Potting soil

Potting soil

Whether for indoor or outdoor plants, for balconies or gardens, you are spoilt for choice here between a wide range of products such as universal, garden, flower, special sowing and indoor plant soils.

Universal soil is suitable for most plants. For the sake of the environment, the soil should not contain peat, but organic labels do not mean that the soil is peat-free. Peat is sometimes added to soils because of its good properties, but it is a non-renewable raw material from peatlands, where it forms the basis of life for plants and animals. Substitutes include compost, wood fiber, coconut fiber and bark. In the case of the Ricoter brand, it is also so-called beet wash soil, which is a by-product of sugar production in Frauenfeld.

In addition to universal soil, plant soil is suitable for general use. In many cases, the clay content is higher in potting soil. Potting soil is a humus-rich substrate mixed purely for flower borders. Plant-specific mixes such as cactus soil are also popular. Pure growing soil, which is as germ-free as possible, is used whenever fresh seeds are planted in the garden or new plant cuttings are to be placed there. Depending on which garden soil or plant soil mixture you choose, you can then add lime, sand or fertilizer to improve the quality of the soil.

What role does the pH of the soil play?
Some plants need acidic soils with a pH below 7. These include azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, blueberries and conifers. Potatoes and berries also grow best in slightly acidic soil. Other plants, including most vegetables, appreciate slightly higher, alkaline pH levels. However, only slight adjustments are possible. Acidic soils can be improved by adding lime. The pH of alkaline soils can be lowered with acidic fertilizer or by consistent watering with rainwater (pH 5.6).