You can add Black Cow Manure to also add great nutrients into the soil. Plants LOVE Black Cow Manure!!! The great thing is almost all plants will thrive in this mixture.
Same here. New to this channel. I use garden soil, potting mix, shredded leaves, compost....mix it all up. I use sticks, branches in the bottom of my huge containers. Surprised anything grows but it does. Must not be that bad
The key to using garden soil in containers, is to not use strictly garden soil. Use 1/2 garden soil/ 1/2 good potting soil or potting mix. Amend with good compost, perlite/vermiculite, Azomite(rock dust) and also top-dress with compost.
I just came inside after doing this with my massive potted Aloe Vera which died from that crazy Texas freeze in February! I was about to cry at the loss until I found one hunk with healthy roots; replanted into a small pot. Lots of old soil that just needs to be amended. No waste. Thanks for the refresher lesson. God bless.
4:54 One thing ive noticed about chilie pepper seeds in general is that they germinate SLOWLY or not at all IF THEYRE TOO COLD, and that a digitally controlled heated germination mat, set for about 80-85F, supposedly does wonders for germination rate and speed. I have 2 large mats arriving later today in the mail. Apologies if you already covered that elsewhere. 6:20 Your 2" barrier wont stop fusillium wilt, which is largely vascular, not external, so if the roots drink it in, its just a matter of time.
I have been reusing container soil for years. I store it in plastic garbage cans over winter. In the spring, I shovel it into a concrete mixture. I amend it by adding sphagnum peat, composted manure and composted pine bark. Mix for 10 minutes. Roots and chunks float to the front. I remove those and fill my pots.
Before I started gardening I used to think that all you needed was soil, that soil was all the same and was adequate for growing. It was a shock to learn it was more complex than that and that you have to make good soil or enrich what you have and match plants to soil they like.
Great vid. We used to have a massive container garden but sold our condo so are back to soil gardening. Used the same soil for over ten years. But instead of potting soil, I'd suggest compost to replace the missing volume. Richer in food for soil microbes than potting mix... plus compost contains trace minerals that potting soil lacks.
You just saved me a boat load of money!! My gardening coworker informed me I had to throw away all the potting soil used last year. Then scrub pots with dawn and vinegar. Rinse well and fill only with new potting soil. I was about to toss it all and just buy my veggies because of costs.
Oh, that sounds like something you do for contaminated "buggy" soil. If it's not crawling with creepys, I'll refresh and reuse, don't forget to ammend with fertilizer like he says to do!
For potted plants I have always mixed purchsed soil with the compost and ground soil. This seems ok. I also throw sicks and pineneedles, leaf litter in.
I do too but in a mix. I sift out large woody pieces and mix 1 part compost, 2 parts sifted garden soil, 2 parts peat moss, and half a part (give or take) of perlite or vermiculite.
The woody stuff goes to mulch...which is cool because some nutrients are still in the soil stuck to the sticks so watering it in fertilizes...or into compost piles for carbon.
I use garden soil in pots bags and raised beds for everything, add vermiculite, new soil, egg shells and fertiliser as usual and it always produces happily each season. I hate commercial soils as they are full of sand but it does drain.
First timer here, digesting a ton of UA-cam content. I was thinking of cutting the plants in the garden and the pots when harvesting, leaving the roots in, not tilling at all, plant seeds or seedlings in the same exact, undisturbed soil and using liquid fertilizer once per week when watering.
I’ve been doing something similar for years to save money. (I add compost, fertilizer, peat moss and some fresh soil to refresh everything) I always thought it was “bad” or something I should not be doing. Glad to know it’s ok!
I took your advice and re used old potting soil from old pots. I didn't add anything new, just reused the old potting soil. Now, while I DO have the plants growing in them that I wanted, I also have HUNDREDS of petunias, about 50 basil plants, 30 or so rosemary and even a cilantro plant! Even the starts for tomatoes and squash have petunias growing in with them in my vegetable garden. I am being over run with petunias especially but everyone thinks it's all just wonderful!
Yes, yes, yes, I learn something new every time I watch. It might be brand new but my old brain is thinking it is new😍. Sometimes we need to re-hear a few time before it penetrates the brain. Good luck with the pepper plant!! Thanks for Tip Tuesday, loved the beginning of the video for you short sweet answer.
Enjoy seeing someone gardening with their bare hands . I only use gloves around thorny plants 👍. Something about the connection the personal touching of the plants and soil calms me closer to nature I suppose. Maybe that’s weird but oh well . Happy Gardening 😃
Totally understand what you mean. I use gloves with my thorny plants, or slightly muddy conditions. But most other times--- I'm not happy, until there is dirt under my nails, and dust on my clothes. Doesn't feel like I did it right, if I don't get dirty. And it's early Spring, so I'm ready to get dirty.
We live in Maine where springs are cold too. We had great luck with peppers by griwing them in a black metal tub that kept soil hot. We also started plants late & when peppers came in late summer into fall, we just pulled the containers into the garage at night to avoid frost & bavk in sun outside all day. Our crop was late but worked great. Very plentiful. We were still getting peppers into late fall.
You may consider using the white “food grade” buckets for anything edible. They’re available at most hardware stores, or you can get them for free from restaurants, where they are regularly discarded/recycled.
@@sambamjam123 Maybe people just don't know about food grade buckets existing which is why I share my advice to anyone that will listen especially when I find out something new, like this. I didn't know about the white buckets. Now I don't grow in buckets but that doesn't mean I can't share with others or that maybe in the future I'll give it a try. And when I do say it I say it with kindness and care without making the other person feel like they are low intellect. Like "Hey, I just found out that you can get free food grade buckets from restaurants to grow vegetables etc. in, isn't that amazing" I also didn't know about getting buckets from restaurants and the list goes on. I said it all in one sentence. Amazing! Right!
CLEVER MAN!!! When I saw the plastic bottles appear from the bottom! I am always looking for items to put in the bottom of my containers - GREAT IDEA!!!
I’ve learned that Miracle Grow potting soil which used to be top notch is nothing but junk now, mostly sticks and useless debris in their “top notch” expensive soil! Yes, this video answers my question as to I I can use the potting soil from this year next year!
Thanks, you basically reinforced what I do which was pure speculation and just simply being cheap. Good idea about the exit 2 in at the top just simply to help ensure a good start.
I always watch and relearn things. My trellis tomatoes gonna kill it this year. Last year bamboo didn’t hold up under weight of tomatoes and plants!!! Made of 2x4’s this years. Thx for all your tips
I broke down in my sprinter van in High River, Alberta. Nicest people on the planet. Best 48 hrs of breakdown vacation ever. I have a special place in my heart for Alberta. And home of MJ Foxx!
For 20 years I re-use potted soil ad re-vitalize it with a mix of coffee grinds -powdered egg shells and smashed dry flower beds. No issue with my mix. herbs, flowers, and miniature tomatoes grow magnificently.
Hi Brian, I purchased bulk potting soil from Blue Ribbon Nursery last fall. I filled the bottom of 4 planter beds (4 x 5ft) with branches from guava and lemon trees. Then I filled the rest of the beds (14in) with the purchased bulk potting soil. There is no perlite or coco coir in this soil. When I started planting in the beds this spring, I noticed that the soil was pretty compact. So I just fluffed with my fingers and then started planting root veg (radish and beets) along with leeks, dill, rhudabega, and a few other items. I have also planted peppers, tomatoes, mellon's, okra, and herbs in these new beds. I use a moisture meter to water all my plants from the soil level only in the morning. I use worm castings every 2 weeks at the base of the soil. Most of what I am growing in these beds are not thriving. I really feel that something is wrong at the soil level but I don't know what. If these were your beds what would you do today to grow healthy plants? I just fertilized again 2 days ago(Tuesday the 1st) in the morning. I live in W. Anaheim. 10b
Just in time. I have 4 large planters on my back deck that need replanting. I'll buy just a couple bags of potting soil and refresh what I have in there currently. Woo-Hoo...more $ for plants!
Im not sure I buy into the whole "you cant reuse soil if you had fungal disease" Last year all my tomatoes got powdery mildew and a few with leaf rust. I reused all the soil this year and I even threw my old plants with the mildew in the compost I used to refresh it with. This year I had no mildew or disease what so ever. As long as you keep the plants healthy I dont think they will succumb to it. And last year I was not great at remembering to water and let to soil dry out a few times, the soil even became hydrophobic, which I didn't do this year. I think no matter what soil you use, the fungal diseases are already in it. You just have to keep the plant strong so it wont succomb to it
Thank you so much for your videos! This year I had an amazing tomato yield from my own balcony, learning from your videos! Thank you for your tips, can't wait to re-use this year's pots and soil for for next year!
I went one step extra and sifted the old soil from a container to use for a new snap pea plant I had to transplant. I added Azomite, humic soil conditioner and worm castings on top as dressing and watered the plant in using Phytoplankton solution. I will feed in a week with liquid kelp.
I've been mixing the old and new soil for the last 6 years since i purchased our home and started my mini garden. I always wonder though if that was a good idea, i never throw away old soil. I finally found my answer! Thank you!
I have always reused my soil from containers. But I'll dump it in a large sunny aera I put it in my drive way cover it with black tarp and let mother nature heat it up. That way it is sanitized! No worries about fungus or any other problems. Then I'll ad in fertilizer or what ever else it may need depending on what I'll be using it for.
New gardener. I spent 60$ yesterday on potting soil and only filled a third of my space. Was thinking this’ll get expensive every year. Thanks for the vid. Gave me peace of mind to go get the rest.
@Kira Corydorable thx. Too late. Already got it. I did figure out that I can fill the bed of my truck w compost for $60! Kira is a beautiful name. If I have another daughter, I will name er Kira.
steven page - NEVER use plastic food materials. This guy is foolish. Just take other pots and turn them upside down to fill in the unnecessary room. Rocks and broken planter shards work also to take up some space. You can always recycle your dirt by sterilizing it on your own,, and that kills bugs and seeds as well. Research dirt sterilizing. AND it's cheaper to get dirt dumped in your yard for a fraction of the cost. Just ring up a garden center to have them deliver it to you.
I put plastic bottles in the bottom of my big pots ( especially ceramic) because we get a lot of snow and freezing here in Tahoe. The ceramic pots would crack and shed the glaze. I now only get big plastic pots and still put in some bottles to lighten the load.
My wife buys a lot of patio containers, at end of season I toss it it a pile in the garden and wait till spring to mix it up or I just rake it in my lawn
Thanks! That’s what I’ve started doing but, did a UA-cam search to make sure I wasn’t crazy. Well, I AM crazy for flowers and veggies, but that’s a different matter.
I usually make my own potting soil from compost, garden soil and perlite and or sand. Sometimes I add peat depending on what I'm growing. I have never had any real trouble. An occasional grub that I have to deal with but it works pretty well.
Great video. I made the mistake of buying garden soil and added perlite, it still compacted bad and quickly. The next time I bought peat potting soil, it stays wet. I will get it right next time 😂
I woke up seriously wondering this... i thought, I’m gonna have to search this question. Then i logged onto UA-cam and here you were right there!!! I didn’t even put on a keyword! Thanks!!!
Very valuable information, THANK you! More than half my garden "projects" are in 5 gallon Lowes (lol) buckets! While I had mediocre success last season, I have learned a few things (thanks to you and others) and hope for a much more bountiful (and spread out!) harvest this coming season! Please stay well!
Peppers grow like crazy here in Louisiana. It's temperature that grows things. Everything else makes a minimal difference. I've learned in the right temperature a plant will grow several leaves a day.
I like the way you explained it but I really liked it when you showed exactly how you do it and then explained why. I am a very visual person like many other people and if I see it I can remember it and then do it myself. Thank you
Thanks for this! I've got a planter that has got great soil in it. Been there for about two years now and has done great. Problem is, after the amount of rain we've had over the autumn and again in early spring, my planter was seriously waterlogged. Water was floating above the soil. It's all drained off now but, in its current state, I'm not sure it'll be any good. The lavender that has been in their happily for two years seems to have had it now. I'll have get rid of that. I'm glad this video confirmed what I was thinking of doing. That is, empty the entire planter in a bucket and airiate the soil. Now, I know what else I can do. Got plenty of bonemeal just sitting there. plus, used filter coffee. I can put a few bio degradable things in there to serioulsy freshen up the current soil.
No matter how vigilant you are with tending to your garden, it's virtually impossible not to have some sort of fungus on plants, when I notice any discoloration I spray my plants leafs and the top of the soil with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water then a few days later I sprinkle some pure cinnamon on top of the soil, it seems to take care of the fungus, you can also use a baking soda solution.
Great video!! I dumped my last year's potting soils into the compost bin. But this gave me some great tips on how to re-use the soil and what to add. Thank you for the tips.
Lots of good information in a shorty. I’m pretty much following what you do except I spread the soil out and rake out the little rootlets from last season. It’s just a habit I guess, no particular reason. My container garden consists of 20x 10 gallon pots so I’m using a lot of planting mix. It’s always a challenge to find the best product at the best price' and I usually end buying Kellogg’s raised bed mix. Thanks for the informative video.. I always learn something new from you and/or your subscribers!
I use old potting compost mixed with home made compost. I only have a small concreted patio, (i rent so have no choice) and made a small composter about 1m high from 4 2x2inch posts and wood slats lined with horticultural textile inside plastic netting for added support and stood on a meter x half meter app. rectangular planter base with compost in so there was sonething for bacteria to start in. It makes about 75l compost from weeds, soft cuttings and kitchen waste every year. Just enough to replenish my various wood planters and pots.
Got that. Just bought big bag of compost and two more bags of John Innes for mature plants - and I've got a pile of 'old' compost in my yard. Not too late to take this good advice though as I have plenty more big plants that could do with some tlc - thanks for the info and demo - hopefully I'll have enough soil and save money on more new compost.
i found this interesting. i generally toss out a 1/4 and then mix in my own compost with a bit of blood and bone, sheep pellets and general fertiliser. even though i have a large garden and grow most of my own vege, i do not consider myself a gardener. so much to learn and get right. i built raised beds for my vege and basically do this for them as well. in nz where we are its so temperate that i can grow all year round. sadly so do the weeds!
My secret for peppers is grow them in a stainless tub! It’s frighten magic! I think it keeps there roots hot! I put my peppers out the 1st to 2 nd week in may. I also find they like blackstrap molasses as a supplement. I water them in with it and fertilize them with it about once a month. If I can grow peppers in Minnesota with this method I’m sure you can!
this will be my 5th season growing and i do it all in containers on y 2nd flor apartment deck. I do not believe in all that organic crap so I use miracle grow shake n feed and also miracle grow water soluble plant food . its worked great but last season I went fishing and let my tomato's dry out,,, they got blossom end rot after that so this season I am doing a complete refresh.. I have about 20 10 gallon grow bags... I have already purchased this years shake and feed, also 2 bags of composted cow manure mixed with peat moss and a bag each of pearlite and vermiculite. to address the blossom end rot ( i know i caused it by letting it dry out) i am adding in some bonemeal). I am learning as i go here but its a fun process to me..
I do, too. The 5 gal buckets are easy to swap out the soil, the bigger ones I didn't plant in yet. Shovel and a wheelbarrow. However, after my experience with them last year, I decided to put a new hole on the side at the bottom with a rubber plug. This is so I can periodically flush them out. I had a problem with toxic buildup and read somewhere they need to be flushed periodically. Could be a number of reasons causing that, but I will do more research in addition to new plugged drain holes.
I live in an apartment building where i take care of aome container flowers. There are 3 big containers that have a brown beetle that comes out in july when it gets hot. It destroyed coleus completely ! I am planning on completing getting rid of all that soil and starting freah. Im thinking that will solve this problem. Thanks for your video.
You can add Black Cow Manure to also add great nutrients into the soil. Plants LOVE Black Cow Manure!!! The great thing is almost all plants will thrive in this mixture.
Liked the addition of two inches of new potting soil as a disease barrier. Fresh ideas from you are like fertilizer for my gardening brain!
Never knew you shouldn’t use garden soil in a pot! THANK YOU!
Same here. New to this channel. I use garden soil, potting mix, shredded leaves, compost....mix it all up. I use sticks, branches in the bottom of my huge containers. Surprised anything grows but it does. Must not be that bad
The key to using garden soil in containers, is to not use strictly garden soil. Use 1/2 garden soil/ 1/2 good potting soil or potting mix. Amend with good compost, perlite/vermiculite, Azomite(rock dust) and also top-dress with compost.
I just came inside after doing this with my massive potted Aloe Vera which died from that crazy Texas freeze in February! I was about to cry at the loss until I found one hunk with healthy roots; replanted into a small pot. Lots of old soil that just needs to be amended. No waste. Thanks for the refresher lesson. God bless.
How is your Aloe Vera doing?
4:54 One thing ive noticed about chilie pepper seeds in general is that they germinate SLOWLY or not at all IF THEYRE TOO COLD, and that a digitally controlled heated germination mat, set for about 80-85F, supposedly does wonders for germination rate and speed. I have 2 large mats arriving later today in the mail. Apologies if you already covered that elsewhere.
6:20 Your 2" barrier wont stop fusillium wilt, which is largely vascular, not external, so if the roots drink it in, its just a matter of time.
This info was exactly what I was looking for as I get ready to close up my container garden for the season!
I have been reusing container soil for years. I store it in plastic garbage cans over winter. In the spring, I shovel it into a concrete mixture. I amend it by adding sphagnum peat, composted manure and composted pine bark. Mix for 10 minutes. Roots and chunks float to the front. I remove those and fill my pots.
You put concrete in your soil?
@@joanbaczek2575 I meant mixer, not mixture.
@@joanbaczek2575
Now that’s funny!
I use a concrete mixer also.
Must be nice. I wish I had something like that to mix my potting mix!!! Great idea!!❤
I have never watch one of his videos where I didn’t learn something!! Love these!!
Thank you!
I've used packing peanuts at the base of my large pots. The roots can maneuver around the spaces, makes the pots easier to move around.
Suggestion: use coconut shell instead of plastic bottles! (For organic gardening)
I use plastic bottles as “filler” for large decorative pots. Uses lots less soil than the lands need
Groovy
Before I started gardening I used to think that all you needed was soil, that soil was all the same and was adequate for growing. It was a shock to learn it was more complex than that and that you have to make good soil or enrich what you have and match plants to soil they like.
Great vid. We used to have a massive container garden but sold our condo so are back to soil gardening. Used the same soil for over ten years. But instead of potting soil, I'd suggest compost to replace the missing volume. Richer in food for soil microbes than potting mix... plus compost contains trace minerals that potting soil lacks.
You just saved me a boat load of money!! My gardening coworker informed me I had to throw away all the potting soil used last year. Then scrub pots with dawn and vinegar. Rinse well and fill only with new potting soil. I was about to toss it all and just buy my veggies because of costs.
Noooo! Lol. Glad I caught you.
Oh, that sounds like something you do for contaminated "buggy" soil. If it's not crawling with creepys, I'll refresh and reuse, don't forget to ammend with fertilizer like he says to do!
I'm glad you told me I could do this! I've always done and felt guilty!
Lol. Your guilt is lifted!😃❤
Thank goodness we can use it year after year! I love the idea of always adding a couple inches on the top! Thanks!
I always use garden soil to pot plants with and never have had a problem. I refresh every year with food scrap compost.
For potted plants I have always mixed purchsed soil with the compost and ground soil. This seems ok. I also throw sicks and pineneedles, leaf litter in.
I do too but in a mix. I sift out large woody pieces and mix 1 part compost, 2 parts sifted garden soil, 2 parts peat moss, and half a part (give or take) of perlite or vermiculite.
The woody stuff goes to mulch...which is cool because some nutrients are still in the soil stuck to the sticks so watering it in fertilizes...or into compost piles for carbon.
I use garden soil in pots bags and raised beds for everything, add vermiculite, new soil, egg shells and fertiliser as usual and it always produces happily each season. I hate commercial soils as they are full of sand but it does drain.
First timer here, digesting a ton of UA-cam content. I was thinking of cutting the plants in the garden and the pots when harvesting, leaving the roots in, not tilling at all, plant seeds or seedlings in the same exact, undisturbed soil and using liquid fertilizer once per week when watering.
I’ve been doing something similar for years to save money. (I add compost, fertilizer, peat moss and some fresh soil to refresh everything) I always thought it was “bad” or something I should not be doing. Glad to know it’s ok!
LOL!! You even got a chuckle out of my husband with that intro.
Thank you for posting this video! Yes, I have been reusing potting soil for several years. It is dumb to throw out that soil!
You're welcome
Ha! I just did this today to start seeds (in NorCal) this weekend. Excellent timing.
I took your advice and re used old potting soil from old pots. I didn't add anything new, just reused the old potting soil. Now, while I DO have the plants growing in them that I wanted, I also have HUNDREDS of petunias, about 50 basil plants, 30 or so rosemary and even a cilantro plant! Even the starts for tomatoes and squash have petunias growing in with them in my vegetable garden. I am being over run with petunias especially but everyone thinks it's all just wonderful!
Yes, yes, yes, I learn something new every time I watch. It might be brand new but my old brain is thinking it is new😍. Sometimes we need to re-hear a few time before it penetrates the brain. Good luck with the pepper plant!! Thanks for Tip Tuesday, loved the beginning of the video for you short sweet answer.
Enjoy seeing someone gardening with their bare hands . I only use gloves around thorny plants 👍. Something about the connection the personal touching of the plants and soil calms me closer to nature I suppose. Maybe that’s weird but oh well . Happy Gardening 😃
Totally understand what you mean. I use gloves with my thorny plants, or slightly muddy conditions. But most other times--- I'm not happy, until there is dirt under my nails, and dust on my clothes. Doesn't feel like I did it right, if I don't get dirty. And it's early Spring, so I'm ready to get dirty.
I always reused potting soil but you showed me how to make it better. Thanks.
We live in Maine where springs are cold too. We had great luck with peppers by griwing them in a black metal tub that kept soil hot. We also started plants late & when peppers came in late summer into fall, we just pulled the containers into the garage at night to avoid frost & bavk in sun outside all day. Our crop was late but worked great. Very plentiful. We were still getting peppers into late fall.
You may consider using the white “food grade” buckets for anything edible. They’re available at most hardware stores, or you can get them for free from restaurants, where they are regularly discarded/recycled.
Absolutely correct.
Went to a local pizzeria and they gave me a ton of white 5 gallon buckets that held pickles.
Free for the taking.
Agreed. It drives me crazy seeing people use anything other than the food grade buckets for edible plants 😵💫
@@sambamjam123 Maybe people just don't know about food grade buckets existing which is why I share my advice to anyone that will listen especially when I find out something new, like this. I didn't know about the white buckets. Now I don't grow in buckets but that doesn't mean I can't share with others or that maybe in the future I'll give it a try. And when I do say it I say it with kindness and care without making the other person feel like they are low intellect. Like "Hey, I just found out that you can get free food grade buckets from restaurants to grow vegetables etc. in, isn't that amazing" I also didn't know about getting buckets from restaurants and the list goes on. I said it all in one sentence. Amazing! Right!
You don't need food grade buckets, anyway. People have been growing food in plastic containers for years. It's fine.
CLEVER MAN!!! When I saw the plastic bottles appear from the bottom! I am always looking for items to put in the bottom of my containers - GREAT IDEA!!!
Thank you. I covered my containers with hay. We have a couple of dry days, so this video came just in time. Have a great day everyone.
I hate wasting soil and i just wing it. I'm glad to see some of what I'm doing is right. Thank you for the extra tips. It all makes sense.
I learned something (as always from your videos) and helping your youtube algorithm.
I appreciate that!
I’ve learned that Miracle Grow potting soil which used to be top notch is nothing but junk now, mostly sticks and useless debris in their “top notch” expensive soil!
Yes, this video answers my question as to I I can use the potting soil from this year next year!
Thanks, you basically reinforced what I do which was pure speculation and just simply being cheap. Good idea about the exit 2 in at the top just simply to help ensure a good start.
Yes, I learned something new. I’ve always dumped my last years soil and cleaned my pots for the coming year. Thanks for the info.
I always watch and relearn things. My trellis tomatoes gonna kill it this year. Last year bamboo didn’t hold up under weight of tomatoes and plants!!! Made of 2x4’s this years. Thx for all your tips
Hahaha! I thought shortest video ever. I love your videos, short or long. Hi from Calgary Alberta 🇨🇦 🌱
I broke down in my sprinter van in High River, Alberta. Nicest people on the planet. Best 48 hrs of breakdown vacation ever. I have a special place in my heart for Alberta. And home of MJ Foxx!
I’m going to give this a try. I have more potatoes to plant and didn’t want to waste my soil.
I learned something at “yes” 😂😂😂
Good!
What a spoiler
Thumbs up for sure. I have spent so much money on soil. I can't imagine starting over
Thanks 👍
Vid could've been 1 second long....or a jpg
For 20 years I re-use potted soil ad re-vitalize it with a mix of coffee grinds -powdered egg shells and smashed dry flower beds. No issue with my mix. herbs, flowers, and miniature tomatoes grow magnificently.
Hi Brian, I purchased bulk potting soil from Blue Ribbon Nursery last fall. I filled the bottom of 4 planter beds (4 x 5ft) with branches from guava and lemon trees. Then I filled the rest of the beds (14in) with the purchased bulk potting soil. There is no perlite or coco coir in this soil. When I started planting in the beds this spring, I noticed that the soil was pretty compact. So I just fluffed with my fingers and then started planting root veg (radish and beets) along with leeks, dill, rhudabega, and a few other items. I have also planted peppers, tomatoes, mellon's, okra, and herbs in these new beds. I use a moisture meter to water all my plants from the soil level only in the morning. I use worm castings every 2 weeks at the base of the soil. Most of what I am growing in these beds are not thriving. I really feel that something is wrong at the soil level but I don't know what. If these were your beds what would you do today to grow healthy plants? I just fertilized again 2 days ago(Tuesday the 1st) in the morning. I live in W. Anaheim. 10b
Just in time. I have 4 large planters on my back deck that need replanting. I'll buy just a couple bags of potting soil and refresh what I have in there currently.
Woo-Hoo...more $ for plants!
Im not sure I buy into the whole "you cant reuse soil if you had fungal disease"
Last year all my tomatoes got powdery mildew and a few with leaf rust. I reused all the soil this year and I even threw my old plants with the mildew in the compost I used to refresh it with. This year I had no mildew or disease what so ever. As long as you keep the plants healthy I dont think they will succumb to it. And last year I was not great at remembering to water and let to soil dry out a few times, the soil even became hydrophobic, which I didn't do this year. I think no matter what soil you use, the fungal diseases are already in it. You just have to keep the plant strong so it wont succomb to it
Thank you so much for your videos! This year I had an amazing tomato yield from my own balcony, learning from your videos! Thank you for your tips, can't wait to re-use this year's pots and soil for for next year!
Excellent advice as a newbi to growing food I am so glad i found yr site so big thank u 💙🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I went one step extra and sifted the old soil from a container to use for a new snap pea plant I had to transplant. I added Azomite, humic soil conditioner and worm castings on top as dressing and watered the plant in using Phytoplankton solution. I will feed in a week with liquid kelp.
I've been mixing the old and new soil for the last 6 years since i purchased our home and started my mini garden. I always wonder though if that was a good idea, i never throw away old soil. I finally found my answer! Thank you!
Love the humor you inject. Very fun as well as informative.
Yes. Great video. Please mention where you are when discussing weather related issues. Thanks
I have always reused my soil from containers. But I'll dump it in a large sunny aera I put it in my drive way cover it with black tarp and let mother nature heat it up. That way it is sanitized! No worries about fungus or any other problems. Then I'll ad in fertilizer or what ever else it may need depending on what I'll be using it for.
New gardener. I spent 60$ yesterday on potting soil and only filled a third of my space. Was thinking this’ll get expensive every year. Thanks for the vid. Gave me peace of mind to go get the rest.
That would be painful to have to do yearly!
He says to put a crushed 2liter bottle in the bottom,
@Kira Corydorable thx. Too late. Already got it. I did figure out that I can fill the bed of my truck w compost for $60! Kira is a beautiful name. If I have another daughter, I will name er Kira.
square foot gardning book shows how to do your own.
steven page - NEVER use plastic food materials. This guy is foolish. Just take other pots and turn them upside down to fill in the unnecessary room. Rocks and broken planter shards work also to take up some space. You can always recycle your dirt by sterilizing it on your own,, and that kills bugs and seeds as well. Research dirt sterilizing. AND it's cheaper to get dirt dumped in your yard for a fraction of the cost. Just ring up a garden center to have them deliver it to you.
Neem meal, Gypsum, and Trace Minerals are also excellent to add to the old soil to renew it. Thanks!
Enjoyed finding your videos! Watching them one after another…
Welcome!
Im thinking I need to dump my soil but I'm gonna try reusing first. Thanks for the instructions.
I put plastic bottles in the bottom of my big pots ( especially ceramic) because we get a lot of snow and freezing here in Tahoe. The ceramic pots would crack and shed the glaze. I now only get big plastic pots and still put in some bottles to lighten the load.
Excellent video Brian!! Simple refresh of the soil!!! - Rick
My wife buys a lot of patio containers, at end of season I toss it it a pile in the garden and wait till spring to mix it up or I just rake it in my lawn
Thanks! That’s what I’ve started doing but, did a UA-cam search to make sure I wasn’t crazy. Well, I AM crazy for flowers and veggies, but that’s a different matter.
I usually make my own potting soil from compost, garden soil and perlite and or sand. Sometimes I add peat depending on what I'm growing. I have never had any real trouble. An occasional grub that I have to deal with but it works pretty well.
That is what I do . Works out well . I also disinfect the container before refilling it .
Just watched your video on Cherry Tomatoes > that & this are just the hints that I need! Thanks!
Great video. I made the mistake of buying garden soil and added perlite, it still compacted bad and quickly. The next time I bought peat potting soil, it stays wet. I will get it right next time 😂
I woke up seriously wondering this... i thought, I’m gonna have to search this question. Then i logged onto UA-cam and here you were right there!!! I didn’t even put on a keyword! Thanks!!!
Weeeiiird. Lol
You Tube has spooked the bejeezus out of me, numerous times!
Their suggestion Al Gore rhythm is delving deep into my psyche and freaking me out.
I like the idea of putting the extra 2 inches of new soil as a barrier!
U must be telepathic! I was just thinking of this!
Very valuable information, THANK you! More than half my garden "projects" are in 5 gallon Lowes (lol) buckets! While I had mediocre success last season, I have learned a few things (thanks to you and others) and hope for a much more bountiful (and spread out!) harvest this coming season! Please stay well!
I really was pleased to know that you can use the old compost thanks for the help !
Peppers grow like crazy here in Louisiana. It's temperature that grows things. Everything else makes a minimal difference. I've learned in the right temperature a plant will grow several leaves a day.
Yes, I learned something. It never occurred to me to use pop bottles as filler.
Excellent. We both use Kellog's products. Nice to see you growing Habanada, a fun variety.
Of course we learn from every video! I cannot thank you enough!
You gave the answer and said, "See you next time" . Hahahaha Hilarious. I love your videos, keep making them. I'm learning a lot.
I like the way you explained it but I really liked it when you showed exactly how you do it and then explained why. I am a very visual person like many other people and if I see it I can remember it and then do it myself. Thank you
I throw some alfalfa pellets in the bottom third and in autumn the top to break down gradually
I cant wait to taste the habanada I'm growing this year. Heard it is like a tropical treat. Hope yours turn out.
My favorite pepper, it is delicious raw as a garden treat.
Excellent to know. Cant wait
Thanks for this! I've got a planter that has got great soil in it. Been there for about two years now and has done great. Problem is, after the amount of rain we've had over the autumn and again in early spring, my planter was seriously waterlogged. Water was floating above the soil. It's all drained off now but, in its current state, I'm not sure it'll be any good. The lavender that has been in their happily for two years seems to have had it now. I'll have get rid of that.
I'm glad this video confirmed what I was thinking of doing. That is, empty the entire planter in a bucket and airiate the soil. Now, I know what else I can do. Got plenty of bonemeal just sitting there. plus, used filter coffee. I can put a few bio degradable things in there to serioulsy freshen up the current soil.
Another good video. I refresh my pots with a mixture of compost, coco coir and vermiculite. (Mel’s mix for SFG) Keeps my containers growing strong.
I definitely leaned something from watching this video. Thanks for sharing. 👍
Thanks. I'm loving and learning more each video...
Can I grow cherry tomatoes in a pot with compost I make from kitchen scraps?
No matter how vigilant you are with tending to your garden, it's virtually impossible not to have some sort of fungus on plants, when I notice any discoloration I spray my plants leafs and the top of the soil with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water then a few days later I sprinkle some pure cinnamon on top of the soil, it seems to take care of the fungus, you can also use a baking soda solution.
H2O2 potency and ratio please?
Great video!! I dumped my last year's potting soils into the compost bin. But this gave me some great tips on how to re-use the soil and what to add. Thank you for the tips.
I always amend my used potting soil with composted steer manure.It's cheap and adds nitrogen.
Yup Home Depot Buckets...we are on the same page 🌱💚💚👩🏽🌾👍🏽
Thank you for lovely tips of reusing the soil. I’m about get rid of old plants and use the soil to regrow plants.
Lots of good information in a shorty. I’m pretty much following what you do except I spread the soil out and rake out the little rootlets from last season. It’s just a habit I guess, no particular reason. My container garden consists of 20x 10 gallon pots so I’m using a lot of planting mix. It’s always a challenge to find the best product at the best price' and I usually end buying Kellogg’s raised bed mix. Thanks for the informative video.. I always learn something new from you and/or your subscribers!
Thanks! I got a few huge bags of used indoor potting soil free online.
Lol short & sweet. I used to use crap in my pots and then I found you. Thanks for all you do for us.
Your awesome & amazing!
Thanks for this video. I was just looking at all my pots yesterday. Great tips.
Take care 🙂
Thank you
Thanks. Last year was my first year and I have 15-20 pots to deal with.
'We don't get a lot of heat until July' Sounds like heaven.
I use old potting compost mixed with home made compost. I only have a small concreted patio, (i rent so have no choice) and made a small composter about 1m high from 4 2x2inch posts and wood slats lined with horticultural textile inside plastic netting for added support and stood on a meter x half meter app. rectangular planter base with compost in so there was sonething for bacteria to start in. It makes about 75l compost from weeds, soft cuttings and kitchen waste every year. Just enough to replenish my various wood planters and pots.
I do reuse old potting mix but usually after I’ve recycled them through a compost heap or a worm heap. Just to be safer.
Yes always reuse soil for my pot plants w extra perlite and blood meal . Thx man .
Got that. Just bought big bag of compost and two more bags of John Innes for mature plants - and I've got a pile of 'old' compost in my yard. Not too late to take this good advice though as I have plenty more big plants that could do with some tlc - thanks for the info and demo - hopefully I'll have enough soil and save money on more new compost.
i found this interesting. i generally toss out a 1/4 and then mix in my own compost with a bit of blood and bone, sheep pellets and general fertiliser. even though i have a large garden and grow most of my own vege, i do not consider myself a gardener. so much to learn and get right. i built raised beds for my vege and basically do this for them as well. in nz where we are its so temperate that i can grow all year round. sadly so do the weeds!
So glad I found your channel. Very very helpful.
My secret for peppers is grow them in a stainless tub! It’s frighten magic! I think it keeps there roots hot! I put my peppers out the 1st to 2 nd week in may. I also find they like blackstrap molasses as a supplement. I water them in with it and fertilize them with it about once a month. If I can grow peppers in Minnesota with this method I’m sure you can!
Blackstrap molasses?😮
I subscribed right away as soon as you told me YES!.
👍🏼😃
this will be my 5th season growing and i do it all in containers on y 2nd flor apartment deck. I do not believe in all that organic crap so I use miracle grow shake n feed and also miracle grow water soluble plant food . its worked great but last season I went fishing and let my tomato's dry out,,, they got blossom end rot after that so this season I am doing a complete refresh.. I have about 20 10 gallon grow bags... I have already purchased this years shake and feed, also 2 bags of composted cow manure mixed with peat moss and a bag each of pearlite and vermiculite. to address the blossom end rot ( i know i caused it by letting it dry out) i am adding in some bonemeal). I am learning as i go here but its a fun process to me..
You just saved me some money thank you for your knowledge
I have large wicking tubs that will be very heavy to take out but I will do that. Should be interesting
I do, too. The 5 gal buckets are easy to swap out the soil, the bigger ones I didn't plant in yet. Shovel and a wheelbarrow.
However, after my experience with them last year, I decided to put a new hole on the side at the bottom with a rubber plug. This is so I can periodically flush them out. I had a problem with toxic buildup and read somewhere they need to be flushed periodically. Could be a number of reasons causing that, but I will do more research in addition to new plugged drain holes.
I live in an apartment building where i take care of aome container flowers. There are 3 big containers that have a brown beetle that comes out in july when it gets hot. It destroyed coleus completely ! I am planning on completing getting rid of all that soil and starting freah. Im thinking that will solve this problem. Thanks for your video.