Reusing last year's potting soil?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Noreaster Maine, United States(Zone 5b) May 05, 2007

Ok, this is a real beginner question...is there any reason I can't reuse the potting soil that was left in some of my big containers from last season, after I tossed out the annuals? The containers were left out all winter.

Post #3465631
Quote
tggfisk Garner, NC(Zone 7b) May 05, 2007

I never do. I put the old soil in the compost pile. If you left it outside, you never know what kind of weeds have seeded in there. The birds do a great job of that for me.

Post #3465643
Quote
Gitagal Baltimore, MD(Zone 7a) May 05, 2007

Noreaster,

I often re-use the soil in my big containers, but I amend it with fresh soil, a bit of manure, some bone meal, some Kelp meal (dried seaweed) and maybe mix in some Osmacote. I do not think that all the soil from the previous year has to be scrapped--just 'refreshed".

I am a frugal soul, so I do not follow the "splurge on all new stuff" every year thought. You mixed a great soil mix last year, It is still a great soil mix--but a lot of the nutrients got used up--so just re-mix it, add whatever you feel is needed and plant your new plants in it.

If not--dump it in a flower bed that needs some amending and dig it in. No need to put it in the compost--NO harm either, if you want to.

Gita

Post #3467358
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) May 06, 2007

Here's a link to tapla's thoughts on reusing container soil--he's one of the best experts on container gardening on DG so I definitely trust what he says
http://davesgarden.com/forums/p.php?pid=3455653

Post #3467365
Quote
Equilibrium May 06, 2007

This is just another thought- I nuke any old potting medium on high in my microwave. That takes care of any weed seed from birds and such as well as virtually all pathogens in the mix. I've also cooked it in my oven before at 200°. You can cook more but it takes longer. On some of those lazy hazy days of summer... I will toss it in the composter.

Post #3467372
Quote
figaro52 Lakes of the Four Se, IN(Zone 5a) May 08, 2007

Ecrane3, thanks for posting that hyperlink. It makes sense to me! I'll always start fresh from now on!

Post #3475643
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP