Here at FoxFarm we get a lot of questions about our potting
soils. Now that it's spring and everyone is transplanting their seedlings and
filling up their containers, it's a good time to think about choosing the right
potting soil for the job.
We put a great deal of thought into our soil blends, mixing in organic nutrients and making sure the pH level has been adjusted so that plants are able to fully utilize all the nutrients in the soil. Adjusting the pH level also means the plants won't get stressed by having to adapt to a soil that is too acidic or too alkaline. All of our soils are pH adjusted between the ranges of 6.3-6.8. This ensures an optimal growing environment.
Helpful Hint: testing for pH in soil is very different than when you test in water. Testing the runoff from a container is not always accurate as the water just drains out nutrients. If you want to use your current pH instrument instead of one calibrated for soil, you must test your pH with a slurry test. Take ½ cup of soil and mix with 1 cup of water. Let it sit for 30 minutes and test away. We recommend that everyone test their pH as it is a top cause for many plant problems, but spend the extra money on a better meter and keep the tip clean.
Our soils have enough nutrients already in them to get your plants through at least their first month of growth. If you are in a dry environment that requires heavy watering, and your plants are already blooming or setting fruit, you will need to begin adding supplemental fertilizer after two weeks. For seedlings and young plants that are still growing, begin supplemental feeding after four weeks. For plants with a fast crop like tomatoes, we recommend that you begin feeding with Big Bloom after planting, and then incorporate Grow Big after 1-2weeks. If you are a dry fertilizer kind of gardener, we suggest amending either Happy Frog or Ocean Forest with either American Pride (for flowers) or Marine Cuisine (for shrubs, trees, ornamentals and veggies) before planting. You only need to add them to the soil 1-2 times per year and you can continue with any other liquid fertilization program if you like.
We call Ocean Forest “the ultimate potting soil” for a reason. Into one bag we’ve put everything we think plants need, including premium earthworm castings, bat guano, and Pacific Northwest sea-going fish and crab meal. A light, aerated texture is important in a potting soil to ensure that it both holds moisture and also allows for good drainage, so we use composted forest humus, sandy loam, and sphagnum peat moss, and a larger grade of perlite for aeration and drainage.
Our Happy Frog Potting Soil has the added benefit of soil-dwelling microbes and fungi that help break down organic matter and feed the plant roots. Happy Frog has the same earthworm castings, bat guano, and composted forest humus that make up all our fine soil blends. And as always, there are no cheap fillers, no topsoil, and no sludge. It’s nothing but the best.
Once you’ve made an investment in great potting soil, you’ll find that the rest takes care of itself. We'll be back soon to talk about one of our favorite fertilizers for spring.
