Can We Put Plants Outside with Indoor Potting Soil?

Potting soil is carefully mixed to offer plants the right growing conditions: drainage, nutrients, and good aeration. Although originally created for indoor plants, many gardeners have used indoor potting soil for outdoor plants with success. However, the question that still remains is whether it is truly safe to use indoor potting soil for outdoor plantings.

What Is Indoor Potting Soil?

Indoor potting soil, as opposed to garden soil which is heavier, is lighter and composed of a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, sand, perlite and/or some bark. This soil type is designed to promote root growth and drainage while providing the necessary nutrients for potted indoor plants.

Is Indoor Potting Soil Safe for Outdoor Use?

While indoor potting soil works for outdoor use, it’s important to know that this type of soil can become waterlogged if too much water is introduced around the plants. Unlike garden soil that has a more robust structure, indoor potting soil is lighter and does not have the same drainage capacity. If you live in an area with consistent heavy rainfall, you may want to consider using garden soil instead to prevent waterlogging around the roots.

What Are the Advantages of Using Indoor Potting Soil Outside?

One of the main advantages of using indoor potting soil outside is that it is lightweight and easy to handle. The mixture is created to be light and airy, allowing for good drainage and better root growth in plants. Also, indoor potting soil is available year-round, making it a convenient option for those who may not have easy access to garden soil.

Another benefit of using indoor potting soil outside is that potted plants can be moved indoors during winter months. Outdoor garden soil is difficult to use for indoor plants because it attracts bugs and pests, causing damage to both indoor plants and walls or flooring. Using indoor potting soil makes it easier to transition plants from outdoors to indoors without the added risk of bugs and other pests.

How to Use Indoor Potting Soil Outside?

When using indoor potting soil outside, make sure to mix it with a quality garden soil for better drainage and aeration. Adding in compost or aged manure can also help to increase soil fertility for better plant growth. Be mindful of the amount of watering you do since indoor potting soil retains moisture for longer than outdoor garden soil. As mentioned earlier, too much water can lead to waterlogging and root rot.

Conclusion

Ultimately, indoor potting soil can be used outside as long as it is combined with outdoor garden soil or mixed with good drainage materials to prevent waterlogging. While indoor potting soil is an excellent option for indoor plants, it is not recommended that it be used alone for outdoor planting purposes. As with any soil type, be sure to monitor water levels and fertilize accordingly for the best plant growth results.