When you’re growing plants in pots, a different type of soil is required than what is used for garden beds or raised gardens. Potting soil is lighter, drains faster and more effectively, and is formulated to retain moisture for extended periods of time so that your plants don’t have to be watered as often. Using a high-quality potting mix from a brand like Miracle-Gro will make your plants healthier, produce more fruits and vegetables, and grow larger over time.
Can miracle gro garden soil be used in pots soil be used in pots? It can, but it’s not ideal for this purpose. Garden soil is heavier than potting soil and may not drain well, resulting in waterlogging that can lead to root rot. It also has small pore spaces that make it difficult for roots to access the nutrients they need in a well-drained environment.
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Garden soil can be mixed with potting soil or other ingredients to create a custom soil for use in containers, but it’s important to note that this approach is not as effective as purchasing a high-quality potting mix designed specifically for containers. Adding compost, peat moss, vermiculite or coarse sand to garden soil will help improve drainage and aeration, and the addition of water soluble fertilizers or Miracle-Gro plant food will make the mixture ideal for growing plants in containers.
It’s also worth noting that Miracle-Gro plant food relies on the Haber-Bosch process to synthesize urea, which produces massive amounts of carbon dioxide emissions and leaves a huge footprint. It’s better to buy a high-quality potting soil that does not contain urea-based fertilizers. These products are also harmful to soil microorganisms, which function as below-ground nutrient factories that mediate the nutrient cycling of minerals for plants to “eat”.