If you’re planning on growing potted plants, you may be considering what type of soil to choose for your project. Wondering what the difference is between organic soil and non-organic soil? In this blog from The Soil King, we’ll explain everything that you need to know, and help you decide what’s better for you.
What Is Organic Soil?
Organic soil usually refers to any soil that’s made from a variety of different natural, organic matter like compost, manure, worm castings, bat guano, and other such materials obtained from animals and vegetation.
Usually, organic soil does not contain any chemicals or pesticides, but there is no USDA regulation for how soils are labeled. As long as the soil contains only natural, carbon-based ingredients, it can be labeled as organic, so some types of organic soil may not be 100% natural. Keep this in mind when shopping, particularly if you want to avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilizers when growing your plants.
What Is Non-Organic Soil?
“Non-organic” soil usually does contain some natural ingredients, such as peat moss, which holds moisture, and tree bark, which helps the soil stay a bit denser and adds weight to it.
However, it also typically contains vermiculite, which is a processed mineral that helps improve the drainage and aeration of the soil. Some soil mixtures may even use Styrofoam as part of their mix.
High-Quality Organic Soil Requires No Additional Fertilizer, But Non-Organic Soil Does
If you get a high-quality organic soil that’s made from the best ingredients, it will be packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This is not always true of non-organic soil blends, which may require additional fertilizer or plant “food” to deliver the nutrients your plants need.
Because of this, it’s usually cheaper and easier to simply purchase high-quality organic soil for your garden or potted plants, rather than trying to use a non-organic blend. At The Soil King, we can help you choose organic soil that’s perfect for your garden.
Choose Organic Soil For The Best Results In Your Home & Garden
Natural soil is always the best choice. All plants can thrive in healthy, nutrient-rich, properly-drained organic soil. So unless you’re an experienced gardener, we recommend coming to The Soil King to pick up some high-quality organic, natural soil for your home and garden.