Creating Great Potting Soil For Hanging Baskets & Containers

by Brett Kerley

Creating the perfect potting soil mix for hanging baskets and containers is key to growing healthy, thriving plants. When growing plants in containers, the right soil ensures proper drainage, aeration, and moisture retention, all of which are vital for plant health. When I worked for a major greenhouse, we’d only use Promix potting soil, but that was due to time constraints for getting plants potted up. A better option is to mix your own. I’ve put together some guidelines to help you create the best custom mix for your hanging baskets and containers.

Before diving into the specifics of mixing potting soil, it’s important to understand its key components:

• Peat moss: A common base ingredient, peat moss retains moisture and helps aerate the soil. It’s particularly good for lightweight mixes.
• Coco coir: A sustainable alternative to peat moss, coco coir retains moisture and is a good aerator.
• Perlite or vermiculite: These are used to increase aeration and improve drainage in the soil mix.
• Compost: Provides nutrients and helps support beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
• Soil conditioner: A soil amendment that can improve texture, nutrient content, and moisture retention.

For hanging baskets and containers, it’s crucial to ensure that your mix holds enough moisture for plant roots while still draining well to prevent root rot.

Here are some essential factors to keep in mind when preparing your potting soil for containers and hanging baskets:

• Lightness: Hanging baskets often have limited root space, so a lightweight mix is essential. Avoid heavy garden soil, which can compact and become too dense for container growth.
• Good Drainage: Without proper drainage, water will accumulate at the bottom, drowning plant roots. Ensure that your mix contains ingredients like perlite, vermiculite, or sand to encourage good water movement.
• Moisture Retention: Container plants need consistent moisture. Your mix should retain enough water to keep plants hydrated, especially in sunny spots where containers can dry out quickly.
• Nutrient Availability: Hanging baskets and containers have a limited soil volume, so nutrients deplete faster. Ensure your mix includes organic matter like compost or worm castings for continuous nutrient availability.

A good potting mix for containers and hanging baskets should include a balanced blend of ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

perlite and vermiculite

Basic Potting Soil Recipe:

• 2 parts peat moss or coco coir: These ingredients provide the foundational moisture retention and structure.
• 1 part perlite or vermiculite: These improve aeration and drainage, ensuring the soil doesn’t compact and allows water to move freely.
• 1 part compost: Provides nutrients and beneficial microorganisms for healthier plant growth.

Optional Additions for Specialized Needs:

• Slow-release fertilizer: Add about 1 tablespoon of slow-release fertilizer per gallon (4 litres) of soil to feed plants over time. This is especially useful in hanging baskets, where plants often need a boost.
• Organic matter or worm castings: For an extra boost in nutrients, add 10% worm castings to the mix. This helps plants stay healthy throughout the growing season.
• Cactus or succulent mix (for drought-tolerant plants): If you’re planting succulents or cacti in your container, use a mix that’s heavier on sand or grit for better drainage.

Different plants have different requirements, so adjusting your potting mix based on the types of plants you are growing can make a big difference:

• Flowering plants and herbs: These plants typically prefer a balanced mix with plenty of organic matter. Adding a small amount of slow-release fertilizer can encourage vibrant blooms and healthy foliage.
• Vegetables and fruits: For containers with edible plants, it’s essential to have a rich soil mix with good fertility. Incorporate compost or a balanced organic fertilizer into the mix for better yields.
• Succulents and cacti: These plants require excellent drainage. A gritty, well-draining mix is key to preventing rot. Mix in extra sand, perlite, or pumice.

• 

  Soil moist around the roots

  Choose quality containers: Make sure your hanging baskets or containers have drainage holes. This prevents water from pooling at the bottom and causing root rot.

• Watering strategy: Hanging baskets often dry out faster than containers on the ground, so monitor them closely. Consider using a self-watering system or adding moisture-retaining crystals to the mix. One that I like is called Soil Moist Granules, you can purchase it from your local greenhouse or from Amazon.
• Replenish nutrients: Since containers have limited soil, plants in hanging baskets deplete nutrients faster. Feed with a liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer as necessary to maintain plant health. Miracle Gro Shake n’ Feed works well and will last up to 3 months.

Potting soil in hanging baskets and containers can degrade over time, so it’s important to refresh it annually. If the soil appears compacted or depleted of nutrients, replace a portion of the mix or add fresh compost. If you’re using hanging baskets for several seasons, adding organic matter will restore essential nutrients and keep the soil structure intact. Every few seasons I’d throw all of the soil out from my hanging baskets into my compost bin and start fresh, but you still need to freshen them up every year.

Creating great potting soil for hanging baskets and containers requires understanding your plants’ needs for moisture, nutrients, and drainage. By combining the right ingredients, adjusting for specific plant types, and maintaining your soil throughout the growing season, you’ll set your plants up for success. With the right care, your hanging baskets and containers will bloom beautifully, providing a vibrant addition to your home or garden.
Remember, don’t let your dreams or your soil dry out! Happy gardening everyone!