PSA: Seed starting mix vs regular potting soil for seedlings is no contest

I tried starting my tomatoes in regular potting soil last spring and they all got leggy and damped off within 2 weeks. Switched to a proper seed starting mix for my peppers this year and they are way stockier with thicker stems after just 10 days. The difference is the finer texture and lack of big bark chunks that hold too much water. Has anyone else had better luck with one mix over another for specific plants?

2 comments

2 Comments

harper9145d ago

You mentioned the bark chunks causing water retention issues - did you notice that being more of a problem with certain potting soil brands more than others?

aaron_perry5d ago

@harper914 yeah I feel you on that one. It's so frustrating when you think you've got a good bag of soil and it ends up holding water like a sponge. I've noticed it more with the cheaper big box store brands honestly. That one with the yellow and green bag, I forget the name, but it was full of those big bark chunks and the roots just stayed wet way too long. The more expensive stuff at the garden center seems to have finer bark that breaks down better and drains faster.