DIY Network

Greenhouse Gardening: Soil Mix Soil secrets for a successful greenhouse From "Weekend Gardening" episode WKG-413

The first two hours of this level-1 project has been spent preparing this greenhouse for plants. The preparation continues with a custom-blended soil mixture (and some helpful soil-related tips).

advertisement

The components of custom-blended soil mix

Time spent so far: 2 hours.

Custom-blended soil mixes are crucial to any greenhouse.

• Peat moss added to soil increases its water-holding capacity.

• Perlite is used to make soil light and airy and to enhance soil drainage; it also adds water-retaining properties.

• Coarse sand adds heft and enhances soil drainage.

• Manure increases soil fertility.

Greenhouse cleanliness is a must; old potting soil should never be reused as it can introduce pests into the greenhouse.

Dead plant materials should be removed immediately from the greenhouse.

Pots should never be reused without thorough cleaning. Sterilization is crucial to keeping plants free from pests. A thorough soaking for 10 minutes in a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach, followed by a good scrub, will clean most pots. Mineral deposits remaining on clay pots can also be removed with a commercial solution such as CLR.

Time spent: 3 hours.

Time spent so far: 5 hours.

RESOURCES :

Ace Hardware Supplies
To locate the nearest Ace Hardware to your home, click here.
Ace Hardware
2200 Kensington Ct.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2100
Toll-free: 866-290-5334
Website: www.acehardware.com

Plants from Ball Horticultural Company
Various plant material
Ball Horticulture Company
Website: www.simplybeautifulgardens.com

Soil Amendments
Soil amendments
Whitney Farms
Website: www.whitneyfarms.com

Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com

DeWalt power tools
DeWalt
Website: www.dewalt.com/us/core/

Landscaping Services by D&J Landscaping
D & J Landscaping
E-mail: DJLandscaping@sbcglobal.net

Plants from Hines Horticulture
Website: www.hineshort.com

Greenhouse equipment
EnviroCept Greenhouses, Etc.
Website: www.greenhouses-etc.net

Planting box composite wood
The Trex Company
Website: www.trex.com