What you will learn:
- Understanding how to pick the best soil for your garden.
- Understanding the similarities and differences between various soils and growing mediums. It starts with what plants you’re going to grow, and we’ll walk you through the steps from there.
- Knowing what characteristics to look for in high-quality soil. With so many buzzwords on labels -it’s hard to know what actually matters for your garden.
- How to pick soil that will work for your specific garden. It’s all about your garden — not what everyone is doing.
- The secret to boosting your soil’s nutritional profile, moisture absorption, and health.
One of the most common questions for beginner and advanced gardeners is: what’s the best soil for my garden? Finding the right garden soil mix can often be the difference between a garden that thrives and one that barely survives – and if you’re going to put in all the work of gardening, you want to make sure you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Finding the best garden soil depends on some factors, such as:
- Where you live
- What you want to grow
- What your native soil is like
But even though there’s not necessarily just one “perfect” soil for everyone, choosing the right one for your garden doesn’t have to be a gardening nightmare. With some basic gardening know-how and a few helpful hints, you can master the art of soil selection.
We’ve created an easy-to-use guide that will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the best garden soil mix, including:
- Understanding the similarities and differences between various soils and growing mediums
- Knowing what characteristics to look for in a high-quality soil
- How to pick soil that will work for your specific garden
- The secret to boosting your soil’s nutritional profile, moisture absorption, and health
A Soil to Suit Every Garden: Picking the One That’s Right for You
If you’ve ever strolled through the soil of your local garden center or nursery, you’re probably well-aware that there’s no shortage of soil options out there. You can find several types of soils to choose from at the average big box home and garden store – if not dozens. It can be easily overwhelming to know which to choose.
Labels are loaded with words and phrases like “organic,” “container gardening,” “potting mix,” and others. How do you know which soil is ideal for your garden?
In some simple steps, you can be well-prepared for picking the perfect soil for a healthy, happily-thriving garden in virtually any space or climate.
First, pick your plants.
Because many plants come with their own soil requirements, it’s important to know what you’re planting before you buy soil. Our Quick Guide below offers a useful breakdown of each plant type’s specific needs, but you’ll need to take a closer look at the conditions preferred by the exact plants you’re going to have in your garden.
Ultimately, it’s better to revise your garden plan at the beginning, rather than end up with barely-there plants after it’s too late to change course.
Then, decide where you’re going to be planting.
Containers, raised beds, and in-ground gardens all come with various preferences for nutrients and water – so choose your soil accordingly. You can usually find soil blends specifically recommended for certain situations, such as raised bed gardening or succulent gardens.
Test the native soil, so you know exactly what you’re working with.
An affordable soil testing kit can be an invaluable tool to a gardener because it gives you a snapshot of the soil. You can learn details about the native soil, such as pH, which will prove useful in determining how to amend it for gardening.
Familiarize yourself with the different types of soil out there.
There are many soil types, and they aren’t all necessarily right for all types of gardens. A large part of finding the best soil for a garden in your outdoor area is understanding each type’s basics:
- Soilless growing mediums are “inert,” containing next to no nutritional content. They are an excellent option for gardeners who want to maintain good control over their plants’ diet and are usually very cost-effective. You will need to amend growing mediums with the proper additives for plant nutrition.
- Garden soil is intended for in-ground use and generally contains varying combinations of nutrients and organic matter. Depending on your native soil, you can mix in a blend of garden soil and additive to achieve the perfect result.
- Raised bed soil offers the drainage necessary for healthy raised bed gardens, unlike the denser garden and native soil types.
- Potting mix soil is for container gardening because it combines good drainage with space for plant roots to grow and expand.
Use a soil additive to get the perfect all-around soil.
Even if you’re purchased a soil that’s been created for your exact garden type (for example, raised beds), don’t assume that your work is done. Investing in a high-quality soil is an excellent start, but it’s the next step that can make or break your garden: incorporating a soil additive.
A soil additive is a simple solution to take your soil to the next level, optimizing it for the best possible growth. However, not all soil additives are created equal – in fact, some of them are bound to disappoint both you and your plants.
Harvest Gold Organics® Premium Soil Conditioner is a top-of-the-line additive trusted by gardeners everywhere, offering a long list of garden benefits in one package:
- A versatile formula that supports all plant types well
- Time-released ingredients that support stronger plants and roots
- A rich profile of minerals for exceptional nutrition
- Uniquely-shaped particles that effectively regulate nutrient and water absorption
- Added resistance to pests and diseases, as well as temperature changes
- Healthier, more robust plants, including more flavorful fruits and veggies
Quick Guide to Pairing Plants and Soils
Even though there isn’t a one-size-fits-all soil for every plant, there are general guidelines to help you learn what the different types of plants usually need in good soil.
Whether you’re searching for the best soil for vegetable garden beds, fruit trees, or a small succulent container garden, here’s a basic breakdown that can help:
- Lawns do best with a soil that combines composted materials, fertilizer, and a soil additive that helps control water.
- Flowers prefer soils that contain organic materials, which allow for proper water drainage. A soil additive or compost is recommended to ensure that you make up for any shortcomings in the native soil or potting mix you’re using.
- Trees and shrubs tend to need a mineral-rich soil, which wards off leaf yellowing and helps support healthy root development. An all-natural soil additive can help strengthen both shrubs and trees, encouraging steady growth and disease resistance.
- Vegetables and fruits require a soil enriched with a moisture-balancing additive to help avoid under- or over-watering issues. Composting is an excellent way to help your edible garden grow.
- Succulents can easily fall victim to over-watering and root rot, which makes a well-draining soil vital. Try to find a soil specifically crafted for cacti and succulents, and use an additive for optimum moisture absorption.
Become a Soil Mixing Master with Harvest Gold Organics®
What if you could have a secret weapon up your sleeve – or gardening glove – virtually guaranteed a flourishing garden? Well, with Harvest Gold Organics® Premium Soil Conditioner, you do. Our one-of-a-kind soil conditioner was created with one goal in mind: providing gardeners with an easy and effective way to give the soil an all-natural boost.
Make the most of every season with the best garden soil conditioner: Harvest Gold Organics® Premium Soil Conditioner, available for online ordering now!
