If you have a container garden and you are growing vegetables than you should know that making your own potting soil is the way to go. This contributes a lot to ho good and healthy your vegetables will be. The store-bought potting soil is not always the healthiest choice due to the chemicals it might contain. Thus, it might seem like more work to do but once you start DIY your own potting soil and store it properly, you will definitely see the benefits. Hence, keep reading and take advantage of this step-by-step guide to easily DIY potting soil.

Why should you make your own potting soil?

Well, because you can actually control what goes into it. This also means you will save money. Making your own potting soil means you will control what goes into it. Thus, you can have a steady supply of potting soil whenever you need it. Furthermore, you will also eliminate the time-wasting trips to the garden center.

Step 1. Gather your supplies to make your own potting soil

Now, to start making your own potting soil, you will first need a container. I am using a 5-gallon bucket which I think is enough for a good amount potting soil. Then, you should also have a smaller container for measurements, a sieve, a small fork, a hand shovel and the ingredients for this recipe. You have them in the next step.

Step 2. Start mixing your ingredients

If you are lucky, you already have a rich source of ingredients from your own garden. Thus, mix equal parts of soil, peat moss, perlite, and compost in the bucket. Use the small fork to mix all the ingredients very well.

Step 3. You can also add lime and bone meal

Thus, add in a half a cup of garden lime, and a good handful of bone meal. Using the hand shovel, go at it again and thoroughly mix everything until you have the ingredients very well incorporated.

Step 4. Get rid of the large pieces

Hence, you can use the sieve for this. Simply sift the mixture in a sieve with a 1/2-inch mesh and that way you will be able to get rid of any bigger pieces of debris.

Step 5. Sterilize the mixture

You should also sterilize the mixture to prevent any plant diseases. For this, place the mixture on an old baking pan. Then, put it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350°F.

Some gardeners think there is no need for sterilization. However, I do it every time because I want to also get rid of not so beneficial organisms from the soil. Don’t worry, it will still produce the same results.

That’s all there is. You now have your own DIY potting soil you can use. Make sure you wait until it has cooled after you take it out of the oven. In my opinion, this version is definitely better than the store bought stuff.