Everything you need to know about reusing potting soil for plant health

Whether you’re enhancing your spring flowers or planting this season’s harvest, potting soil is a necessity to guarantee your plants will get the nutrients they need to thrive. You can reuse potting soil each season, which can be cost-friendly, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when reusing potting soil.

Reusing potting soil

Mostly made from in-ground soil, potting soil contains dirt, just like what you’d find in your yard. It has mineral elements, but is often fortified with organic products to increase its nutritional value for your plants. These organic matters help the soil get the nutrients it needs to establish your seeds, maintain moisture, and create the healthiest environment for your plants.

While you can reuse potting soil, you need to note that over time, this organic matter begins to break down from decomposition. When these ingredients start to degrade, the pH balance starts to deteriorate along with the nutrients, and the current potting soil becomes less effective. One of the easiest ways to reuse potting soil is to add it to existing flower beds or compost bins. Mixing it with new, outside soil will help refresh it and add more nutrients from all the organic compost in your bin.

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Tips for reusing potting soil

Instead of tossing the potting soil out or replacing it every year, learn these ways to refresh your potting soil:

Let the soil breathe: Because the soil has been in your plant containers for too long, take it out, spread it out and let it dry. Dry soil is easy to sift through and break down.
Add Nutrients to the potting soil: After your soil dries, you’ll need a few optional things, such as organic ingredients to rejuvenate the soil, like using organic fertiliser or adding the soil to a compost bin.
Store the soil properly: If you are not going to use the soil immediately, store it properly for the next growing season.