DIY potting mix saves money when transplanting your spring seedlings .
Many of you have started seeds indoors for your spring garden. As those seedlings grow, they will need to be transplanted into larger containers so they can grow strong and healthy in preparation for planting them outdoors in your garden as the weather warms up.
What is one key ingredient that you need to transplant your seedlings? SOIL! Good soil that is packed full of organic nutrients makes all the difference in the success of your transplants. I have learned over the years that this is one area you do NOT want to skimp on.
A high quality, bagged organic potting soil is well worth the money and convenience when you don’t have a lot of time. However, If you are transplanting a lot seedlings, or growing in containers, the expense of bagged soil can add up quickly. Why not make your own?
What are the benefits of DIY potting mix?
- inexpensive compared to buying bagged mixes
- quick to make
- convenience – make just the amount you need – in bulk or small batches
- control over ingredients – include organic, nutrients that suit your garden needs
- fun family project!
A basic mix will be light and airy and contain powerful, organic nutrients.
A basic potting mix will be light and airy (allows for easy germination of seeds and won’t become compacted), should hold water well (so you don’t have to water as often), and contain powerful nutrients (so you don’t have to fertilize as often).
5 ingredients
There are many recipes for DIY potting mix. I like to keep my recipe basic and simple with just 5 ingredients:
Simple potting mix recipe with just 5 ingredients.
- 1 part coco coir -more sustainable than peat moss, a by product from coconut processing industry, made from coconut husks.
- 1 part vermiculite – silvery colored particles that are made from volcanic material that helps with water retention.
- 2 parts compost – use your own or purchase a bagged organic mix.
- 1/2 cup worm castings – use your own or purchase bagged. I like Vermisterra worm castings, they are organic, aged castings, extremely high quality and nutrient dense. The microbial activity in worm castings are especially helpful to get your seedlings established. See “How to Use Worm Castings” blog post for specific benefits and receive a 10% discount when purchased through the above link.
- 1/2 cup organic fertilizer – my favorite is Trifecta +. It has both slow release nutrients (feeds your plants immediately), and slow release nutrients (feeds your plants over the growing season). See “My Favorite Organic Fertilizer” blog post for specific benefits, and receive a 10% discount when purchased through the above link.
To save time, I like to have all the supplies on hand stored together in a central location so I can whip up some potting mix on the spur of the moment. I also like to have a few large tubs or buckets to hydrate and mix my materials.
Compressed brick of coco coir before it is hydrated.
5 Steps to DIY Potting Mix
Step 1: hydrate the coco coir (it comes in a compressed block)
- Place it in a tub, cover it with the recommended amount of water.
- Watch it expand – fun with kids!
- Loosen and fluff with a hand cultivator or trowel.
- Add more water as needed until it is nice and loose.
- Take care not to add too much water, the coco coir shouldn’t be wet, just loosened.
Add water to hydrate your coco coir.
Coco coir should be light and fluffy when hydrated.
Step 2: Add equal amounts of coco coir and vermiculite in a separate container.
Add equal amounts of coco coir and vermiculite.
- Mix well.
- Make a large amount or a small amount depending on your needs.
Step 3: Add compost
- Add 2 parts compost for every 1 part coco coir and vermiculite that you are using.
- A “part” can be anything you use to measure, i.e. a coffee can, a recycled plastic container, etc.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Add water a little bit at a time and mix as you go.
- Mixture should be the consistency of crumbly brownie mix.
Worm castings and organic fertilizer will make your potting mix nutrient dense.
Step 4: Add worm castings and organic fertilizer
Add 1/2 cup – 1 cup of Vermisterra worm castings and Trifecta+ for every 3 gallons of potting mix.
- Amount may vary according to package directions. This is the amount I use with Vermisterra worm castings, and Trifecta +.
- Mix well.
Pre-moisten your potting mix until it is the consistency of crumbly brownie mix.
Step 5: Add more water, if necessary
- Your potting mix should be completely pre-moistened at this point and be the consistency of crumbly brownie mix.
- A few drops of water should come out when you squeeze it in your hand.
- Too dry? Add more water.
- Too wet? Add more coco coir.
DIY potting mix has all the nutrients your plants need to be healthy and productive.
Quick, simple, inexpensive
Your DIY potting mix is now ready to use to transplant your seedlings, or fill your containers. You’ve just saved yourself a ton of money, and are providing your plants organic nutrients that will help them get off to a great start and will help them be healthy and productive.
Click to watch the video on my YouTube Channel: Planting Carrots in a Container with DIY Potting Mix, so you can see exactly what to do!
Comment below if you like to make your own potting mix. I’d love to hear what ingredients you like to include and hear all about your results.
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Great blog Kim!!
Thanks, Kristy! So glad you are enjoying it! Are you planning to mix up your own potting soil this gardening season? Thanks for stopping by and happy gardening!
You inspired me so much to start gardening! I am very new to this fun journey, and I’d love to learn more about container sizes. It always confuses me when people mention gallon, cu ft , quart etc things like that. Could you make a video on that & your recommendation for beginner and advanced gardeners ? Thank you!
Hi. Yes I’m going to try your diy garden mix. Just purchased some seeds today. I love in Indiana. Not quit ready for our garden. I enjoy watching your channel.
Hi, Jodi! I am sure that the signs of spring in Indiana are making you anxious to get planting! Let us know how your garden does this season- thanks for stopping by and happy gardening!
Awesome Thanks!
Laura Browning
You’re so welcome, Laura! What are you growing or planning to grow this gardening season? Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Kim. I’ve never made my own soil, but am going to start. I just ordered some coco coir through your link. Thanks for posting!
Hi, Laurie! Let us know how you like using the coco coir- I have found it to be such a great growing medium in my garden! I am sure you will love it as well. Have you started your spring seeds yet? Thanks for stopping by and happy gardening!
I’m going to try this mix with my my second round this year.
Great, Wesley! Let me know how it works for you! What are you planting in this second round?
LOVE YOUR BLOG KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Thanks so much! Glad you are enjoying it- what are some of your favorite plants to start in the garden?
I’ve watched your YouTube videos several years now … great info always helpful
I live in Texas and have my garden planted
Keep up the good work
Hi, Ava! Thanks for commenting as a faithful viewer- we love getting to know those who have been on this journey with us! =) What do you have planted in your garden right now? I am sure spring in Texas is so beautiful with all the trees and flowers blooming!
Hey CaliKim. Great video. First I want to thank you for helping me with my garden this year and taking the time to answer my questions .i follow your videos close so I started my seeds in doors . And glad I did . The prices this year on small veg plants are high .
No I have not made my own diy soil . But that look like fun to try and save money .. where do I found coco coir that super new to me . Have a bless week . ??
Hello, Celine!
So glad that you have found the videos and useful! Isnt starting seeds indoors fun?! I love how rewarding it is to be able to grow my own veggies from seed. Mixing your own soil IS really easy and inexpensive-and my garden really seems to thrive in it! You can find coco coir bricks through my Amazon store here: http://astore.amazon.com/cagaho-20?node=65&page=2
Let me know how your garden is growing and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Calikim
I
Like your ideas and I’m going to try your soil mix. I know it’s too late to enter your seed give a way but I just received it 30 seconds ago.I don’t know why it was delivered so late but it shows it was sent on the First on the month. I received it on the 3rd .
Hi, Dominick! So sorry about the delay for you in hearing about the seed giveaway! Have you subscribed to notifications and emails when a new video or blog post goes up? That’s the best way to know right away when something exciting is happening in the garden! =) Sometimes those emails can end up in a junk folder though, so make sure and check there too. What are you planning on planting this year in your garden? Thanks for stopping by and happy gardening!
Kim, the DIY potting soil recipe is great !!!
Thank you, RB
Hello, RB! So glad you liked it- what are you growing or getting ready to grow in your garden right now? Thank so much for stopping by!
I’m so glad I found your YouTube videos! I’ve told everyone I know about you, and how helpful your videos are. I will definitely be making my own potting mix from now on. Thank you a million times.
Hi, Nancy! So glad you found us and thanks for spreading the word! I love how easy making your own potting mix is-just mix and plant! What are you growing in your garden this season?
Thank You Kim! I got through 7-10 large bags of potting soil a year and it does get expensive! I will certainly be giving this a try next year!
Hi, Rick! I really love how simple and inexpensive this potting mix is- and so effective! Let me know how it works out for you when you try it. What are you growing in your garden this season? Thanks for stopping by to say hello!
Thanks Kim, I’ll have to try this. Like that it doesn’t contain peat moss and instead uses coconut coir. Most store-bought mixes use peat moss unfortunately.
I need a garden recipe box in my greenhouse to store all these great ideas! 😉
Hi Kim. I really love your videos and teaching style. I’m curious, do you reuse your potting mixture? I have a lot of containers and dread the thought of mixing all new soil every year. Can I just add fresh castings and fertilizer, assuming I had no insect or disease problems?
Absolutely!! Just amend with compost, castings,and fertilizer given no disease. Happy Gardening!
Ӏ’m not sure where ｙou ɑre getting your info, but good topic.
I needs to spend ѕome time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for wonderful information I was looking for this іnfo
for my mission.
First time gardener here trying to save some money. Would it be crazy to try to make this in bulk to fill my Smart Pot bags? I have at least 9 of the 15 gallon planters and also an elevated self watering planter that I plan to use. Have you ever mixed up a big batch? Wondering on the specific amounts I would need to do this.