Using extra topsoil to make potting mix?

I know I asked what the best potting mix was...
But, I have a fairly large amount of topsoil left over from an order for a raised bed project I'm doing.
It would be nice to use up some of the surplus.

-Can I use any of this topsoil to mix up some good potting mix?

I know most potting mix doesn't have soil, and is mostly peat moss and other woody compost. The topsoil I have has a bit of clay to it as well.

-Maybe something like 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 composted manure, and 1/3 topsoil?

Only one I found that included topsoil.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2288990_potting-soil-mix.html

Im just assuming that you are planning on using that in pots. You can get by with it for one season but all three components, peat, compost, and topsoil will all tend to pack down during the season from top watering and restrict some air flow to plants roots.

I wouldn't recommend soil in containers, particularly if there's some clay in it. I bet you there's someone else who could use it so you might try posting on Craigslist (or something similar). Or use it as an excuse to put in another garden bed somewhere!

I was gonna use it in outdoor pots.
I know it's not ideal for pots

My initial thought was to add the topsoil to a pachasandra(sp.) bed, but it's taken long for them to start doing well. I assume I would need to uproot and re-plant them if adding any depth of soil? Family members don't really want me to disturb them, since there finally growing o.k.

This message was edited Jun 9, 2009 3:41 PM

I've been using topsoil mixed with peat moss for container plants for many years. If I have leftover perlite, sand, or other potting soil I mix it in as well. I've never had a problem with it and actually prefer my mix to store-bought mixes. I usually do 1pt. soil to 1 1/2 pt peat moss.

Are you talking about Canadium sphagnum peat moss? How fine is it, and what is the smallest bag you can buy?

My husband loves the look of potted plants going down the driveway. We mix topsoil with perlite to make potting soil. I've never had a problem with it being too heavy. Just make sure you put in enough perlite to make it look *almost* like bagged potting soil. I don't use peat moss, myself. When we made the soil for my window boxes, I added some of those little gel crystals you can buy to keep moisture in. Worked very well.

Adding something coarse to facilitate drainage is the most important thing. Perlite (and vermiculite) don't have any food value, but they keep the roots from staying too wet. Very fine mulch is cheaper, and is organic, unlike perlite. Adding "water crystals" works against the principle I just mentioned.

I use the sphagnum peat, I don't know what the smallest bag is. I either get the 1 or 2 cubic foot blocks from Lowes, depending on how much planting I'm doing. I used to use vermiculite quite a bit, until I read somewhere it contained some asbestos and should be used with excellent venilation and a face mask. Now, I only use it once a year to 'dress' my cactus garden. Made the mistake of using water crystals in my seedlings one year...won't do that again.