In order to produce healthy seedlings and grow plants in pots or containers, use a specific growing media- a seed, potting or multipurpose mix. Garden soil on its own produces poor results; the complex balance of microorganisms air spaces, and nutrient levels is easily lost in restricted artificial conditions, of a container. You can buy organic growing media or mix your own.

Ideal Grow Medium-
- Is both moisture retentive and well aerated.
- Contains the appropriate level of nutrients.
- Allows a vigorous root system to develop
- Is uniform in consistency and predictable in behavior
- Is free from pathogens


Soil Based and Soil-less Mixes- Growing media, whether commercial or homemade usually contains a carbon rich bulk material with some other ingredient, such as sand, to improve drainage. The majority or commercial mixes are soil-less. They do not contain any loam, which in the context means a sterilized, or pasteurized, fine textured topsoil. This makes them lighter to handle. They are very difficult to rewet once they have dried out.


Some plants such as fuchsias and chrysanthemums prefer soil or loam based mix. Here are some general guidelines for choosing the proper growing media

Seed Mixes- Soil-less; consists of equal parts or fine textured bulk material such as peat and vermiculate, which assures effective drainage and aeration for germinating seeds. They contain little in the way of additional fertilizers, which can inhibit germination.

Rooting Media- Very similar to seed mixes. Often horticultural grit or perlite is used instead of sand to open up the mix even more reducing the risk of cuttings rotting off instead of rooting.

Potting Mixes- Used to pot up cuttings once rooted, or plants once they have grown beyond the seedling stage. Similar in texture and ingredients to seed mixes, but with the addition of fertilizers to sustain plant growth for an extended period of time.

Multipurpose Media- Similar to potting mixes but with more moderate levels of fertilizer, so they can be used for seedlings and cuttings. As a result older plants will need more fertilizing than those in potting mixes.

Homemade Mixes- From an organic standpoint it makes good sense to mix your own. It reduces the need to transport around the country, allows garden material and wastes to be composted to be reused and recycled, and it give you more intimate knowledge of your garden soil, and what plants need from a growing medium. The aim is to get the right balance of bulk material, nutrients, aeration, and drainage to suit the plants you are growing.