Asking For Soil Purchasing Advice (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 month ago by Daryl76679@lemmy.ml to c/soilscience@slrpnk.net

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For all the time I spend looking at various techniques and growing tips, I know shockingly little about soil, especially when you buy it at a garden center. Lemmy has treated me quite well every time I've asked for gardening advice, so once again I come to all of you to ask: What exactly differentiates potting mix and in-ground soil? What should I be looking for when purchasing soil? Is the type I choose all that important? Enlighten me soil scientists, and add any other fun tidbits you think I should know.

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[-] Daryl76679@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 month ago

I am in the Caribbean with a pretty heavy clay soil. I mainly grow herbs like Cuban oregano, basil, sage, mint, lemongrass, etc. I also have some fruiting plants like tomatoes and some eggplants. I have some shady raised beds, and I also do a little growing in ground, but mainly I use pots. What I'm really trying to do is to build out some more raised beds and have enough soil for the sunnier pot-based growing space.

First thing first, just to be clear, it seems like you are looking for more of an editorial perspective?

I mean I'm not read at all on soil science literature, so while I'm not opposed to anything "scientific" you have to say, and in fact would be happy to learn, I would probably need to do some googling. Also sorry mate, but you are officially a soil scientist at this point.