How to reuse old potting soil and improve it

  • Reusing old soil can save you money and be more sustainable
  • It is essential to enrich old soil with compost or humus.
  • Sterilization is key to avoiding pests and fungi

Old soil from pots

Do you have several pots with plants that are past their prime and you don't know what to do with the soil left in them? Don't worry, there's no need to throw it away. There are many methods to take advantage of, revitalize and reuse used soil from pots, even if it's in poor condition. It's important to know the correct ways to do it to avoid problems such as pests or diseases when you decide to replant in those same pots.

Old potting soil can be a valuable source for new plantings if it is worked in the right way. In this article, We are going to teach you different techniques to reuse it, from removing root remains to how to disinfect it from possible pathogens. In addition, we will offer you options to improve its quality by using compost, humus and other homemade additives. Don't throw away more soil, learn how to give it a new life!

What to do with the old potting soil?

Fertile land

When a plant dies or has spent too much time in a pot, the soil becomes depleted. The plants consume the nutrients in the substrate, and the substrate gradually loses its properties. But that doesn't mean you should throw away that soil. In fact, you can reuse it in most cases.

Steps to revitalize used land

  • Initial inspection: The first thing you should do is check the soil carefully. If you notice any roots, branches or dead plant matter, remove them. Sift the soil with your hands to make sure it is clean. This step is essential to avoid future unpleasant surprises such as pests or diseases.
  • Eliminate compaction problems: If the soil is too compact, it is advisable to break up large clumps with a rake or your hands. Compact soil will not allow for proper drainage or facilitate the growth of new plants. If it is too compacted, you can add materials to improve its flexibility, such as sand or perlite.
  • Sterilization: If any of your plants have suffered from pests or diseases, it is possible that the soil is contaminated. In this case, it is best to carry out a sterilization process. A safe technique is “solarization,” which consists of placing the soil in a plastic bag and leaving it under the sun for at least 48 hours. In this way, the heat will eliminate most pathogens.

Homemade methods to improve the soil

There are several home methods you can put into practice to improve the soil in your pots. Try them out:

Compost application

One of the best ways to enrich old soil is to add compost. You can make a simple mix of 50% used soil and 50% fresh compostBefore doing so, make sure your compost is well sifted to remove any undecomposed matter.

Earthworm humus

Another excellent additive is the earthworm humus, which not only improves the quality of the land, but also makes it more fertile. The ideal proportion would be Add about 10% worm humus to the old substrate.

Coconut fibers or perlite

Coir

If your soil is very dense or has a very heavy texture, adding coconut fiber or perlite is an excellent option. These materials improve water retention and facilitate drainage, allowing the roots to have oxygen. In addition, these additives are relatively inexpensive and easy to find.

What to do if the soil has fungus or bugs?

Sometimes, when we reuse soil from a pot, we may find bugs or even fungi. If you find that your soil has this type of problem, it is a good idea to clean it before reusing it. To do this, you can follow these steps:

  1. Spray with hot water: Cook boiling water and pour it over the soil to eliminate any pests or fungi.
  2. Cover with plastic: After applying the hot water, cover the pot with plastic and leave it in the sun for 10-12 days.
  3. Check and add compost: After this time, make sure there are no signs of fungus or insects and add compost or worm castings to reactivate the soil.

Other ways to reuse soil in good condition

Not all used soil needs such a thorough treatment. If the plant that was previously in the pot was healthy and the soil simply seems exhausted, you can use some simpler methods.

  • Adding volume to large containers: If you have large pots, the used soil can serve as filler at the bottom of the pot. You can reserve the richer, more nutritious soil for the top where the roots will develop, while the bottom filler can be less fertile used soil.
  • Mix with compost for new pots: If you don't have space for a garden, you can mix old soil with compost and use it for transplant plantsAs the soil will still have some quality, especially if it has been used little, it is perfect to combine it with compost.

What if you don't have a garden?

If you live in a space without a garden, such as an apartment, you don't have to throw away used soil. There are several options to continue using it without having to throw it away:

  • Community subscription: Many cities have compost and organic waste collection points. Check if it is possible to deliver used soil to one of these points.
  • Donations to nurseries: Some local nurseries or cooperatives accept used soil as a donation, especially if it is in good condition.

Common mistake when reusing soil

How to reuse the soil from your dead plants

One of the most common mistakes made when reusing potting soil is use it directly without amending itWhile it may seem like you're saving money, the truth is that a plant grown in unsuitable soil will tend to atrophy, and the amount of fertilizer you'll need to use doesn't offset the initial savings.

Therefore, it is essential that you always amend the soil before reusing it, mixing it with compost, worm castings and other materials that nourish and aerate it. You should not plant directly in old soil without this prior step, as you will seriously affect the development of your plants.

What to do if the soil is badly damaged?

There are times when, despite our efforts, the land may be too degraded. If the soil is greyish in colour, has a bad smell or shows no signs of life, it is best to throw it away or use it as fill. in flowerbeds or borders where you do not need very fertile soil.

Another option is to add a significant amount of homemade compost or humus to revitalize it, although this process will take longer to give results the worse the soil is.

Always take advantage of your resources whenever you can. Reusing old soil is a great way to save money and be more sustainable. in your garden or orchard. With the right techniques, you can give new life to that land that, at first, would seem useless.


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