Gardeners Beware! Reusing Garden Soil in Pots Harm Plants' Health, says Experts

You could get away with reusing garden soil in your pots when it comes to planting. This rich organic material is easily accessible- and appears to contain all of the nutrients your plants require for a healthy start. Garden experts, on the other hand, have revealed that using soil in pots is a dangerous garden idea that will harm your plant's health in the long run. Here's everything you need to know about it.

3 Major Problems of Using Soil in Pots:

'Garden soil is soil that is intended for use in outdoor gardens. It's usually a mix of loam, sand, and clay, and it's often enriched with organic matter like compost or manure,' says Rodger St. Hilaire, founder of Gardening Boost. However, while this mixture is good for gardens, it won't help your container plants, according to Rodger.

'It's not a good idea to use garden soil in pots. The reason for this is that it dries out faster than other types of soil and can compact in pots,' Rodger explains. This makes it more difficult for plant roots to grow and access the nutrients they require, affecting the health of your container gardening ideas in several ways.

1. Nutrient Problems:

Lindsey Hyland, garden expert and founder of Urban Organic Yield, warns that using soil from your garden in your pots has several drawbacks. The most serious issue, however, is that the pH of the soil is not suitable for container plants. As a result, nutrient deficiencies may occur, negatively impacting the health of your plants.

2. Cause Bacterial & Fungal Spread:

• Another issue with using soil in your containers is that it may contain harmful bacteria or fungi that could infect and kill your plants.

• If you don't have a choice but to use garden soil, Rodger recommends sterilizing it first by baking it. This should reduce the number of bacteria in the container, allowing your plant to thrive with fewer problems.

3. Garden Soil is Too Dense for Healthy Growth

• 'Garden soil is frequently too dense for pots, causing water to pool on the surface and prevent proper drainage.' Rodger explains that this can result in root rot and other plant issues.

• While this natural solution may be appropriate for your flower bed ideas, you should avoid using it in pots and instead invest in potting soil designed for the purpose.

“Plants want to grow; they are on your side as long as you are reasonably sensible.” -Anne Wareham