my old potting mix into a pile and add a bag of compost then water it down with fish emulsion fertilizer and it works great.
![Diana Haddad]()
Diana Haddad
on Mar 23, 2014
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I compost, add my old plants from previous year, and anytime I dig a hole in the yard any excess goes into compost heap. Plus, the big box stores sell their broken open bags of soil/fertilizer/mulch for 50% off in our area. A bag here and there really helps!
![Connie B]()
Connie B
on Mar 23, 2014
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In the past I have used those annoying packing peanuts to put in the bottom of large heavy pots. Helps with drainage and lightens the load a bit. I reuse my potting soil from year to year, just add plant food regularly. It has worked for me for years.
![Gracie]()
Gracie
on Mar 23, 2014
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Another good idea is to use plastic soda bottles or the like in the bottom of a big pot. I have several half barrel planters and that is what I do. I also dump all my soil together and mix in new soil and then refill and replant.
![Vickie Lewis-Pence]()
Vickie Lewis-Pence
on Mar 23, 2014
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I have plastic water and soda bottles in the bottom of my large patio planters. I place a layer of weed block over the bottles and add the soil. Less soil is needed, there is drainage and they are not as heavy if I need to move them.
![Paula Dickinson Linsebigler]()
Paula Dickinson Linsebigler
on Mar 23, 2014
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We have a area in the small town that I live in. Everyone takes their leaves there in the fall and dump them. Then the DPW turns the pile over a couple of times a year. It takes a couple of seasons, but it breaks down into the best mulch dirt you've ever seen. They have like 3 different areas so one area is always ready for mulch dirt every year. I just add a little bit of miracle grow pellets to it and for container pots I add a little bit of moss or dry leaves in and everything grows really well.
![Grace Hitt]()
Grace Hitt
on Mar 23, 2014
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I always add a little new soil to the pots each spring, maybe 1/4 - 1/3 new and then feed the plants.
![Sharon Reed]()
Sharon Reed
on Mar 23, 2014
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i too use the empty soda/water bottles for large pots, weighs less too.
![Kate Antolini]()
Kate Antolini
on Mar 23, 2014
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Soil is soil.....I'm an old gardener from Minnesota. All these Ideas are wonderful! Using compost is good for soil and compost tea. It's a good way to use garden debris. But...keep in mind. Plants that develop a fungus need to be put in the trash or burned. Also some plants(vines) will take root in the compost. It is really important to get the heat up there to kill the plant debris and seeds. Also Do Not ad manure to your soil unless you compost it first. Or plan on weeding the volunteers that grow from undigested weeds. And the only other idea that comes to mind is this....For the really big pots - use empty pop cans in the bottom. I would cut an old tee shirt to put down through the cans to wick water up to the soil above. Then you don't have to worry about the water in saucers over watering your plants
![Julia Douglas]()
Julia Douglas
on Mar 23, 2014
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Do you cut up the soda bottles or just stick them in there??
![Elizabeth L]()
Elizabeth L
on Mar 23, 2014
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I add some new basic potting soil each spring to the old soil mix it in a bit, add some miracle grow and water. Works well.
![Laurette]()
Laurette
on Mar 23, 2014
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I dump all the old potting soil into my large wheelbarrow, then add some new garden soil, compost and fertilizer. Mix it all together and refill the containers. That way you don't need to buy so much.
![Nanci Burroughs]()
Nanci Burroughs
on Mar 23, 2014
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depends on the size of the planter, i used a liter soda bottle w/air in it & capped it for a whiskey barrel size planter. as longer as its safe & takes up space i use it :)
![Kate Antolini]()
Kate Antolini
on Mar 23, 2014
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JUST THE WHOLE BOTTLE TO TAKE UP SPACE.
![BONNIE J]()
BONNIE J
on Mar 23, 2014
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I leave my bottle whole. Also the plastic container the flowers come in.
![Lou Todaro-Watson]()
Lou Todaro-Watson
on Mar 23, 2014
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I guess it's a good thing they are biodegradable now. LOL Mine seem to be of the permanent, never going away, type. No gaping holes in the pots after several years. But something to think about for those who have not tried them yet.
![Gracie]()
Gracie
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use bottle caps in the bottom of the pot and then tip smaller pots upside down in the bigger pot. They take up room so as not to use so much soil. In some pots I will put sponges to help retain some of the moisture.
![Jmh]()
Jmh
on Mar 23, 2014
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I would have painted the plastic to disguise that fact, maybe try to find an orange clay pot colour, or simply white.
![Linda T]()
Linda T
on Mar 23, 2014
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I put the old soil in my compost pile, stir it them refill the pots.
![Diana Easter]()
Diana Easter
on Mar 23, 2014
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I have always mixed the old with the new as well and this is a tip for a new gardener, use coffee filters over the hole of a pot. Works better than shards.
![Elaine Simmons]()
Elaine Simmons
on Mar 23, 2014
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I put pieces of Styrofoam from packing to take up space in my big pots.
![Janet Hollister]()
Janet Hollister
on Mar 23, 2014
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I put the old soil on the compost pile in the fall mix it in and add more stuff to the pile I use the finished compost in my pots
![Paula Cardone]()
Paula Cardone
on Mar 23, 2014
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I used styrofoam but since there was no hole in the bottom of the pot they all floated to the top. So what else can I use?
![Vida Gilbart]()
Vida Gilbart
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use sweet gum balls. Takes up space, and compost eventually. Add layer of fresh soil every year
![Amy Simmons]()
Amy Simmons
on Mar 23, 2014
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I mix old soli with new and never had problems. I also bought a lift to help move the pots around. Looks like what they use to move boxes in warehouses.
![Linda]()
Linda
on Mar 23, 2014
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I have read you can put news paper in the bottom of for big pots fill with styrofoam . This past year first time I attempted Veggies. That dirt I might pour into the yard where its low. but I just add potting spoil and black cow to the old to freshen it up and big pots fill half full with old plastic bags or styrofoam. Everyone has some great ideas. Yes I too went to container growing I like it better.
![Teri Herzog]()
Teri Herzog
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use plastic bottles and cola cans to fill up about half of my pot and I mix old potting soil with new and pot away..works great
![Mary Cupp]()
Mary Cupp
on Mar 23, 2014
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Did this just yesterday. Had SEVERAL pots from last year. I like the idea of putting dirt in the compost pile, but what if there are TONS of ants in it? I just took it to a dump pile on our hill away from my garden area. I saved any pots that can be used this year and will recycle the others by giving them to a nearby nursery/garden shop. They clean and reuse them. But MY question is how to get rid of ALL THE ANTS!!!???!!!???!!!??? I HATE ANTS!!!!! Sorry. LOL!!!
![Patricia Linn]()
Patricia Linn
on Mar 23, 2014
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My back and my age have got me to down size all my gardens all 7 of them. We did this last year and it really helped me. We made them a foot wide and planted perennials only. Than we added mulch and garden statues. This way I can take my cheap plastic chair and my long handled tools and get the job done. Than I have many, many pots. I have used packing peanuts for my large pot and reused the old soil with the new soil. And always Miracle Grow...Works great ! Good Luck to you.
![Pat J. Sliwinski]()
Pat J. Sliwinski
on Mar 23, 2014
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We do as Mary Cupp does, smash soda can's, fill pot's about halve full, them plant..We save the old soil, mix in some new and some Miracle Grow Plant food. seem's to work fine, beautiful flower's very summer. good luck
![Delores Smith Lamb]()
Delores Smith Lamb
on Mar 23, 2014
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To make it easy for me to add organic minerals and nutrients back into what is already in the pots when empty of plants, I blend in a blender/food processor my scraps and make a hole in the old soil and pour it in and mix it all up. I give it a couple weeks, stir it up again and then replant. Adding things like aluminum cans etc also helps to not have to put so much soil in the huge pots. I don't care for the styrofoam peanuts as they get mixed in with roots and if you are transplanting can become a messier.
![DJ]()
DJ
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use smashed plastic water bottles or packing peanuts then mix 1/4 old soil with 3/4 new soil. Always use Miracle Gro to feed. Have some beautiful plants.
![Cathy622]()
Cathy622
on Mar 23, 2014
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How do you refresh dirt if you have perennials in pots and you don't want to repot?
![Charmaine]()
Charmaine
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use dried branches, leaves etc anything that will decompose for added nutrients as a fill for the bottom o pots... then just amend from there soil from there...also I dnt buy potting soil...I purchase a top soil from home depot their cheapest...peat moss...and manure....if I have compose ready at home I use that... and leaves etc...I mix the items together for a nice gardening soil...I'm in florida and this mix works great for me...
![Lisa I]()
Lisa I
on Mar 23, 2014
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If using the styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of very large pots to cut down on weight and keep from using so much potting soil, put the peanuts in a mesh bag like oranges, lemons, onion, etc. come in, tie it shut and when you dump out the soil they will be all contained. I also use the coffee filters in the bottom to keep the soil in.
![Marilyn S]()
Marilyn S
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use pint cones they r light and very cheap.
![Nina]()
Nina
on Mar 23, 2014
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Pine cones
![Nina]()
Nina
on Mar 23, 2014
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You can use old pots smaller than the big pots, turn them upside down inside of the big pot and not have to use as much soil. If you can remove the perennials and add some fresh soil then replace them and add some compost enriched soil in a top layer.
![Bill Snyder]()
Bill Snyder
on Mar 23, 2014
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You can use Styrofoam,plastic bottles,anything really,I do not switch out my soil I add to the top & add things that the soil needs for my plants...no need to swap soil! :)
![Connie Schultz Dunnihoo]()
Connie Schultz Dunnihoo
on Mar 23, 2014
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Love the idea of Different sized pots, my knees are shot and I can't get down and weed my garden like I used to. I've been doing my veggies in pots for years, but never thought about my flowers! Seeing how pretty yours look, i'm doing that this spring! Thanks for posting! If you can turn the soil over in the posts and add some miracle grow, you don't need to change out the dirt.
![Amy Ogden-Paparone]()
Amy Ogden-Paparone
on Mar 23, 2014
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I haven't replaced potting soil from pots in years. I top dress the soil with some compost or top soil and fertilize occasionally if necessary.
![Lilli H]()
Lilli H
on Mar 23, 2014
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Be careful about using pine ones. I did that one year and roaches got in the pots. I read the idea in a garden magazine. I never did it again.
![Sybil P]()
Sybil P
on Mar 23, 2014
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The bottom of my big pots have plastic containers in it. I renew the soil by incorporating organic matter into the pots when the annuals have died. .
![Helen M]()
Helen M
on Mar 23, 2014
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I scoop out the top 4" to 6" of last years soil (which usually also includes some roots and some stems from last years plants) and put that into my compost bin.Then I add new soil on the top layer that I am planting that year.I mix my own soil in a huge bin with a lid. I mix together regular potting soil, peat and perlites.
![White Oak Studio Designs]()
White Oak Studio Designs
on Mar 23, 2014
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You can find pots really cheap at thrift stores!
![Dorothy Hoskins]()
Dorothy Hoskins
on Mar 23, 2014
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Thanks Debbie. I will do this. Maybe another good reason to plant in ground but I don't have enough planting areas. :)
![Charmaine]()
Charmaine
on Mar 23, 2014
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I add those annoying round styrofoam circles you get in packages in the bottom of large pots then add the dirt. I recycle dirt each year by dumping the old pot into a wheelbarrow and mixing with new potting soil and fertilizer
![Diane]()
Diane
on Mar 23, 2014
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I pull out some of the dirt and put in compost and mix it well.That will enrich the soil!Atfer two yrs your soil is pretty much stripped of nutrients and you're plants won't do well!
![Carmen Heilman]()
Carmen Heilman
on Mar 23, 2014
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Go to your local thrift store or wait for neighborhood clean ups I use cheap ugly large plastic[can be crack ed] bowl in bottom of pot turn bowl up side down .One year I use basket like you get fruit in and also have use straw & hay The hay and straw breaks down over summer so you can simply dump all soil in compost area Don't like idea of styro foam peanut ,really a mess when you dump them in the fall
![Mary McNamara]()
Mary McNamara
on Mar 23, 2014
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I mix the old dirt with some new every year. Works great and saves a ton!
![Susanna Goolsby]()
Susanna Goolsby
on Mar 23, 2014
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I save all my prescription bottles and vitamin bottles with lids and put them into the bottom of the pot. Have also used beverage cans, but you need to crush them first. Makes the pots lighter and easier to handle.
![Carolyn Nelson]()
Carolyn Nelson
on Mar 23, 2014
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I would never have thought to use all these different things in the bottom of pots.So many good ideas here.Thanks.
![Judy4justice]()
Judy4justice
on Mar 23, 2014
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I try really hard not to replace too much of the dirt unless the soil has ben contaminated with bacterial or fungal infections. That dirt I put in a plastic bag and set it in the sun so it gets good & hot for a several weeks. However, I do add blood meal and bone meal each year
![Kathleen Glasscock]()
Kathleen Glasscock
on Mar 23, 2014
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My huge pots I put bricks in the bottom. Probably 2 layers. Of course you won't move it
![Sharon]()
Sharon
on Mar 23, 2014
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Thank you Debbie for posting this, this also has been on my mind. I was throwing out my dirt and buying new soil, since I had heard to do so, but wondered who the avid gardeners do their gardening pots. By the way, I love your potted plants.
![Anna Ibarra]()
Anna Ibarra
on Mar 23, 2014
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For my big pots around my deck I throw my empty water bottles in the pot then fill with dirt. I read somewhere to do this and it has worked fine. Then if you want to add more dirt or change some dirt, you don't have so much to change and your pots are much much lighter.
![Carol Plantz]()
Carol Plantz
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use empty water bottles in the bottom, using let dirt and easer to move around
![Linda Wallace]()
Linda Wallace
on Mar 23, 2014
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If you can grow bromeliads and orchids they take very little soil. In fact most of the 'soil' in the pot can be stuff like broken up polystyrene and then a little orchid soil ( a very little - they don't need much at all" in the pot. The benefits of bromeliads is that they also multiply by putting out pups which can then be separated from the parent plant and planted up in another pot. Free plants! You can even exchange your 'pups' with friends or neighbours to get a broader range of plants for your pots - do a swap with someone! If you don't want to do that, then suggest you compost and use your well broken down compost in your pots rather than keep buying potting mix. There is stuff you can add to the compost to retain water and or give good drainage. You only need a little added to your compost. If doing this ensure that there are no visible food scraps and that the compost looks like chocolate brown soil before using it. There should be no bad smell either, rather a soil like smell to the compost if you have got the balance right when composting.
![Carole]()
Carole
on Mar 23, 2014
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I start adding my fruit n veggie scraps right in the potting soil around feb then by march u can mix it up n plant, guess it would be considered compost
![Cindy M]()
Cindy M
on Mar 23, 2014
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Love the tips. To help prevent soil from being lost out the drainage holes I use coffee filters to line the bottom.
![Sandy Grieves]()
Sandy Grieves
on Mar 23, 2014
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i use leaves from fall at bottom of pots and if i have new pot i also take soil from other pots and add a little new to all.
![Tye313050]()
Tye313050
on Mar 23, 2014
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I"ve used plastic water bottles in tne bottom of the pots--let"s water flow through and a easy way to recycle -- several in a big pot makes it less heavy and uses less soil. On a gardening show, they said you can use a
![Kathy Koza]()
Kathy Koza
on Mar 23, 2014
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hello Andrea I typed up a rather long reply to this comment , I was going to add pics of my Jades to it when I came back to the comment it was gone and I cannot find it.. did it send accidently.. did you get it? please let me know.
![Buster Evans]()
Buster Evans
on Mar 23, 2014
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I've been reusing my potting soil for over 20 years. I store it in 30 gallon garbage cans over the winter. When it's time make pots,bags and baskets in the Spring, I reconstitute it. In a wheelbarrow, I mix batches of the old soil to which I add screened, finished compost,peat moss,perlite, and occasionally a little organic fertilizer. I clean my grow containers in the fall but do not sterilize the potting soil. I've never had a disease problem. When a large container is called for but the plants are shallow rooted, I add plastic gallon milk jugs to the bottom to save soil. An added benefit is they are lighter and easier to move.
![Bob]()
Bob
on Mar 23, 2014
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I just stir in some chopped leaves each spring, stir it well, and that's it. I've got pots that have 20 year old potting soil in them. I only lightly fertilize with Miracle-Gro maybe three times in a season. I will change flowers into vegetable soil and vice versa, since I believe veggies have more things that want to eat them.
![Judy H]()
Judy H
on Mar 23, 2014
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NO NO NO don't throw out that soil! Amend it! If there are big roots left behind just chop them up with a hand spade after removing the main plant/roots. John Kohler's videos have taught me so much, and even though this is for after the growing season, there is no reason you can't amend your old soil before...watch the entire video as you can cut it back to only a couple of items to add....(compost & rock dust) and they aren't expensive..GOOD LUCK :)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTznU0CsCQ8
![Rebecca Duff]()
Rebecca Duff
on Mar 23, 2014
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If you use styrofoam peanuts, put them in plastic grocery bags and make like pillows - a half bag full and tie up the opening. You can put as many as three in your large pots and have plenty of room for soil. To reuse the soil, you can sift it to get out the old roots, you can add some compost or manure, your usual plant food and you should be good to go. Fine Gardening had a short article on re- using the soil and that is where those statements came from. I did it. I even re- used the soil in my tomato tubs.
![Sybil P]()
Sybil P
on Mar 23, 2014
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I use styrofoam in the bottom of pots! Packing material, cups, egg cartons...the bigger the pot, the more styrofoam! Saves soil costs & keeps pots lighter in weight for me to move around!
![Kate Hannon]()
Kate Hannon
on Mar 23, 2014
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I, too use the styrofoam peanuts........... I will remix the old soil with new soil and compost. In planters, I will line with disposable diapers............ they hold the water and help prevent water from just running through.
![Ann Ratay]()
Ann Ratay
on Mar 23, 2014
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if you use café steamers to eat save the insert and put in pot upside down for drainage also take the old soil and mix it with a regular garden soil its cheaper than potting soil
![Kat]()
Kat
on Mar 23, 2014
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I would amend first. Styro Peanuts in the bottom with broken bits of clay pots. Also if u find broken bags at Lowes or wherever they will usually mark them down 1/2 price.Walmart does not.They send them back fyi. Good luck.
![Lisa Bledsoe-Rowe]()
Lisa Bledsoe-Rowe
on Mar 23, 2014
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For years I have used bagged top soil, it is a fraction of the cost of potting soil. So far it has worked out real well. For composting, we freeze our vegetable scraps, bury it where we plan to plant and in areas next to plants. Florida has mostly sand, which needs to be amended. Three years later and we have nice gardens.
![Lela]()
Lela
on Mar 23, 2014
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Change of subject but you folk sound smart so I will go for it...can anyone tell me if Miracle Grow fertilizer for vegtables is harmful to people?? I stopped using it with all the facts about Monsanto and other chemicals used to enhance vegtable growth. Afraid what we will find out next.
![D P]()
D P
on Mar 23, 2014
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One of my neighbors uses the same containers and dirt year after year. She is 92 (and amazing)....her plants are stunning......as for me I use styro peanuts and also small soda bottles so I don't have to use so much soil.....
![Carolyn]()
Carolyn
on Mar 23, 2014
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E Dr Every other year, I put the old in the garden and plow it in !! BAM......helps my garden......
![Virginia grizzell]()
Virginia grizzell
on Mar 23, 2014
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I never dump soil unless I had something in there that the roots just took over! Just use some Miracle-Gro.
![Judy Wise]()
Judy Wise
on Mar 23, 2014
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There is a product with myrcorizzia in that refreshes your soil from the year before. This is a good article. http://www.ehow.com/how_5056251_refresh-soil-container-garden.html
![Lynette Sabotka]()
Lynette Sabotka
on Mar 23, 2014
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If you have a large pot put plastic water bottles in the pot then it won't need as much soil and will provide the drainage you need. I saw this on one of the home improvement shows and have used it.
![Janice]()
Janice
on Mar 23, 2014
- See 2 previous
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Build your old soil up by adding new peat, bone meal for feeding, if you have old coffee grounds add it to the soil. There are many ways of doing this.
![Bonnie Lewenza]()
Bonnie Lewenza
on Mar 23, 2014
- See 2 previous
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I use the soil over adding compost and peat moss to lighten it up
![Pokiedogmom]()
Pokiedogmom
on Mar 23, 2014
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Mixing organic compost in with old potting/planting soil works wonderful. Rather than Miracle Gro, I stick with organic fertilizers & making compost in the back yard. I don't want the chemicals in my food that you get with Miracle Gro, or any other non-organic fertilizer.
![Nancy J Goldwire]()
Nancy J Goldwire
on Mar 23, 2014
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Check for local sources of compost- my fave is the local supermarket chain that composts old produce and then sells bagged product for $2 - $3 per cu ft. or our local winery sells bulk compost fairly cheap. I have raised beds 4' x 4' that I originally filled with compost and now just add 4" - 6" per year in the spring. I have never switched out the soil in 8 years and my veggies are fantastic
![Kirsten McCann]()
Kirsten McCann
on Mar 23, 2014
- See 1 previous
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Check with your local municipality. You can often get free compost from them. I know in Philadelphia, I can get up to 30 gallons of organic compost a week.
![Alexa Karaoulis]()
Alexa Karaoulis
on Mar 23, 2014
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I reuse it every year. My neighbor dumps it all out and gets new every year..I don't see difference in the quality of our plants.. I do add plant food every year though..
![Patti Bosley]()
Patti Bosley
on Mar 23, 2014
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Ok Andrea at the risk of sending this twice and talking way too much... here goes... I had tried several times with jade plants and they always died... then I was in a store in Ducktown Tn and there was this huge jade in the window behind the counter.. I asked the lady how she got the jade to do so well , she was taking a sip of coffee from her cup, smiled, then poured the rest of the coffee in the cup onto the jade... She said they LOVE coffee. She said to flood them once a month, (to where the soil is drenched and water stands in the drip pan) then just once in a while give them a drink of coffee. She then pinched me off three (I think) of the leaves or petals and told me to stick the tip into the dirt, the leaf would die but root and create another jade plant... I followed her instructions and that started me on my path of raising jade... I did try the putting coffee grounds on top of their dirt and they didnt do well with that . I guess it was too much... SO I water them on the 1st of the month then give them a drink of coffee from left over coffee in the pot or maybe brew some from old grounds and give it to them. They have done great... even survived a house fire and come back strong... I now have quite a few and have given a lot to friends, because I cant stand for a leaf or stem to break off and not stick it in the dirt to give it a chance to root... sometimes there are some small root like growth that appear on a stem, you can break that stem off and plant it and those growths will root and it will grow... Ok Im adding pics of the jades this time,,,
![Buster Evans]()
Buster Evans
on Mar 23, 2014
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- See 3 previous
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I reuse and add Super Thrive to the water at least a couple of times a month. Replaces minerals and stuff normally in soil that plants need but gets washed away. Made a huge difference in my plants. Super concentrated. Can use indoors or out. Heritage Roses recommended it to me several years ago.
![Karen DeSanno]()
Karen DeSanno
on Mar 24, 2014
- See 1 previous
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I rent and have a yard with plants in ground and in containers. I have a large gum tree and I usually fill my pots half way with the gum balls and I reuse potting soil and add from the compost heap. The gum balls usually take a year to decompose and they just add to the goodness of the soil for re-use. If growing vegs. or herbs I use organic potting soil in the pots. Expensive, but worth it for edibles. If you get ANY mulch, compost, whatever from your town - please remember they usually use pesticides and lawn chemicals!! Be sure to ask.
![Lydia C]()
Lydia C
on Mar 24, 2014
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I reuse my soil.i have filled my really large pots with upside down plastic containers from the nursery. Back full with soil then I add a hanging planter plant. Cut off the hangers and plunk it in. Way cheaper than buying all the little annuals and planting them in!
![Reno Girl]()
Reno Girl
on Mar 24, 2014
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coffee grounds FREE at STARBUCKS ,just have to go early and take a couple of plastic bags with you they do put them in bag ,but they are messy
![Mary McNamara]()
Mary McNamara
on Mar 25, 2014
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At Fred's dollar store they have composted horse manure, I buy a bag of that, and mix it in with all the soil from my pots. This year, I have rabbits and chickens, so I will be using the poo from them, which is much better. I have bought only a few bags of potting soil in the last few years, and that was only because I put out more pots with yummy veggies :)
![Beverly Henderson]()
Beverly Henderson
on Mar 25, 2014
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Another thing that I have added to my soil or plants for years is to take children's chewable vitamins and push down into the dirt, and you water they will break down. My plants love it, and on the cheap, you can buy at drugstore when they are going to expire. Just my 2 cents worth :)
![Tamir DuCharme]()
Tamir DuCharme
on Mar 26, 2014
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cool Linda hope she does well!
![Buster Evans]()
Buster Evans
on Mar 26, 2014
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Debbie Chapman very lots pot maybe 2 cup fills of uses ground mix well,
![Mary McNamara]()
Mary McNamara
on Mar 27, 2014
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I use one bag of composted manure,to the equivalent of about 10 bags of soil. And it's already composted,so it's doesn't get hot. My flowers and veggies love it. Coffee grounds get to hot for my liking,I do add then to my compost pile,but not directly to my plants
![Beverly Henderson]()
Beverly Henderson
on Apr 02, 2014
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I buy a "bale" of promix soilless potting soil, It is a little hard to find, but it worth it. The potting soil at most places is mostly water. Do not pay for water.. If you cannot use all that in one season, put it in 5 gallon buckets for the winter. I use it for my houseplants also.It is what the pros use.
![Vicki O]()
Vicki O
on Jun 04, 2014
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For my very big planters, I turn them into a compost maker during the off season. In the Fall and Winter, I mix kitchen scraps, leaves, and newspaper in with the soil. In the Spring it's ready to be replanted.
![Helen M]()
Helen M
on Jun 05, 2014
- See 2 previous
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I friend gave me some packing peanuts to put in my large pots, fill half full then the rest with putting soil. Peanuts are cheap, no need to change out dirt all the time. Maybe Mixx old dirt with new dirt for other pots and feed once a month or seasonally.
![Patricia]()
Patricia
on May 17, 2015
- See 1 previous
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Do not add any soil from the garden as it is not the correct media and the soil will become hard as a rock. Better to top dress the pots each year with new premium potting mix or compost. Add some form of organic fertiliser make sure it is diluted if using from a concentrate.
![Janice]()
Janice
on Jul 24, 2015
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You can always fill the bottom half of you're pot with pine cones.
![Kris King]()
Kris King
on Dec 24, 2015
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When using a large pot, I use top soil for bottom half of pot and top half with good potting soil.
![Maria]()
Maria
on Feb 16, 2016
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If the plants don't need a lot of root space like tomatoes do, then I fill the bottom third with chunks of packing foam, then some old soil, then a layer of compost and finish off with the potting soil. The foam allows for retention of some moisture but the most important function is to take up space and use less soil and keep the large pot lighter in case you need to move it.
![Bonny McDaniel]()
Bonny McDaniel
on Feb 17, 2016
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I too have many large containers. I don't replace all of the soil in the containers. If I'm renewing annuals I mix half new potting soil with soil I removed from the containers I'm renewing. I empty all of my last year containers in a wheelbarrow and then mix in the new. Add some fert. Perennials just get a top dressing of new stuff. for large containers I use packing peanuts (my least favorite), crushed cans, small plastic plant containers, and/or pine cones. Large containers can be filled half full with old potting soil.
![MaryAnn B]()
MaryAnn B
on Feb 17, 2016
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If it is a large pot and the plant does not take a lot of root space, I use empty soda cans.
![Elaine Simmons]()
Elaine Simmons
on Feb 18, 2016
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You can buy less costly platers and pots and spray paint them. Try painting plastic pots.
![Sherry H.]()
Sherry H.
on Feb 18, 2016
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I have done pot gardening with great results I mix new soil vermiculite sheep manure in abig plstic container that has a cover I mx it well and add or top up old soil then for the plants I use oganic liquid seaweed I cant carry heavy bags so before planting time I shop for smaller bags until I have it all just adding a bit at a time to the container.Baby steps !
![Sharon]()
Sharon
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