I got this really big pot and filled it with top soil and leaves .

Ros16386879
by Ros16386879
What else should I've put in there to keep the soil from being so compact?



  10 answers
  • Ros16386879 Ros16386879 on Jul 31, 2017

    I also put some vegetable scrapes but the soil is still compact.


  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jul 31, 2017

    What are you using it for?

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 31, 2017

    First you have to put in drainage. Rubble or if you don't want it to be too heavy use Broken up Polystyrene.. Then add Grit to your Soil Mixture.

  • Amanda Amanda on Jul 31, 2017

    I have filled the bottoms of big planters with empty water bottles.

  • Lorib1062 Lorib1062 on Jul 31, 2017

    spangum moss?

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Jul 31, 2017

    Get some vermiculite or pearlite at a gardening center and mix it in. Your plants will thank you.

  • William William on Jul 31, 2017

    Mix in some pearlite and peat moss to loosen the soil.

  • Babette Babette on Jul 31, 2017

    If you have access to pinecones they will work

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Jul 31, 2017

    All soil will compact down with rain and watering. You do not use top soil in pots, that is what you put down to fill in holes and for lawns. Always use potting soil and even amend it with added peat moss, that is what I use. There are also potting soils that have added things to help retain more moisture. Top soil and leaves are not going to do a whole lot to nourish your plants. Top soil also seems to have more clay and weeds in it. If I am nearly out of potting soil, I will use 1/3 top soil, 1/3 or more potting soil and at least1/3 peat moss and I also add Preen Weed Preventer and added fertilizer because of the top soil.

  • Linda Linda on Jul 31, 2017

    sand or clay pebbles