Types of soil and land for planting. Soils and soil mixtures for indoor plants Do all plants need the same soil

Useful solutions for growing plants are made by mixing ordinary earth with various additives (other types of earth, sand, etc.).

Flowers growing in pots have roots that take up little space, and grow to a small size, so there should be a lot of substances useful for the plant in the ground.

1. Sod land(also known as Soddy Earth), it is added to many earthen solutions. It has a lot of different components useful for flowers. Among the shortcomings, one can note its predisposition to tamping.

2. leaf humus(also known as leafy or leafy ground). It turns out such a land as a result of the debate of crumbling leaves. It has a lot of useful components, its distinctive features: lightness, disposition to loosening. This type of land is used for growing flowers that do not tolerate humus consisting of manure. This type of soil is stored from the forest, taking away the surface layer of the earth. The accumulated foliage is stacked in piles, up to one and a half meters high, it is all moistened with liquefied manure, and after two years such soil is ready for use.

3. Sand from rivers, it performs the function of loosening the earth. It is preferable to use sand consisting of large grains of sand. Also, it improves the quality of clay soils.

4. manure humus. Such land is formed as a result of mixing rotten manure and humus from greenhouses. As well as compost, it is laid in heaps. The peculiarity of this earth is that it is very crumbly, soft and moisture-intensive, it enhances the quality of earth mixtures.

5. peat humus- This is a crumbly, airy, well-absorbing mass of the flag, which is formed due to the decay of marsh peat. This mass improves the properties of the earth. Adding it to the ground increases its subacidity, so you should carefully monitor the level of acid, both the added mass and the earth to which it is added, and in which case, dilute the earth with a mixture of limestone and chalk.

6. Sphagnum, it is mixed with the earth to increase its airiness, friability and ability to absorb water vapor from the air. It is worth noting that before adding, sphagnum must be passed through a sieve. Soil mixed with sphagnum is suitable for growing lilies of the valley and orchids.

Classification of earth solutions

Thus, in order to make useful earthen solutions, one must consider the planting conditions of the various flowers for which they are made. However, it is very difficult to study the requirements for each plant, which is why earth solutions are classified for similar, according to planting conditions, plants:

1. heavy mortar. Consists of five components. The first three are the earth from cut sod, the fourth is humus, the fifth is river sand
2. Medium weight solution. It is made from two portions of earth from cut sod, two portions of leafy humus, two portions of ordinary humus and one portion of coarse sand from rivers.
3. Light weight mortar. It is prepared from one portion of soddy soil, three parts of leaf humus and one portion of river sand.

Based on high-moor peat (decayed sphagnum moss that grows on raised bogs) - contains a minimum amount of minerals, is breathable, has good water absorption and moisture retention. This substrate is often used as a temporary soil for the transport of plants, as well as for the sale of potted plants.

Based on low-lying peat (extracted from low-lying swamps, lakes and rivers) - it is distinguished by the presence of a large amount of minerals, it retains moisture well. However, it quickly cakes, dries out for a long time, as a result, the roots of plants often rot. Soil based on lowland peat is used as a component of the soil mixture prepared independently, but not as an independent substrate.

Based on biohumus (a product of manure processing by earthworms) - rich in organic matter and living organisms. Such soil is used as a component of the soil mixture for its enrichment. Biohumus is an alternative to humus.

Special primer for indoor flowers

• For orchids- a mixture of peat, charcoal, crushed pine bark, sphagnum moss. For epiphytes, not soil is used, but pieces of pine bark or driftwood wrapped in sphagnum moss.
• For azaleas- high-moor peat, needles, sand. The soil is moderately acidic and loose, with a low content of nutrients.
• For palm trees- a soil mixture of high-moor peat, leaf and sod land, sand. The soil is nutritious, with a neutral reaction.
• For cacti- sand, leafy soil or high-moor peat, depending on the group of cacti (there are forest and desert ones).
• For violets- high-moor peat, sand, coniferous earth, charcoal, sphagnum moss.
• For ferns- peat, sand, humus.

But do not think that ready-made mixtures for the plants mentioned above are ideal. There are many species of the same genus that grow in nature in different conditions. Therefore, when purchasing ready-made soil, it must be supplemented with the components necessary for a particular type of plant.

Some specialized soils are suitable for growing other types of plants. Typically, this information is indicated on the packaging.

What to look for when choosing a finished soil

Primer for flowers:

• must pass air;
• must be nutritious;
• should not retain moisture for a long time;
• should not contain pests and pathogens;
• soil acidity should correspond to the level that a particular type of plant needs.

Thus, it is necessary to approach the choice and preparation of the land responsibly, because certain types of plants require a certain soil, otherwise the wrong choice of land can lead to the death of the plant, or in any case, the flower can get sick or lose its properties.

For the full development of flowers, vegetable and coniferous crops, aquarium flora, special soil is required. This rating included the best, specially prepared soil for outdoor and indoor planting in pots. It is compiled on the basis of customer reviews and expert opinions, it discusses in detail all the advantages and possible disadvantages of the proposed compositions. Familiarization with them will make it easier to choose the best soil for plants.

When deciding which soil is best for planting, many gardeners turn to online forums for advice. And, judging by the reviews left there, most users trust the quality of the products of the following brands:

• Seliger-Agro is a Russian manufacturer of various soils and fertilizers intended for floriculture and vegetable crops. The company was founded in 1991 and specializes in the production of soil mixtures and top dressings based on peat. The holding uses high-tech equipment, which allows it to guarantee high quality products.
• ASB Greenworld is a German company that has been supplying soil mixtures and fertilizers to the Russian market for more than 15 years. The company owns several dozen peat fields located in Germany, Estonia and Canada. Particular attention in the production of soil is paid precisely to the stage of collecting and processing peat, as well as to enriching finished products with additional components (bark, perlite, etc.)
• Fusco is a popular Russian brand of care products for various types of outdoor and indoor flowers at all stages of their development. The company was founded in 1993 and recently changed its name to Garden Retail Service. Despite this, the company continues to produce quality products at affordable prices. At the moment, the range of the company includes more than 180 items of certified products.
• Tetra is a German company that is part of the American concern Spectrum Brands. This is one of the oldest productions in the aquarium and garden pond market. Since the 1950s, the company has been producing food for the inhabitants of reservoirs, as well as products for the care of vegetation and equipment for aquariums. Most Tetra products are patented or produced using unique technologies.
• JBL is a German company that currently manufactures over 1000 products for aquariums and terrariums. All JBL products are manufactured at the Neuhofen plant, which is equipped with the latest technology. The company carefully monitors every stage of production and regularly pleases customers with a new line of products. An interesting and innovative find in the assortment of the company is the primer of various colors for the aquarium.
• Peter Peat is a modern Russian enterprise producing nutrient soils, organic fertilizers and peat substrates. The company was founded on the basis of the fuel and energy complex created back in the 1950s. Currently, it specializes in the extraction and processing of high-moor sphagnum peat of a low degree of decomposition, low-lying and transitional peat. The main places of extraction of raw materials are located in the Ryazan region and Karelia.
• Agricola- a popular Russian brand of the commercial and industrial company "Technoexport". This enterprise was founded in 1996 and today develops, registers, manufactures, imports, exports and wholesales soil mixtures, fertilizers and a wide range of products for the care of various crops. The company is a member of the Plant Protection Association of the Russian Federation, its products have 85 top awards based on the results of participation in Russian and international exhibitions.
• Sera is a German company whose product range includes almost a complete range of products: for aquariums, garden ponds and terrariums. The company ensures the high quality of its products by complying with the strict rules established by the GMP standard during their production. They are used at all stages of production, which guarantees a long shelf life.
• Pelgorskoe-M is a Russian peat enterprise that produces planting soils under the trademarks Morris Green and Good Helper. To date, the company's product range includes 19 mixtures for growing flowers, vegetables, shrubs and ornamental plants. The company's products comply with European standards and have won awards at many competitions, including the Golden Badge of Distinction at the international exhibition.

Rating of the best soils for plants

• Softness, lightness and friability;
• Acidity;
• Composition;
• The presence of a certain set of micronutrients;
• Absence of foreign matter and debris;
• Good aeration (ability to pass air);
• Required humidity;
• Convenient packaging;
• Price.

Also, when selecting goods, we paid attention to the volume offered by manufacturers. Today in stores you can buy several types of mixtures. Flower growers divide the soil mixture into a universal one (intended for planting most unpretentious crops) and a special one, which takes into account the specific needs of plants. Our rating includes the most popular options of both the first and second types.

The best soils for flowers

When breeding flowers, it is very important to choose a good soil for indoor plants, because the speed of their growth and development depends on its composition. Our rating includes the 3 most reliable, according to florists, options.

Seliger-Agro for flowers and indoor plants

This loose peat-based soil is designed for transplanting indoor flowers and ornamental plants. It has a rich brown color and contains a fairly large complex of useful trace elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium oxide). The soil is packaged in plastic bags of 5 liters and has an unlimited shelf life, which is very practical when you need to transplant a small amount of flora. For ease of use, the manufacturer has placed detailed instructions on the packaging.

Advantages:

• Quite loose;
• Without lumps and debris;
• Compact packaging;
• It is easy to care for representatives of the flora;
• Affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

• Doesn't absorb water very well.

The Seliger-Agro mixture has a fairly high rating on the sites, but experienced users are advised to take into account the fact that the soil settles after watering - it will probably have to be topped up over time.

ASB Greenworld for flowers universal

ASB Greenworld soil has a universal purpose and can be used for growing both ornamental plants and seedlings, as well as lawns, or for filling holes when transplanting ornamental trees. It is recommended for camellias, kalanchoes, begonias, violets, gerberas, roses, phloxes, peonies, daylilies. The only exceptions are flowers that prefer acidic soil. This composition well accumulates and distributes nutrients, does not cake and has high air exchange qualities.

Advantages:

• Easy;
• Crumbly;
• Convenient packaging that does not tear;
• Wide range of applications (both at home and in the country);
• Contains a good range of micronutrients.

Disadvantages:

• Sometimes quite large wooden chips come across.

Many growers appreciate this primer for its versatility, but most buyers advise sifting it thoroughly before use to get rid of large pieces of wood.

Fusco floral

This flower soil is recommended for planting violets, geraniums, ivy, roses, chlorophytum, monstera, yucca, dracaena, tulips, crocuses, daffodils, iris, all kinds of ficuses and citrus fruits. It is completely ready for use and contains a well-balanced set of nutrients necessary for the full development of plants. The soil does not contain pathogenic elements and viable weed seeds, the raw material promotes the development of the root system of flowers.

Advantages:

• Clean;
• Soft;
• Creates good conditions for development;
• Free of debris and weeds;
• Well absorbs moisture;
• Inexpensive.

Disadvantages:

• Prone to hardening.

The main rule for using Fasco is to first open the bag, mix its contents and let the soil saturate with oxygen for an hour.

The best soils for aquarium plants

Special requirements are imposed on the soil mixture for an aquarium - it must settle well at the bottom, not interfere with water filtration, strengthen the roots and at the same time be safe for aquatic inhabitants. The TOP includes two of the best soils for underwater plants.

Tetra Active Substrate natural clay granules are suitable for aquatic life. Unlike conventional gravel, they keep the aquarium running smoothly, promote the growth of beneficial soil bacteria, prevent root rot, and reduce organic water pollution. This reduces the load on the filter and increases the service life of the product. The porous structure of the raw material creates optimal conditions for fixing fragile roots, and the round shape is safe for bottom fish.

Advantages:

• Effective;
• Attractive look;
• Natural;
• Provides good water circulation;
• Harmless to fish.

Disadvantages:

• Not cheap.

Tetra Active Substrate is a high-quality and reliable product that has only positive reviews. But he guarantees the purity and transparency of the water only if, before filling the aquarium, thoroughly rinse it under running water. This will help remove particles that have been broken down during transit and may have contaminated the water.

JBL Manado

The JBL Manado primer is designed specifically for filling the aquarium. It is non-toxic, so it does not emit hazardous substances, but at the same time does not reduce the degree of its rigidity. The round shape of the granules is great for anchoring the roots and preventing them from being eaten by fish. The porous structure creates optimal conditions for colonization by cleansing bacteria. The earth also absorbs excess fertilizer from the water and thus prevents the growth of unwanted algae.

Advantages:

• Beautiful colour;
• Creates good conditions for growth;
• The water does not become cloudy;
• Prevents the growth of algae-weeds;
• Safe for fish.

Disadvantages:

• Very light, so purging the aquarium takes longer.

JBL Manado is highly regarded by many aquarists, however, experienced users are advised to immediately purchase a substrate for it from the same manufacturer.

The best soils for coniferous plants

When choosing soil for coniferous plants, special attention must be paid to the moisture content and the ability of the soil mixture to provide high-quality air exchange. For this rating, two brands were selected, which, according to user reviews, best meet these criteria.

Peter Peat Hobby for conifers

This is a completely ready-to-use nutrient soil mixture with a mass fraction of moisture of at least 65%. It consists of high and lowland peat, river sand, agropertil and limestone flour. This soil is perfect for planting spruce, fir, pine, arborvitae and juniper. It provides an optimal level of acidity and contains numerous nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. When using this product, the manufacturer guarantees a good survival of plants and an improvement in their decorative qualities.

Advantages:

• Effective;
• No sticky lumps;
• natural scent;
• Rich in mineral fertilizers;
• Provides good survival;
• Affordable cost.

Disadvantages:

• Some users do not like excessive humidity.

Peat soil Peter Peat is a good option for a ready-made mixture for planting needles. But many users, when preparing a tree for this, try to add additional mineral fertilizers to the ground. It is not necessary to do this with this soil, since the whole complex of necessary substances is already included in its composition.

Agricola for conifers

This is a universal peat-based soil for planting coniferous crops, indoor and ornamental plants. This soil mixture has a good ability to accumulate and distribute nutrition evenly. Thanks to high-moor peat in the composition, a high-quality air supply to the roots is ensured and at the same time a sufficient amount of moisture is retained. The mixture contains a standard starting mineral complex suitable for a wide range of coniferous ornamental flora.

Advantages:

• Maintains constant friability and activity;
• No obvious garbage;
• Good air permeability;
• Does not crumple;
• Convenient plastic packaging that does not tear.

Disadvantages:

• Small volume.

Buyers of Agricola sometimes face the problem of yellowing branches on planted shrubs. To avoid this, a month after planting, the damaged parts must be cut off, and the rest should be fed with a special complex of mineral fertilizers.

The best soils for vegetable crops

The highest requirements are put forward precisely to the land for planting vegetable crops, because the future harvest often depends on its quality. Both experienced agronomists and ordinary users from a large number of different options prefer one of the two best soils for plants, which are included in our rating.

Sera Floredepot Drainage Soil is a well-balanced mixture of sand, peat and useful micronutrients, which contributes to a fast and reliable plant rooting process. Its mineral composition allows during the first four weeks of development to supply the culture with all the nutrients necessary for its full development. At the same time, the special structure of the mixture contributes to the formation of a strong root system in them.

Advantages:

• Crumbly;
• Soft;
• Convenient hard plastic packaging;
• No debris and large particles;
• When watering settles slightly.

Disadvantages:

• High cost, as for a small volume.

The Sera Floredepot fraction is highly valued by users for growing fastidious vegetable crops. The highest quality result can be achieved if used in combination with a mineral substrate from the same manufacturer.

Kind Helper for vegetable crops

This fully prepared potting mix is ​​made from environmentally friendly high-moor sphagnum peat with a low degree of decomposition and prevents the accumulation of nitrates and salts of heavy metals in vegetables. Therefore, it actively contributes to the formation of a fertile layer in greenhouses and open ground. Such soil is well suited for growing seedlings and filling holes when planting. It can also be used for fruit and berry and ornamental crops, arranging lawns and indoor floriculture.

Advantages:

• Eco-friendly;
• Light, fluffy, odorless;
• Provides good germination of seedlings;
• Frost resistant;
• Acceptable cost.

Disadvantages:

• There are small sticks.

In general, Good Helper is an excellent option for a versatile soil mixture that can be used for various purposes. The only nuance that should be taken into account is that only 10 l packages are available for sale. Therefore, even for transplanting several plants, you will have to buy a large package.

What soil for plants is better to buy

When choosing which plant soil to buy, most flower growers prefer specialized mixtures for planting any particular type of plant. At the same time, many summer residents acquire a universal option, but at the same time they try to improve its quality with the help of additional additives. Recently, mixtures based on coconut fibers and hydrogels, compositions designed for planting moisture-loving crops, have also been very popular.

As for the soil mixtures from this rating, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• The best all-round option for planting most types of flowers is ASB Greenworld.
• The soil mixture "Seliger-Agro" contains in its composition a good complex of mineral elements necessary for the qualitative growth of small crops.
• For planting all types of ficuses, citrus fruits and primroses, you can use flower Fasco.
• Herbaceous aquatic life will do best in JBL Manado Nutrient Diet.
• For planting almost all types of aquarium representatives of the flora, a ready-made Tetra Active Substrate is suitable.
• Peat mix Peter Peat Hobby is enriched with a full range of microelements necessary for the quality growth of arborvitae.
• Agricola for needles is distinguished by its special friability and the ability to retain moisture well.
• Sera Floredepot mix is ​​perfect for growing fastidious flora.
• The widest range of applications, from planting seedlings and fruit and berry bushes to preparing lawns, has "Good Helper".

The main rule when choosing the best soil for plants is to carefully study the composition and characteristics of the soil mixture: it may already contain a complex of trace elements necessary for their normal development.

Spring is the time when gardeners begin to prepare for the upcoming summer season. Just a few months to endure, and now you are already planting young plants in your favorite garden - your seedlings, which have managed to grow and get stronger in order to settle in a greenhouse or on the street.

But how to grow good seedlings, which will not only sprout and take root in pots on the windowsill, but will also please with good juicy fruits when they turn into strong adult plants? The answer is simple - provide her with favorable growing conditions.

Soil or soil is the main source of chemical elements that a plant consumes during its active growth. It has a special property, which is called "fertility", due to which it provides plants not only with useful substances, but also participates in creating the optimal temperature regime, humidity regime for the root system of the plant. And young seedlings more than an adult plant require good nutrition and suitable conditions for development.

The natural soil that you can collect in your garden does not always contain the right amount of elements necessary for seedlings, and its structure may be too “coarse” for a young plant, so gardeners either prepare the soil themselves, improving the physical and chemical characteristics of summer cottage land, or acquire ready-made soil in specialized stores.

Basic soil requirements

Soil for seedlings, sold in stores, is different:

• universal, which, according to the information on the package, is suitable for all types of plants;
• special - manufacturers make its composition optimal for any type of crop (for example, soil for peppers, tomatoes, flowers, etc.).

Special primer is not a marketing ploy and not an attempt to deceive the consumer. The fact is that the composition of such soil is optimal for a particular crop: each species, be it pepper, tomato, eggplant, requires a certain amount of nutrients and soil structure in order to develop well and gain strength. In special soils, the necessary balance is maintained, while in universal soils, some fertilizer may have to be added.

And although the soils sold in stores have a different composition, nevertheless, when deciding on a choice, remember the basic requirements that apply to seedling soil:

• Looseness. Pay attention to the physical shape of the soil - it should not be lumpy. For seedlings, the soil should be airy and even tender. The mixture should not harden or cake.
• "Health". There can be many useful substances in the soil, but if spores of fungi, pathogens, insect larvae, weed sprouts are found in it, then this substrate is no good. Weak young plants will not cope with such a "biological" attack and will die.
• Fertility. The composition of the soil must contain the microelements necessary for the plant, otherwise the seedlings will not be able to eat.
• Acidity. This property of the soil should be close to neutral pH, that is, be equal to 6.5-6.7. It is harmful for tiny plants to be in an acidic or alkaline environment.
• Toxicity. The composition of the soil should be free of oil products, salts of heavy metals, radionuclides.

Many of these indicators are difficult to assess at home, and therefore it is not always possible to comply with all soil requirements. Ideally, in order to determine how suitable the soil is for planting seeds for seedlings, you need to submit it for analysis to the laboratory. But, since this is not always possible, it is worth choosing trusted brands in stores.

The main brands of soils

In stores, you can now choose soil of various price categories, various compositions and from brands that have long been known or have just entered the market. The table below shows the main ones.

How to choose soil

How to choose the right soil for your seedlings in such a variety? Follow the directions below and you'll be good to go:

Some tests to determine the quality of the soil can be done at home, as well as at home to prepare the soil for planting seeds.

Video - instructions for choosing soil for seedlings

Soils with high levels of acidity are ideal. Neutral soils are good for growing, while rocky and sandy soils are suitable. A special soil mixture is necessary for the noble ones. It consists of charcoal, moss, tree bark and fern roots.

Each type of soil has its own basis. For example, chernozem lands belong to neutral soils, peat lands belong to acidic soils, and clay-turf lands belong to alkaline soils. The permeability of water and air to the roots of plants, and hence their development, and life in general, depends on the composition and density of the soil. With the timely provision and saturation of the soil with the necessary fertilizers, it also provides plants with quality nutrition.

The composition of soil mixtures may include natural components (for example, peat, sand, ash, humus, sawdust, needles, leaves, moss, etc.) and artificial (for example, expanded clay, perlite, hydrogel). For each type of plant, it is necessary to select its optimal soil composition.

Trading networks offer a large number of different types of soil mixtures, which differ in the level of acidity, the presence of fertilizers and various baking powder.

Peat soils

Peat soils can be of two types: some consist of high-moor peat, while others consist of lowland peat.

Moss that grows in the upper reaches of the swamps, in the process of decomposition, turns into high-moor peat. This type of peat soil has its positive and negative properties. Positive are good breathability and lightness, as well as the ability to absorb moisture and retain it. The latter property is also a disadvantage, since prolonged retention of moisture in the soil can lead to rotting of the root of the plant. And if such a soil is too dry, then it will be quite difficult to wet and moisten it again. Another disadvantage is the low fertile qualities and the minimum amount of minerals in the composition of the soil.

Peat, which is extracted from the swampy lowlands of lakes, rivers and the swamps themselves, is heavier, but the content of mineral elements in it is very high. This type of soil is used only as an additive in soil mixtures, since in its pure form it is always too wet and dense. In such soil, the roots of plants do not develop, but rot due to an excess of moisture and a lack of air.

Biohumus

Biohumus is a product obtained in the process of processing manure with the help of earthworms. Such soil is considered valuable for plants, because it contains a large number of effective microorganisms and useful natural substances. When compiling a soil mixture at home, a small part of biohumus can replace humus and enrich its composition.

Trading networks offer soil mixtures in a large assortment. For almost every plant, you can choose an individual substrate, but you can make it yourself. The main thing is to have all the necessary components at hand.

leaf ground

When growing indoor plants, a mixture of leafy and soddy soil is used as the main soil. It contains the rotted leaf part of many tree species (for example, apple and walnut, linden and maple, pear and elm).

sod land

This type of soil is used most often, as it has good water and air permeability, and also contains a huge amount of nutrients. You can find such soil in meadows, forests, or unused pastures for animals.

Humus

Such soil consists of a small amount of topsoil and rotted manure. This earth is light and friable, and also contains a large amount of nutrients. Many cultures are able to qualitatively develop and grow on humus soil.

heather soil

Such soil is considered rare, since it can only be obtained in places where coniferous trees and evergreen heather shrubs grow. Dark gray moorland mixed with white sand has a loose structure, good air and water permeability. In terms of composition, it can be compared with a mixture of sand (one part), leafy (two parts) and peat (four parts) soil. Heather soil is the most favorable for growing rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias.

coniferous soil

This soil is often included in soil mixtures and is intended for many plants (for example, heather and orchids). Such soil is mined in coniferous forests. The needles of spruce, pine and fir, when decomposed, turn into loose and acidic soil. When collecting coniferous land, it is necessary to remove the top layer - it is still unsuitable for compiling soil mixtures and growing plants. You only need to use the second bottom layer.

fern roots

Crushed and dried fern roots are a valuable nutrient component in the preparation of soil mixtures.

Moss

Some of the old parts of the sphagnum marsh plant die off, fall off, and eventually form high-moor peat. Harvesting of sphagnum is carried out in September - October. First, it is cleared of large branches and other unnecessary components. Then crushed, thoroughly dried and steamed. Such preparation is necessary for the disinfection of the soil. Harmful insects die, which means that there will be no danger to the growth and development of plants in the future. After the preventive measures taken, the moss is ready for use.

Moss is part of many potting mixes and makes them loose and able to retain the required moisture for a while.

river sand

Flower shops offer various types of sand (coarse, medium and fine), but you can also collect it on the river bank. Sand must be prepared before use. First, it is desirable to sift it, get rid of various debris and large stones and clean it well from dirt with clean water.

Almost all soil mixtures contain sand, as it makes the soil breathable, prevents it from compacting and caking, and perfectly passes water, although it does not contain any nutrients.

Soil mixtures with such a sand additive are necessary for growing almost all types of palms and cacti.

Charcoal or Ash

Coal and ash are used to disinfect the roots of plants, as well as to heal cuts on branches and stems. This component prevents the formation of rot, as it is a natural antiseptic. The most commonly used charcoal is left after burning aspen or birch branches.

Almost every soil mixture contains at least 5% crushed charcoal. Coal increases the water permeability of the soil and its friability. Charcoal blends are essential for growing cacti, orchids and many other indoor plants.

When harvesting components for the soil mixture, you have to collect the earth in different places: in the forest, in the meadow, in the field and on the river bank. Naturally, in the composition of such land there is a large number of various insects and their larvae, fungal spores, which can cause fungal diseases. In order to avoid problems in the future when growing plants, it is necessary to prepare such soil before use. It is recommended to carry out mandatory heat treatment in the form of steaming.

Choose a large container, pour a small layer of well-moistened sand (about 3-4 centimeters) on the bottom, and all the components of the future soil mixture on top. Place the container on a small fire for heating and steaming. Wet sand, when heated, will release steam, which will gradually warm the rest of the mixture. It will take about one hour to warm up a ten-liter container.

There is one significant drawback in such processing - this is the absolute death of beneficial microorganisms that are vital for the growth and development of plants. Not a single organic top dressing is able to be absorbed by plants without them. It will take some time and patience to fix this problem. When at least 30 days have passed after planting the indoor flower, you can start settling the soil with new useful "residents".

Saturation of the soil with important microorganisms should be carried out gradually and try to maintain their number. Live microorganisms are contained in many special preparations and organic supplements. Specialized stores for gardeners and flower growers offer to use the Ecostyle, Baikal, Vostok EM-1 and Vozrozhdenie tools for these purposes.

As a soil disinfecting procedure, you can try freezing or treating with chemicals. Chemicals will destroy all harmful bacteria and fungal spores and get rid of infectious diseases. And after freezing the soil, its structure even improves.

Soil acidity

The degree of soil acidity plays an important role in the development of plants. Growth, abundance of flowering culture, its adaptability to life and the ability to resist pests and diseases depend on its level.

For some representatives of the flora, the soil needs poor and acidic soil, for others it is fertile and saturated with a large number of effective microorganisms, with moderate or neutral acidity. For example, alkaline soil is necessary for plants growing on rocky mountain slopes, and slightly acidic soil is suitable for most plants.

Soil pH can be determined in two ways:

• Using special litmus paper
• With a soil meter

When buying ready-made substrates, acidity is determined by the digital indicators on the package:

• pH over 8 - strongly alkaline
• pH 7 to 8 - alkaline
• pH 6 to 7 - neutral
• pH 5 to 6 - slightly acidic
• pH 4 to 5 - acidic
• pH 3 to 4 - strongly acidic

A soil acidity meter will show more accurate data on the selected substrate, and litmus paper will show the result using a color indicator. A special color scale is offered. It is necessary to place a litmus test on the surface of a well-moistened soil and press hard for a few seconds, and then compare the result with the proposed scale. In the presence of slightly alkaline soil, the paper will turn blue, in neutral soil it will turn light green or blue, in slightly acidic soil it will turn yellow, in acidic soil it will turn pink, and in strongly acidic soil it will turn red.

How to prepare the right substrate for plants