As the cooler weather of fall sets in, our container plants are beginning to wither
. Many container gardeners will simply discard the potting soil from the containers. This is an incredible waste when it's so easy to rejuvenate the soil, preparing it for use next year.
The average 10 pound bag of ordinary potting soil can cost from $6 to $12 on average. If you are a container gardener you know how quickly those bags of soil can be used up. By recycling that potting soil you can save some of your hard earned dollars for other things. Like more plants! I had to throw that in because my wife always says I have too many plants. How can anyone have too many plants?
To recycle and rejuvenate the soil from your containers you'll need a plastic tub with a lid. I find a plastic storage bin with a tight fitting lid works about the best. You'll be storing the soil for the winter months, making a lid a very good idea.
You will also need a bag of compost with Humus. A 40 pound bag at most garden centers will cost $8 to $10 dollars. It is important that you get the compost with Humus, as the Humus is the key. For most container gardeners, one 40 pound bag will be more than enough.
Once the plants have been removed from the containers, pour the soil into the plastic bin. You want to fill the bin to about half full. Once this is done you will add about 1/4 of the compost. About 10 pounds. Now you want to mix it all thoroughly. Your hands work best for this. Wear rubber gloves if you don't want your hands in the Humus. You can also mix in a bit of dry grass clippings if you wish.
Place the cover on the bin and place it in the basement, or anyplace that doesn't freeze. In the spring you'll have rich healthy soil for your container garden.
I have used this system for several years with great results. Instead of spending over $100 for potting soil as I did in the past, I now spend about $10 per year.