Peat Moss. The last ingredient to make well-draining potting soil at home is sphagnum or peat moss. I would especially recommend peat moss if your soil is very sandy or if it’s old and compacted. The moss retains moisture quite well and also shifts chunks of sand for exceptional aeration and draining.

Is potting soil considered well-draining?

The good news is, all potting mixes are well-draining, so all you need to do is choose a potting mix that’s appropriate for the type of plant you’re potting up. Bagged potting mixes are pre-packed with the nutrients your plants need, so there’s no need to add soil, compost or anything else.

How do you make potting mix well-drained?

Add one gallon of moist, coarse sphagnum peat moss, followed by one gallon of coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Adjust the texture of the medium to create a loose, well-drained mixture. Sand feels gritty and clay feels sticky. If the potting soil feels too sandy, more peat moss should be added.

How do you tell if soil is well drained?

To determine your soil drainage, dig a hole about 12 inches deep and 8 to 12 inches wide. Fill the hole with water. Allow it to drain, refill it 12 hours later, and time how long it takes for the water to drain. If the soil drains well, all the water should be gone in 2 to 3 hours.

What is the best well drained soil?

Deep, loamy soil and sloping sites tend to be well drained. Soil high in clay content, depressions, or sites with high water tables, underlying rock or ‘hard pans’ (a layer of soil impervious to water) tend to not be well drained.

Does Miracle Gro indoor potting mix drain well?

“We can’t stress enough the importance of using a well-draining potting mix such as the Miracle Gro cactus mix. Cactus mix drains extremely well and will ensure that you cannot overwater your plant no matter how heavy-handed you are with watering.”

How do you fix soil that doesn’t drain?

Mix in Compost. If your poor drainage area is a relatively small one and not too severe, you can lighten the soil by working in lots of organic matter. Grow Water-Loving Plants. Build a Rain Garden. Create a Bog Garden or Pond. Install Drain Tile.

How quickly should soil drain?

Fill the hole with water and record how long it takes for the water to completely drain. The ideal time is between 10 and 30 minutes. If it drains in less than 10 minutes, the soil is drought-prone and most suitable for plants that need dry or well-drained soil.