Demand-led small-space gardening
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.