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Container soil mix

Use this simple recipe to keep container plants healthy and avoid soggy roots.

Quick recipe

  • 60% potting mix
  • 20% coconut coir
  • 20% perlite or pumice

Best for

Herbs, leafy greens, and compact vegetables in 6-14 inch pots.

Batch size

One 10-quart bag of mix + 3 quarts coir + 3 quarts perlite.

Why this works

Lightweight

Prevents water from pooling at the bottom.

Airy

Keeps roots oxygenated and healthy.

Reliable

Easy to refresh mid-season with a top-up.

Adjustments by plant

Tomatoes and peppers

Add a little compost (10%) for extra nutrients.

Succulents

Increase perlite to 30% for faster drainage.

Herbs

Keep the base mix and avoid heavy garden soil.

FAQs

Can I use garden soil?

Avoid it in containers. It compacts and drains poorly.

How often should I refresh the mix?

Top up every 6-8 weeks and replace fully each season.

Do I need fertilizer?

Use a balanced liquid feed once a month during growth.

Next steps