I haven’t had too much trouble finding locally-produced potting soils at the garden store, but I’m unsure of how to determine quality / value compared to more well-known brands.

A couple years ago I bought a locally-made bag and it had literal plastic garbage mixed in, like someone scooped dirt out of a field and didn’t sift it at all. (Admittedly probably only a reflection on that particular product.)

I’ve also tried PROMIX and it was okay, though a bit expensive for the size of the bags I can find. (It also looks like that one is produced in Quebec but for an American company called Premier Tech.)

Has anyone used any Canadian-made potting soils in their garden? (e.g. For raised planters or pots, etc.)

  • ReannleggeEnglish
    4·
    4 days ago

    Take the dirt you have now and start doing compost depending on what you are growing in your pots check out fertilizers. I live in an apartment and rotate the soil I use every year, I will be adding fertilizers this year, you do not need to do it every year. I personally have a three bucket method first bucket is last years dirt and compost the next bucket is two years dirt rotated from the first bucket, and then the third bucket is from the second bucket but rotated.

    This is the first year I will have a third year bucket so I do not know if fertilizer is really needed but I may just add the fertilizer to make me feel good about my process.

    • HummingbirdOPEnglish
      1·
      4 days ago

      I also live in an apartment. How big is your three bucket system? (Is it literal buckets or something else?) I do have a tin full of compost going, though I only started it in the summer so it will be a while before it’s ready. Do you store the buckets on your balcony or in a storage room?

      I’ve been reusing soil unless the plant had a problem or pest. I’m just trying to scale up a bit this year so I need to buy more.

      • ReannleggeEnglish
        2·
        4 days ago

        I have 5 bins 1 in my front porch (I have a front and back that opens up to the world) 3 are used for compost 2 are used for planting things then I have a couple flower baskets a hanger thing and a few other pots. The bins I have are probably around 100L I do a lot of gardening, or at least I try my garlic and onions did not come up last season. My potatoes are always small, I can get lots of tomatoes hanging (they are little ones like tiny Tim’s) my lettuce is great, and my peas are beautiful, the few times I have done carrots they have not been that big but yummy. I am trying to think of what else I have grown but there has been a few things over the years.

        • HummingbirdOPEnglish
          2·
          3 days ago

          I only have one balcony, so I’m a bit limited for outdoor space. Thanks for sharing details of your setup, though. I’ll think about what I can do.

          Sounds like we’ve grown similar things. This year I’m trying to grow more tomatoes and peppers, since those have done the best for me (interior BC.) Various herbs too because those actually save me money. I’ve been wanting to make carrots happen, but they just haven’t been working out. (Though the little stunted ones I got tasted great.)