Difference Between Potting Soil and Garden Soil

When gardening, knowing how to care for your plants and knowing what they need to give them the best opportunity to grow is a key ingredient. It all starts with the soil that the seeds get planted in.

As a gardener we should understand the types of soil that can be used for garden plants and vegetables. If we are not providing the seeds the best opportunity with the best nutrients then our plants are not going to grow to their fullest. In the article today we will explore the difference between potting soil and garden soil.

The Definition of Soil

First of let’s start with soil.

Learning about the types of soils used for plants is essential for gardeners since soils are different from one brand to another. Even though there is no general “perfect” soil for all plants there are however different types of soil that are best depending on the different types of plants.

For example you wouldn’t use the same type of soil for growing a cactus as you would for growing a tomato plant. Getting this right is step 1 to helping your garden flourish.

6 Primary Types of Soil

There are six primary soil types:

sandy,
clay,
silty,
chalky,
peaty and
loamy.

Every yard may have a unique soil composition and a lot of this will depend on where you live. And depending on your location the soil will be loaded with different organic compounds as well the mixture of the 6 different types of soil.

The Difference Between Potting Soil and Garden Soil

Potting soil

You can say that potting soil isn’t really soil. In fact, it’s called so only due to its ability to support plant growth, which is as good as that of actual soil.

Real soils vary in composition, and so are potting soils, which consist of different elements bound together for particular purposes. Potting soils come in various recipes that are good for growing various types of plants.

Among the typical ingredients of a potting soil are bark, peat moss and organic materials such as wood chips. Potting soil usually features a fluffy and lightweight texture. It also doesn’t retain water as well and can dry out pretty quickly.

The reason potting soil is lightweight is it has a lot of air. It’s intended to assist the plants in growing more freely. Thanks to its airy and easy to penetrate texture, potting soil is ideal for roots that like to thrive effortlessly.

Potting soil is great for plants not only because it supports easy growth, but also because it’s sterile. There’s no microbe in it or other crop seed that will germinate when the soil is watered.

Topsoil and Garden Soil

The first 12 inches of soil that covers your garden is called topsoil, and what lies below it is referred to as subsoil. Like other types of soils, topsoil also regionally varies in composition and properties. Although generally, it’s heavy, dense and retains water for a longer period of time.

If your soil is of sandy consistency it is more porous and the soil will dry out faster as water drains away quickly. Meanwhile, clay-rich soil holds more water and retains it for longer periods.

The formation of topsoil has taken millions of years as the organic matter in it comes from the dead plants and animals decayed in it. Oftentimes, this type of soil contains a lot of nutrients. Additionally, it also hosts seeds, microbes and fungus among other living matters.

If topsoil is the kind of soil that you need, you can buy it in bags from gardening supply stores such as Lowes or HomeDepot. However if you need more than a few bags it might be a better idea to buy it by the yard at a local garden store.

If you want to buy an enhanced version of topsoil, you can pick garden soil. Basically, this is topsoil that has been enriched with additional organic matter added into it, improving its fertility and readiness to help plants grow healthily.

When Do You Need Potting Soil

You can use potting soil in containers since it’s ideal for plants grown in hanging baskets, or window planters. In this case, potting soil is a better choice than garden soil, since its lighter and will drain better than soil.

Potting soil is also good for growing plants from seeds in containers or peat cups before you move them to your garden.

Potting soil comes in many recipes, each of which is formulated for a unique purpose. Therefore you should know what you buy; make sure it’s the right type for your plant you are going to use it with.

Don’t just assume that any potting soil will work best for your plants. It may be more costly than topsoil or garden soil, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best. It all depends on what you plant and how you use the soil.

Each Type of Soil Has Its Own Purpose

In the end, each type of soil has its own advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on your needs and how you use soil. If you buy an expensive one, make sure it’s really what you need, so that you don’t waste money. If after considering, it turns out that the cheaper type is enough for your plants, then there’s no need to spend more on the expensive one. In other words, always choose carefully the soil for your plants and your needs