HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN POTTING MIX FOR GARDENS - Gardening for Beginners 2020 - Greenhouse Growing

I used potting soil, vermerculite, old soil with fertilizer in it from last year, coco core, worm castings, 2 filters of coffee grinds and a ...

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN POTTING MIX FOR GARDENS - Gardening for Beginners 2020 - Greenhouse Growing" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN POTTING MIX FOR GARDENS - Gardening for Beginners 2020 - Greenhouse Growing

🌱 Coco coir, derived from coconut husks, is an essential component for creating a fertile and aerated potting mix suitable for starting seeds or growing plants.

🍃 The video emphasizes the use of organic ingredients, like earthworm castings, kelp meal, alfalfa meal, and organic potting soil, to enrich the homemade soil mixture.

🌦️ Collecting rainwater is a sustainable practice highlighted in the video for moistening the coco coir and aiding its expansion.

☕ Adding used coffee grounds to the soil mix can improve soil structure and provide plants with essential nutrients.

🌼 Incorporating old potting soil from hanging baskets, which already contains time-release fertilizer, can contribute to the nutrient content and recycling of resources in the new soil mix.

💪 The process of making your own soil not only requires physical work but is also presented as an enjoyable and fulfilling activity.

🌿 The video stresses the importance of creating a porous and non-compact soil structure that holds moisture well and allows for proper aeration.

😊 The creator expresses a sense of community and learning by showcasing gratitude for other gardeners and their techniques, illustrating a supportive gardening network.

🌺 The mix is affectionately named "skinny boy Randy" potting mix, suggesting a personal touch and pride in the homemade product.

🌱 Encouraging viewers to engage in gardening, whether on a small patio or in a larger space, the video promotes the joys of watching plants grow and the personal growth that comes with gardening.

Timestamped Summary

00:14 The host, Skinny Boy Randy, explains he's going to make his own soil using various ingredients to maximize fertility and harvest readiness.

02:10 Introduction to coco coir, a soil ingredient made from the husk of coconuts, and its role in soil preparation.

03:56 Coco coir is watered and expands significantly, demonstrating its ability to retain moisture when used in soil mixes.

04:48 More water is added to the coco coir to fully expand the brick and prepare it for mixing with other soil components.

07:20 After the coco coir has expanded, Randy shows the texture and explains the benefits for plant growth, including aeration and moisture retention.

08:04 Organic potting soil is added to the mix, including its beneficial components like earthworm castings, kelp meal, and feather meal.

09:19 Randy incorporates worm castings (worm poop) to enrich the soil with nutrients and organic matter.

10:14 Coffee grounds are added as a source of nitrogen, followed by reusing soil from last year's hanging baskets, which includes time-release fertilizer.

11:53 The final soil mix is complete, with Randy expressing satisfaction with the quality and components of the mix.

12:03 Shoutouts to California Gardener and other gardening influencers who have inspired Randy.

13:35 Final look at the prepared soil, with Randy expressing confidence that seeds will grow well in this mix and encouraging viewers to grow their own food.

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Q&A

What is the purpose of making your own soil mix?

The purpose of making your own soil mix is to create the most fertile, prosperous, and harvesting-ready soil possible by using different ingredients.

What is coco coir and its benefits for plants?

Coco coir is the husk off of a coconut, often sold in a condensed brick form. It is beneficial for holding moisture, providing aeration, and preventing soil compaction, allowing for better root growth and plant health.

Can you reuse soil from previous years' hanging baskets?

Yes, you can reuse soil from previous years' hanging baskets as part of your new soil mix. This old soil can still be nutrient-rich and may contain time-release fertilizer.

What materials are used in the skinny boy Randy potting mix?

The skinny boy Randy potting mix includes coco coir, organic potting soil, worm castings, coffee grinds, and reused soil from hanging baskets.

Why are worm castings used in the soil mix, and what do they provide?

Worm castings, also known as worm poop, are used in the soil mix as a form of organic fertilizer. They provide essential nutrients and act as a natural soil conditioner, improving soil structure and fertility.

What is the purpose of adding coffee grinds to the soil mix?

Adding coffee grinds to the soil mix introduces organic matter that can improve soil fertility, structure, and moisture retention, as well as provide a mild, slow-releasing form of nitrogen to plants.

How do you moisten a coco coir brick to mix it into the soil?

To moisten a coco coir brick, you simply add water to it. The brick will absorb the water, expand, and break apart easily, allowing you to mix it into your soil.