GreenHearts

Green Tips

The Benefits of Going Soil-less in Pots

One thing people often forget is that nature never intended plants to grow in small clay or plastic pots that cramp their roots and limit the plants' food and water supply.  Growing plants in pots is a human invention -- and it takes some human intervention to make sure potted plants get the best growing environment possible.

Ordinary garden soil is generally made up of loam, clay, silt, stones, organic matter and a multitude of organisms (both good and bad), soil-borne diseases, weed-seeds and even bits of trash. Potted plants will have to deal with the diseases, pests and weeds that come with the soil -- the effects of which are aggravated in the confines of a pot. In addition, when plain garden soil is used in pots, it gets hard or compacted over time and both water and air find it difficult to get to the plant roots.

The absence of dirt and mud is also of extra benefit to the urban gardener. Not only are soil-less potting mixes cleaner, they’re also lighter – making it easier to move pots in and out of the house.

Good quality soil-less potting mixes are made up of varying proportions of organic matter and other naturally-occurring materials that have been pre-measured to give the perfect levels of aeration, drainage and moisture-retention for maximum plant performance.

Give your plants the best home they can get within your very own home.  Choose from our soil-less formulas -- there's one to suit your needs.