Unsupported Browser

Your web browser appears to be outdated. Our website may not look quite right in it.

Please consider updating your browser to enjoy an optimal experience.

Dismiss this message

Blog Image

Which soil you should use

2516

Many or all of the products featured here can be from partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influencer our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.


No matter where our plant favorites grow; whether in a pot, on the balcony, or in the garden - healthy plant growth requires a high-quality substrate that is also correct for the application. But how do I find the right soil?

For almost all indoor, balcony and potted plants, a so-called potting soil is the right choice, e.g. Substral Premium Potting Soil. Potting soil is the all-rounder among substrates. There is the classic peat soil, peat-free and peat-reduced. Depending on the type, the soils differ in their composition. The components and the contained ingredients are listed on the packaging. Below you will find an overview of the individual components. 

 

Soil for pot and tub plants

The longer a plant is to stand in a tub or pot, the more important it is to have a high component of mineral substances such as pumice or lava, e.g. Substral Terra Magma potting soil with lava granules. Pumice or lava ensure that the soil retains its structure for a long time.

 

Soil for growing and sowing

For growing, sowing, pricking out or if you want to propagate plants via cuttings, a particularly fine-crumb soil is important that remains loose and guarantees good drainage of water. In addition, the seeds should emerge as simultaneously as possible and produce uniformly vigorous seedlings. It is difficult to do without peat in these growing, sowing or pricking out soils, because most of the substitutes are coarser in structure or have a higher salt content, which is harmful to the tender seedlings. Substral Bio Anzucht & Kräutererde and Naturen Bio Aussaat- & Kräutererde are ideal for growing.

 

Soil for rhododendrons and bog plants

Lime-sensitive bog bedding plants such as rhododendrons, blueberries or azaleas love an acidic environment. Therefore, substrates for bog plants or rhododendrons have a low pH. These special soils are suitable for soil improvement for those garden areas where you want to plant bog plants. We recommend Substral Rhododendron Soil or Substral Soil Conditioner Rhodo-Vital.

 

Special soils

For inexperienced hobby gardeners, special soils for roses, vegetables, houseplants, cacti, etc. are a good guide as to which substrate they can use for the various plants.

 

Organic soils


Organic soils are substrates that contain purely organic fertilizers such as horn shavings. However, the designation BIO says nothing about the peat content of the soil. Examples of organic soils are e.g. Naturen Organic Raised Bed & Planting Soil or Substral Organic Tomato & Vegetable Soil.

 

Components of the soil and their properties

Wood fiber provides an alternative to peat. Adding it promotes properties such as drainage and aeration of the soil.

 

Green compost contains many natural nutrients, especially potassium and trace elements. These are delivered to the plant as needed.
Bark compost, with its somewhat coarser structure, increases the drainage and aeration of the soil.
Peat is important for water and nutrient retention of the soil and releases them to the plant as needed.
Lava granules improve air, water and nutrient retention and balance different watering and fertilizing habits.
Sand is an ideal ingredient in seeding soils because it improves drainage and makes it easier to prick out and separate young plants.
Coconut fiber reabsorbs and stores water very quickly, even after drying out. This increases the resilience of the soil.
Fertilizer provides the plants with the most important nutrients and ensures that the plants are fed according to their needs.


You may also like