Potting Soil Recipe for Woody Plants and Perennials

This long-lasting mixture is the perfect medium for long-term plants

By Rita Randolph Fine Gardening - Issue 125

This video is only available to All Access members

This video is available online for the first time ever exclusively for All Access members. Sign up for a free trial to access our entire collection of videos, articles, and plant records.

Start Your Free Trial

Most Popular

The Recipe
1 part peat moss
1 part composted bark
1 part compost
1 part sand
1 part perlite

If the mix clumps together and the compost you use is heavy, add more perlite to ensure good drainage. Use extra compost or bark when growing more mature plants, but don’t make it too rich for young plants—it could damage their delicate roots and stems.

This article is only available to Fine Gardening members

Get our latest tips, how-to articles, and instructional videos sent to your inbox.

View Comments

Comments

Log in or become a member to post a comment on this article.

Start Your FREE Trial Log in

The Latest

Collection

Tips and Tricks for Starting Perennial and Vegetable Seeds

Have you considered starting your own plants from seed this year? Seed starting can be really gratifying, but it's also a decent amount of work. What are you hoping to…

Northern California Regional Reports

January Rose-Care Regimen for Northern California

Winter is the coldest and wettest time of year here in Northern California, and January is usually the quietest month of all for most gardeners. For the budding or seasoned…

Northwest Regional Reports

Beautiful Berries for Winter Interest

Winter walks are a great way to beat cabin fever and see plants from a different perspective. You might even discover something new while you’re on a walk! On a…

Garden Photo of the Day

Sharing Gardening Love

Today’s photos come from Margarita Chmykhalova. When I let her know I’d be posting her photos on the GPOD, she responded, "Awesome! Husband and I would be thrilled to share…