Growing plants is enjoyable, but getting the right mixture is difficult for most beginners. So, what are the components of the right soil mix?
Learn about the components of a healthy soil mix first.
- Coco peat – derived from the pith found within coconut husks. Peat, a natural antifungal, also holds much more water and slowly releases it to plant roots. Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for starting seedlings. It is used in the potting mix as a soil amendment.
- Vermicompost – an excellent compost for organic gardening. It is not only high in nutrients, but it is also high in microorganisms. It is frequently mixed with potting soil to improve garden soil nutrients.
- Garden soil – the common soil found in our gardens or purchased from a nursery.
- Compost soil – is rich in beneficial microbes and has a high water-holding capacity and nutrient content. Make compost with the proper formula.
- Burnt rice husk – improves soil water and nutrient retention. It is also a slow-release fertiliser that provides nutrients for an extended period of time. When it comes to correcting soil acidity, it reacts faster than traditional limestone.
The Perfect Soil Mix
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution! You can modify the recipes to suit your soil and weather conditions.
This is Sabah. Our drought season typically occurs in March and April, with the rainy season lasting from November to January. The weather pattern has changed dramatically in recent years as a result of climate change. For example, we didn’t have a Pacific typhoon until late July this year. The drought is also getting worse. The average temperature has risen to more than 38°C.
The Seed Germination Recipe
Since coco peat can hold water, it is smart to use more of it when there is a drought or when seeds are starting to grow.
In a large pot, combine five scoops of coco peat, three scoops of compost soil with vermicompost, and two scoops of garden soil. Combine them thoroughly.
The Basic Potting Soil Recipe
The same is true for the potting mix when using coco peat.
Blend four scoops of garden soil, four scoops of compost soil with vermicompost, and two scoops of coco peat to make the potting mix. With this mix, you can grow any plant.
During the rainy season, reduce the coco peat to one scoop and add one part of the sand soil.
Following that, you may want to rotate your plants to improve their resistance to pests, diseases, and fungi.
What about fertiliser addition?
Natural fertiliser is included in the ideal homemade potting soil recipe. I use a variety of natural fertilizers, such as chicken and goat manure, seaweed extract pallets, and composted coffee grounds.
Before we apply any fertiliser, we must first understand the advantages of NPK. NPK is an abbreviation for Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Kelp. Nitrogen is good for plant growth. Phosphorus encourages root growth, whereas potassium aids in flowering and fruit formation.
For fruit formation, the recommended NPK during transplant is 3-1-4 and 7-3-10.
During the transplant, I use chicken manure or seaweed extract as a base fertiliser. When I notice the first signs of a flower, I apply organic fruiting fertiliser to encourage fruit formation. For the chilli, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and radish, I would add composted coffee grounds.