With the following organic soil mixture, you will have all the essentials a plant needs except the water and sun.
What You need:
1 3/4 parts Organic Compost
1/4 Part Composted Manure
1 Part Coarse sand
1 part Vermiculite
Shovel or Trowel
Your own compost or purchased compost works fine. Construction sand is a little more coarse than play sand or beach sand. Vermiculite is a natural mineral that has the advantage of moisture retention. All may be available at your local nursery or recycle center.
Simply mix the ingredients together until well distributed. I store my potting soil in large garbage containers with wheels so I can move them around easier. You can mix it on the ground if you choose, and cover with a tarp between uses.
Note: Chicken and other Livestock Manure, that is well aged and broken down can be added as part of the Organic Compost or Use 2 parts Organic Compost in the recipe, then fertilize the plants as needed about every two weeks through the growing season. Most vegetable plants benefit from the added manure in the potting soil or it can be used to top dress around the base of the plants. As the plants are watered they will slowly be fertilized.
Please refer to my links for making your own organic fertilizer and upcycling objects as garden planters.
Organic Fertilizer Link: http://justfowlingaround.weebly.com/earth-friendly-projects/category/manure-teacompost-teaworm-castings
Upcycle~~Recycle~~Reuse Link: justfowlingaround.weebly.com/earth-friendly-projects/7-upcycle-reuse-gardenplanter-ideas
Credentials: Certified Oregon State Master Gardener since 1999. Horticulture degree 2001. Study of Herbs and Horticulture Therapy, heavy research and study of all plants and herbs. Gardening a lifetime.
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