Adding healthy soil to your indoor garden is the best way to get the most out of your plants and grow beautiful, lush, and vibrant vegetation. Using organic soil will keep your indoor garden free from toxins and make maintenance a breeze.
If you are interested in learning more about organic soil and how it can positively affect your indoor garden, read on! We will discuss the advantages of organic soil, what it does to your plants, and even how to make it yourself.
Table of Contents
What is Organic Garden Soil?
Before we can get into the advantages of organic gardening for indoor plants, we must discuss organic garden soil compared to regular garden soil.
Organic garden soil is composed of natural ingredients such as plant manure, animal manure, worm castings, and compost. There are no chemicals or toxic pesticides involved that can harm your health.
Why Should You Use Organic Garden Soil?
Now that you know what organic garden soil is, let’s take a quick look at why these specific soils can improve your indoor garden and its growth.
1. Nutrients and Macronutrients
Organic soil is full of the much-needed nutrients your plant requires to thrive and grow successfully.
When soil does not have the right amount of nutrients, your plant will start to droop, the leaves will discolor and wilt, and growth will stop. The plant may even die. Organic soil amendments or organic fertilizer can help, but good organic garden soil is the best place to start.
The three main nutrients provided by organic garden soil are:
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorous
- Sulfur
Nitrogen aids in the development of the stem and the plant’s chlorophyll, giving it strength and the beautiful green colors you see as it grows.
Phosphorus and sulfur aid in photosynthesis (among other things), which gives your plant the energy it needs to remain healthy and strong.
These nutrients will also help break down rotting materials. This makes them easier for microorganisms to digest, thus removing potentially hazardous waste from your garden.
2. Water Retention
Water is one of the essential elements required to sustain plant life. Without enough water, your garden will not survive, let alone thrive. Some soils cannot hold moisture for long, requiring frequent watering on your part.
If you are unable to water your garden as often as it needs, especially during warmer months, you are going to start noticing problems quickly.
The compounds in the organic soil increase moisture retention and provide a consistent flow of water and organic material to your plant’s roots.
If you were using regular soil and have recently switched to organic, you probably noticed that you don’t have to water your garden as frequently as before.
3. Aeration (Provides Ample Oxygen to Your Plants)
Organic materials are thicker than regular soils, creating more air pockets throughout your herb, flower, or vegetable garden. These pockets allow more oxygen to flow through the dirt and reach the plant root.
Another reason to use aerated soil is to aid in drainage. It prevents water from pooling around the roots and stem of a healthy plant.
If your roots sit in settled water for too long, it can lead to root rot and damage the entire plant, possibly infecting the whole garden.
4. Non-Toxic
If you are worried about the chemicals used in fresh fruits and vegetables, organic soil will give you peace of mind. All compounds are non-toxic, meaning everything you grow is safe to consume.
Even if your indoor garden only contains flowers, organic soil is still the healthier option.
Do you have children or pets in the home? Most of us do, and a lot of the fertilizers and soils used for indoor plants can be toxic and harmful if ingested. They can cause irritation to the skin and eyes if touched.
Using organic soil will help eliminate the chances of someone you love being exposed to dangerous chemicals.
5. Superior Flavor
If you ask anyone who practices organic gardening or has eaten organically-grown produce, they will likely say the flavor is incomparable to those grown with native or regular soil.
Why? A vegetable garden requires a certain amount of nutrients to grow to its optimal state. Using basic soils in the garden bed results in veggies with less flavor. Using organic materials packed with vitamins and minerals will guarantee your garden gets the nutrition it needs.
If you give your garden the love and care it requires, you are going to reap the rewards in a more palatable plant.
Adding Organic Materials into your Garden Soil
While it may be easier to purchase organic garden soil for your indoor plants, you can also make your own by utilizing organic materials that are easily accessible to you. Here are different types of organic matter frequently used in soils.
Compost
Do you have a compost pile at your house? A place to dump your food waste, such as apple peels or rotting vegetables? If so, this is a great way to add important nutrient-rich ingredients to your indoor garden.
Many people set up their compost station for the sole purpose of using it to aid in their plant and garden growth.
Aged Manure
If you live on a farm or near one and have access to aged animal manure, add it to your indoor garden’s soil for nutrient-rich components.
The most frequently used manure includes:
- Horse
- Sheep
- Goat
- Cow
- Pig
- Chicken
Chicken manure is considered the best because it is so high in nitrogen.
Leaves, Grass, Brush (Green Manure)
Decaying greens is another excellent nitrogen source and will be valuable to your indoor organic soil. The next time you are mowing the lawn or raking your leaves, set some aside to add to an organic compost pile.
The Best Organic Soils for Indoor Gardens
If you decide that purchasing your organic soil is a better option, we’ve compiled a list of our top five favorite options.
These organic soils have great reviews, are made of quality materials, and are affordable for most budgets.
- Organic Plant Magic, Compressed Potting Soil
- The Good Earth Organics, Zen Blend Premium Potting Soil
- Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix
- Organic Potting Mix by Perfect Plants for All Plant Types
- Air Cleaning Indoor Plant Soil Mixture
These are some great options but they are certainly not the only ones. If we’ve piqued your interest in organic soil, do some research and find which products are ideal for your specific indoor garden and the plants you choose to grow.
Reach out to your local farmers, 4-H branch, or Home & Garden departments to get advice on the best options for you.
Using organic garden soil is the best way to keep you and your family safe and give your plants the nutrition they need to thrive.
Summing Things Up
Whether you decide to purchase pre-made organic soils or plan on making your own, you won’t be disappointed in the outcome of your indoor garden. Consider one of the products listed above or create compost with the suggested materials and watch your garden flourish.
References:
6 Benefits of Adding Organic Matter To Your Garden Soil (foodcycler.com)
Top Five Benefits To Growing Organic Gardens (gardeningknowhow.com)