What to do with old soil from containers when finished

I used five large 12-gallon containers this year to grow tomatoes, squash and
bell peppers. This is an urban garden so I had to purchase soil and what I
bought was Miracle Gro Moisture Control. Not inexpensive and I had to buy a
LOT of it, but everything has thrived in it.

My question is -- at the end of this year when I want to empty and store the
containers, what do I do with all the spent soil? I assume it will not be useable
for a new planting in the Spring, and I don't have a lot of extra garden
space to spread it around. Plus I don't want little tomato or pepper plants
sprouting up in strange places! We have enough weeds to cope with.

What do you container gardeners do with yours???

I place mine around my trees and bushes. I would definitely not reuse for vegetables.

Ah, you gave me an idea. We do have two huge 30 year old evergreen trees
in the front of the house that might appreciate some fresher soil around them.

Would the old soil be useable for a bed of day lilies or to use for planting
some new bushes?

June I always dump my old potting soil in the flower gardens so I would say yes. It helps improve my clay soil by doing that every year.

I think that's a great idea. Just add a little compost and you will have a nice rich loamy soil.

We live in a high desert area so flower gardens are kept to a minimum.
The high summer temps and extremely dry air make toast of many things,
but I do have two bricked-in areas for perennials so will spread some of my
old potting soil in those too. That Miracle-Gro Moisture Control soil cost $9.57
per 32-qt. bag and I had to buy seven of them so I'll be glad to find a use
for it.

I ordered a copy of "The $64 Tomato" by William Alexander. Sounds
like my experience when I add up the cost of the plants, the containers,
the bags of soil, the stakes, plus all the organic products to set blossoms,
prevent blossom end rot, and control bugs. Lots left over though so I'm
well prepared for next season! I may have to try some less expensive potting
mix though. The Miracle-Gro did help with retaining moisture but I think the
brand name makes it very expensive.

Thanks for your help. I appreciate everything I've learned this year on DG.

I found 2.5 cubic ft of MG at Costco early spring last year for nine bucks, but it all does add up. But the benefit of a healthy mental state is priceless!

;-)

June

In regard to the cost---you have to prorate your cost over the number of years you will use the products. Your containers should last for many years, and the stakes too, with care (and depending what they're made of). Growing from seed would save on the cost of plants---tomatoes are easy to grow from seed, but you need space and light to start them indoors if your climate doesn't warm up early enough in spring; so if you need a plant stand and/or lights, you might be better off buying the plants. Buy pest control products only if you find you need them.

So although your initial cost is high, the *annual* cost is much less. It is more expensive to grow in containers, though, because of the need to replace or replenish the soil.

I got some of the watersorb crystals here in the co op a while back.. it is the water crystals that are in the moisture control potting soil. You only need a TINY bit mixed with regular potting soil.
Here is the website.. http://www.watersorb.com/prices.htm

Now I can buy the regular mix and put the crystals in it myself! I have enough to last a lifetime.. and it's fun to use it to root some things in a vase.. or a multitude of other fun stuff.

Just a thought.. of course $64. for one of my tomatoes would be a real bargain! LOL

Janisbeth - Purchasing plants is my only option. I have no place to start
seeds indoors and no area to build a greenhouse. Weather is challenging
in Albuquerque. We had temps below 30 right into mid-May so I couldn't
plant until the first week in June which is when temps climb. July starts
monsoon season with hard rains and high winds. All things considered,
my veggie garden is producing more than expected in a climate that isn't
easy to deal with.

I'm dedicated to staying organic. I have some BT on hand for hornworms
but have been able to control them manually so far. Yellow sticky traps have
been very helpful with insect control. I have enough organic fertilizer and
all other items to cover next year and probably the next, so when pro-rated
the costs will not seem as shocking as this initial year. Shipping has been
a big expense since organic products are not easily available locally. I
rely on gardensalive.com for most items. Very helpful people and good
products.

ZZ - I bought 5 lbs of watersorb crystals on the DG co-op last year and will
remember to use them next year. Who knew that 5 lbs was a lifetime supply!!

This whole veggie growing project came about with the salmonella scare.
Was it from tomatoes? Or cilantro? Or jalapeno peppers? With only two
of us I can grow some veggies that I know are safe and taste a lot better
than store produce.

Sorry I strayed off my own topic here, but all the DG people have been so
helpful and I know other beginner vegetable gardeners benefit from everything
you teach us. "Beginner Vegetables" is a very valuable thread to encourage
others to think organic and give it a try. It's a nice way to get back in touch
with nature and to nourish your spirit along with your tummy.

June

There is no reason why you cant reuse it. There is a slight chance that planting another vegie of the same family in the soil will contract a soil born disease but that is somewhat slim. i would reuse it unless your plants were showing disease. a little bit of compost will put in back into good shape as far as nutrients are concerned. ive been reusing expert mix in containers with no problems. this is the same principle that is used in the square foot garden, which if you haven't checked it out is very cool.

I reuse my peppers potting soil. The ones I grow in pots have showed no ill effects besides some aphids.

When we were growing up in Maine, we used to just dump the old soil in the gardens and call it done. I figure that I'll do the same after harvest, dumping the soil on my bales. It should just mix with the straw compost and help make a bed. I'm guessing that with the straw compost, some manure, and a little love, that this will just add to the soil of the bed and make it better.