Potting mix, also known as potting soil, is a growing medium that is specifically designed for use in container gardening. It consists of a balanced blend of organic materials, that provide a number of benefits including:

Drainage: Potting mix should be porous and well-draining, allowing excess water to flow out of the container to prevent waterlogged soil.

Aeration: The mix should contain materials that allow for air to circulate around the roots of the plant, preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth.

Water retention: The mix should retain enough water to keep the roots moist without becoming waterlogged.

Nutrient availability: A good potting mix will provide the necessary nutrients for plants to grow, as it contains a blend of organic materials and fertilizers that slowly release nutrients over time.

pH balance: Potting mix should have a balanced pH level, which is important for the availability of nutrients to the plant.

Disease and pest resistance: Potting mix should be sterilized to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and pests that can damage or kill plants.

Lightweight: Potting mix should be lightweight to prevent the container from becoming too heavy to move or to avoid damaging plant roots by being too compact. It is important to note however that you will need specialized potting mixes for different plant types such Succulents, Exotic Plants etc.

Yes, you can make your own potting mix by blending together various organic and inorganic materials. Different plants have different requirements of Drainage, Nutrition etc. and the proportions of each ingredient should be chosen accordingly.

While soil in its place in the ground is good for plant growth, soil properties affect plant growth in containers. Soil may contain stones, weed seeds, pests, and disease-causing microbes. Soil is heavier than potting mix and requires more frequent watering. Soil tends to cake up when dry and may not have the required plant nutrients.

Ingredients like perlite and light expandable clay aggregates (LECA) create air space and porosity when you add them to a potting mix. You can improve drainage by adding our Horti-Perlite and Horti-Clay to a potting mix. Horti-Perlite improves porosity while Horti-Clay improves porosity as well was moisture regulation in the soil to avoid the roots from getting too dry or too wet.