Our guide will help you effortlessly weed out the undesirable mulches on the market.

First, compare the top ten mulches for vegetable gardens in our table, then scroll down for useful buying information as well as reviews of our three favorite mulches.

What Types of Mulch Are There?

When you have a vegetable garden, mulch can be your best friend. It serves so many purposes. It cuts back dramatically on the weeds you have to pull, saving you time and back-breaking labor.

Moisture is kept in the soil, especially during the hot summer days where your soil seems to dry out as soon as you water it. It alters the soil temperature, which you can use to your advantage when growing certain types of vegetables. Plus, it makes your garden look appealing, and it can protect your garden from diseases.

When it comes to materials you can use as mulch; the sky is the limit. However, the materials basically fall into two categories: organic or inorganic. The best mulch for vegetable garden purposes depends primarily on which type of mulch you want to use.

Organic Mulch

You can buy organic mulch for your vegetable garden, but you need to be aware that it will keep the soil cooler. Depending upon which part of the country you live in and what you’re trying to grow, this can be a good thing or a bad thing.

Some of the materials used in organic mulches include compost, pine needles, pieces of bark, straw, manure, peat moss, shells from nuts, and even sawdust.

When you’re using organic mulch, you want to make sure you order enough to spread around. What you’ll want is a layer that is somewhere around 2- to 4-inches thick, and you should remember to keep some on hand because organic mulch doesn’t last as long as most kinds of inorganic mulches do.

Inorganic Mulches

Inorganic mulches include items such as plastic, rubber (from old tires), or landscaping fabric. These mulches tend to last a long time.

When you pick out inorganic mulches, you should pay attention to the colors you use if you’ve had trouble growing vegetables in the past or you’re worried you don’t have a green thumb.

For instance, red plastic mulch helps tomatoes and strawberries grow well, while peppers do better with silver mulch.

If you live in a place that has extremely hot weather, you might want to go with a white mulch because it won’t make the soil any hotter, which could affect plant growth. You will, however, have excellent weed control.

3 Mulch options Vegetable Gardens

Thunder Acres 100 Percent Natural Wheat Straw

Kansas wheat straw makes a great all-natural mulch for vegetable gardens, and you can also use it to cultivate mushrooms.

Not only will this best mulch for vegetable garden contender keep the weeds at bay if you put a nice thick layer over your vegetable garden, but you won’t have to worry about any harmful by-products or chemicals leaching into the soil you grow your food in.

As an added perk, this straw can be used for many other things as well, if you have any left after you’re done spreading it in your vegetable garden. It can work as bedding for outdoor animals, and it makes a great decoration when the fall season comes around.

This pack comes in 4 pounds, but it can also be purchased in 8-pound packages and 12-pound packages.

Pine Straw Pine Mulch

This may be a bit on the expensive side, but it covers up to 200 square feet when you spread it at a 2- to 3-inch depth. In order words, you’ll get a lot of pine needles when you order this.

These aren’t tiny pieces of pine either; these pine needles measure about 9 inches long each.

This product is good in vegetable gardens because it helps the soil stay in a temperature range – it protects the soil against wild variations in temperatures. That’s important to protect your investment in the spring after you’ve already planted all your vegetables.

It will arrive dry, not wet, which means you’ll be able to spread the needles around easily without them clumping.

These pine needs won’t blow away during heavy winds or rains. They’ll stay where you put them, protecting against weeds all season long.

Hydrofarm Plant! Organic Coco Coir Planting Chips

These Coco Coir chips will retain moisture, which is good news if you live in dry, arid regions. It will cut down on how often you have to water your plants, and less work in the garden is always a good thing. It will give you more time to find some delicious recipes you can use to spotlight the great produce you’re growing.

In addition, this mulch will resist fungus, which will keep your vegetables healthy.

Because these chips feel so light, they’re easy to carry without breaking out the wheelbarrow or feeling like you just had a rough day at the gym. The package covers two cubic feet, and it weighs under 10 pounds. Carrying that weight should be doable for most gardeners who grow vegetables.

This mulch comes in a hard block. To put the mulch down without having to break chunks of the block off with a knife, you’ll want to soak the mulch first.

The post Mulch for Vegetable Gardens appeared first on Garden Consumers.

The pH level of your soil might be sabotaging your chances for healthy plants. You can also get additional benefits from getting a combination meter. The combo meters also measure the soil moisture level which is very beneficial for indoor plants that need more care.

We are a professional reader-supported review site. You get our best product recommendations and we can receive small commissions from our affiliates at no cost to you. Win-Win!!

Current Best Selling pH Testers

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Kit (3.5-9 Range) | 100 Soil pH Tester Strips - Test Soil Acidity and...	$12.98	View on Amazon*
2		SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester Gardening Tool Kits for Plant Care,...	$9.99	View on Amazon*
3		AiGerdinn Soil Test Kit, 2-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter, Soil pH Meter -Dual Dial-Simultaneously-Display...	$13.99	View on Amazon*
4		Soil Moisture Meter,4-in-1 Soil Ph Meter, Soil Tester for Moisture, Light,Nutrients, pH,Soil Ph Test...	$29.99 $15.99	View on Amazon*
5		4-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter Digital Plant Temperature/Soil Moisture/PH Meter/Sunlight...	$21.98	View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 19:36 EST

*Price from:  2024-03-31 at 01:38 EST

What’s a Good pH Number?

The pH of a soil is shown by a numbered scale which goes from 1 to 14. Any number below 7 is known as acidic soil. Anything above 7 means your soil is alkaline. The Goldilocks zone, which is the pH that is just right for most plants, goes from 6.2 to 7.2. Although there are some plants that do better with strongly acidic or strongly alkaline soil, the majority of plants will be best served by a slightly acidic to neutral soil indicated by the pH of 6.2 to 7.2.

When to Test

You can test your soil at any time during the year. If you have a lot of plants you’ll be putting in during the spring or fall, you may want to test the soil before then. If your soil isn’t the right pH, you’ll have time to take corrective measures before you plant.

What Kinds of Testers Are Available?

Soil pH testers come in three different types. There are pH test strips, chemical colored dyes and meters.

Test strips can be tricky if you aren’t good at distinguishing subtle shades of color. The colored dye testers also require you to use a color chart to determine the pH level. Color matching is easier than detecting shade differences but not as easy as reading a meter. The meters use a probe that you stick into the soil. You can then read the results of a numbered gauge on the unit.

Many testers combine pH testing with moisture testing and some also add a light meter. Generally, a light meter will be of little use. Plants generally are classified as wanting Full Sun, Partial Sun, Diffused Sun, etc. and you can tell that with common sense.

It is highly recommended that you get a tester that also includes a moisture meter especially if you have indoor plants! Many casual indoor gardeners kill plants by either over-watering or (less likely) under-watering. A simple and fairly inexpensive meter can take the guesswork out of it.

If you have a special plant that you want to monitor for moisture, then look for a meter that you can leave in the plant. Some even have alarms, but I have not found any to recommend in that category.

Top 3 Best Soil pH Tester Reviews

1. Atree 3-in-1 Soil Moisture, Light and PH Meter 

Atree Soil pH Meter, 3-in-1 Soil Tester Kits with Moisture,Light and PH Test for Garden, Farm, Lawn, Indoor & Outdoor (No Battery Needed)

• 3-IN-1 FUNCTIONS: You can measure soil moisture, pH value and sunlight intensity. It's helpful for you to plant flowers, plants and make them grow healthy and strong(This soil tester CAN ONLY be used in soil, it CANNOT be used to test any liquids)
• EASY TO USE: Simply insert the probes into the soil about 4-6 inches (2/3 of the probes), and you'll get your reading
• COMPACT FOR INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE: Know when to water, adjust pH, or change lighting for your flowers, plants both indoor and outdoor
• NO BATTERY NEEDED: No batteries or electricity needed, plug and read
• SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE: Sensitive probe could sense changes of the soil and transfer details to the conductor, displaying the accurate values for you

$8.99

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 21:27 EST

This 2-in-1 tester measures both moisture and pH levels in the soil. It’s simple to operate. You just insert the probe about two to four inches deep in the dirt you want to test and let the meter do all the work. In just minutes, you’ll have a reading. When you’re done, just take the probe out of the dirt. Wipe it clean and store it somewhere until you need it again.

It doesn’t use batteries so you don’t have the added expense of replacing those every few months like you would with electronic meters.

Because it is so small and easy to use, it is great for either indoor or outdoor plants. It gives a scientifically accurate reading so you’ll know when it’s time for you to adjust the pH balance of your soil to keep your plants healthy and strong.

It’s definitely the best soil pH tester on our list! Let's get it NOW! 

2. Sonkir Soil pH Meter 3-in-1 Moisture/Light/pH 

SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester Gardening Tool Kits for Plant Care, Great for Garden, Lawn, Farm, Indoor & Outdoor Use (Green)

• Kindly NOTE: This soil tester can not be applied to test pH value of any other liquid. If the soil is too dry the indicator will not move, and water it before testing.
• 3 METERS IN ONE: Soil moisture level, Soil pH value and Sunlight level could be tested easily according to your need by switching the function button of this soil meter.
• NO BATTERY NEEDED: Simply insert the meter into soil, wait few minutes, accurate test results will be displayed on the readout panel. No battery is needed.
• STURDY AND SCIENTIFIC DESIGN: Reliable materials and upgraded technology used for this soil meter make it advanced and high-quality for long-term use.
• MULTIPURPOSE SOIL TEST KIT: Portable and compact design enables you to use this soil meter for house garden, farm, lawn and any other soil & plant analysis. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use.

$9.99

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 19:36 EST

This meter will measure the pH in the soil, and it will also moisture and light. It provides troubleshooting for plant growth. If your plants are having problems with withering leaves or slow growth, this unit may help get them back on track.

It’s portable and compact, which means you’ll be able to easily carry it around to any test site. It has a big display that won’t leave you squinting and scratching your head while trying to interpret the numbers on your meter. Show me this one! 

3. TOPINCN Soil Meter pH Level Tester 

TOPINCN Soil Meter pH Level Tester Gauge for Plants Garden Lawn Farm Crops Flowers Vegetable Soil Test Gardening Tool No Battery Needed

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 21:27 EST

This meter features a big display and separate wand, making reading much easier. Just hold the display in your hand and insert the wand into the soil. This design also allows easy multi-spot testing.

This is a bit more rugged than some of the other units you will find, but still not overly expensive. It is only a single function tester, just testing for pH. If you need moisture as well, then look at a different device. Yes! I want it! 

The post 5 Best Soil pH Testers 2021 appeared first on Garden Consumers.

They key to success in growing succulents is understand their soil requirements. Succulents, like cacti, require a certain type of soil to thrive. That is where this guide will help you.

We will highlight the best soil for succulents on the market and have put together for you a comprehensive buying guide along with ratings and reviews.

Buying Information

Before we delve further into the best soil for succulents, let’s quickly define their characteristics:

• They store water in their leaves and this gives them their “fleshy” appearance.
• They prefer dry conditions and don’t respond well to a lot of humidity.
• Because they store water in their leaves, they can withstand periods of drought by living on the stored water and nutrients in their leaves.
• Propagation is common, so it’s possible to get several new plants from one.

While succulents are easy to care for, you still need the correct soil to keep them going. There are gardeners who feel making soil recipe is best, but it is quite possible to buy soil that is guaranteed to work and will yield beautiful plants.

The best soil for succulents will contain one or more of the following ingredients:

• Organic Matter. Peat moss, finely ground bark and finely ground coconut fibers are good choices to help water penetrate the soil quickly.
• Inorganic Matter. Crushed granite, perlite or pumice will help keep the soil gritty and airy to help with drainage.

If you cannot find soil specifically made for succulents, soil for cacti will work just as well. Keep in mind the following:

• Re-pot your succulents; don’t keep them in the soil they came in.
• The gritty soil is good; this allows water to drain which is important for succulents.
• If you plant succulents in containers with no draining holes, be sure to add extra pebbles or sand to the bottom so the soil can drain properly.

Sample of Soils for Succulents

Wonder Soil Premium Cactus Soil & Succulent Soil Mix

As stated previously, the cactus soil will work well for succulents, and this is one of the finer brands available. Ingredients include Coco Coir, Worm Castings, Mycorrhizae, Kelp, Pumice. It comes in a 3 or 6 pound size. Each expands 3x once prepared and fluffed.

Mixing is not required with this soil, so it’s ready to go straight from the bag; however, additional pumice can be added if the soil needs help with drainage.

A word about Mycorrhizae: this is a fungi species that make this a “living soil” helping plants to better absorb and benefit from nutrients found in the soil.

The only real negative with this soil is that it is a bit pricey. It may not be budget-friendly for everyone, but it is an excellent investment for your succulents and cacti. If you try it once, you’ll likely want to continue using this product, and your plants will thank you!

Bliss Gardens Organic Succulent and Cactus Soil

Bliss Gardens has this premium, hand-made soil that is quite affordable. Ingredients include peat moss, perlite, coco coir, worm castings, forest humus, and bat guano. Also in this soil mix are horticultural charcoals, shale rocks, and Mycorrhizae. It comes in 1-gallon size.

This soil is lightweight and drains well. It is soil a great choice for new plantings or if you’re trying to revive a plant that isn’t thriving. It has a nice texture and smell, as well. Monthly watering should be sufficient for most succulents with the use of this soil.

The big drawback with this product is the quantity. 1 gallon won’t go a long way if you are planting many succulents so do yourself and order what you need, even if that means getting several bags. It is not only a great choice for succulents but also for any plant that needs extra drainage.

Window Garden Fiber Soil Organic Potting Soil

Window Garden has this fiber soil with a unique composition. The fibers are tube-like, microscopic, and allow water to drain freely. These coconut husks fibers create air spaces that allow for more oxygen to reach plant roots which can prevent over-watering. It is available in a 10 or 12-quart size.

It is a peat-free, eco-friendly and organic product. It is also renewable and reusable. It is packaged in a 7” x 7” x 1.5” block which will expand once water is added. Note: be sure to use warm water to hydrate this soil. Otherwise, this will take quite some time to expand. It should also be noted that the nutrient content of this soil is low so you’ll need to add some fertilizer.

It’s relatively affordable and a good option for succulents; it’s also easy to use and comes with a bag to use for hydrating and storage. The clever disc-type packaging also makes it easier to tote than carrying heavy bags of potting soil.

The post Soils for Succulents: Our Thoughts appeared first on Garden Consumers.

Now you need to load up on potting soil, and you’re hoping you can reduce the price of your project by going dirt cheap. All dirt is the same, right? Sorry to break this to you, but dirt is one of the most important elements of any garden.

Without a good base, your garden is in big trouble. We’ve compiled this guide to help you learn about the best potting soil available so your garden won’t be a failure before you’ve even planted the first seed.

We are a professional reader-supported review site. You get our best product recommendations and we can receive small commissions from our affiliates at no cost to you. Win-Win!!

Current Top Selling Potting Soils

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12...	$23.99	View on Amazon*
2		Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container...	$12.99	View on Amazon*
3		Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be...	$14.49 $13.33	View on Amazon*
4		Michigan Peat 20 Pound Bag of Garden Magic General Purpose Moisture Retaining Potting Soil Mix for...	$19.68	View on Amazon*
5		Miracle-Gro VB300519 Potting Mix, 8 qt. (2 Pack)	$13.85	View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-31 at 00:30 EST

*Price from:  2024-03-31 at 01:38 EST

Advantages of Great Potting Soil

Finding the best potting soil can make a huge difference in the growth rate and health of your plants. It helps your plants retain both moisture and fertilizer, leading to sustained and steady growth.

Don’t let the name fool you though, potting soil doesn’t usually contain much soil. Instead, it is mostly made up of lighter materials like pine bark, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite. These lightweight ingredients allow air to reach the roots of your plants and aid in drainage. These are essential for healthy growth.

• Heavier Isn’t Better. Don’t judge whether a potting soil is best by its weight. You might think a heavier potting soil means you are getting more bang for your buck. But with potting soil, extra weight is never a good thing. If a potting soil is heavy, it means it has been filled with materials that are usually undesirable for general growing purposes.

You don’t want a potting soil that uses a lot of heavy filler ingredients like sand because it will cut down on the air that reaches the roots. Roots need a steady supply of air to grow in a healthy manner.

• Watch for the Fertilizer Levels. Pay attention to the fertilizer in the potting soil you choose for your container garden so you don’t add too much fertilizer or too little additional fertilizer. If the soil contains fertilizer then you will want to wait before adding any more.

Some potting soil blends have a starter charge of fertilizer while others have a slow-release fertilizer already mixed in. If you choose a starter charge fertilizer, you’ll need to add some after the first three waterings. Slow-release fertilizer lasts longer, but you’ll still want to add some additional fertilizer after the first month.

• Beware of Specialty Potting Soils. It can be confusing to choose a potting soil that meets your needs. There are so many different brands, sizes, and types out there. If you don’t know what you are looking for, it can be overwhelming. Sometimes it’s easier to know what you aren’t looking for to help narrow down your choices.

Think about what plants you want to grow. If they have special nutritional needs that are crucial for growing them, there will be a type of potting soil made solely for them. You’ll see several brands with products aimed at people who are growing African violets or cactus. That’s because they both are finicky plants that can be difficult to grow under normal conditions.

Unless you want to grow one of these, never buy the types of potting soil which advertise they are a special blend meant for these plants. Stick to a good multi-purpose potting soil or you’ll create conditions that won’t support the growth of the common plants you’ll likely want.

Top 3 Best Potting Soil Reviews

1. Foxfarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil 

Foxfarm Ocean Forest Soil is the highest rated potting soil for several reasons. Perfect for container gardening, this all-natural organic soil has a unique blend of ingredients you don’t often see in many potting soils.

FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Organic Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants - Organic Plant Fertilizer - 38.5 Quart (1.5 cu ft). - (Bundled with Pearsons Protective Gloves) (1 Pack)

• Ocean Forest Potting Soil is ready to use right out of the bag and provides the ideal environment for young seedlings.
• Fox Farm Garden Soil is Lightweight and well-aerated, it is specially formulated to grow seedlings perfect
• Ocean forest is soil ph. adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake.
• Ocean Forest organic soil is perfect for indoor and outdoor plants growing. Ideal for containerized plantings.
• Bundled with Pearsons Protective Gloves. Protect your hands when you planting or manage your garden.

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 23:27 EST

Some of its ingredients are earthworm castings, bat guano, and micronutrients, and its light materials, like sphagnum peat moss, make this a great choice for healthy roots. The lighter content of this potting soil will also allow great drainage, which will make your roots even stronger and stop them from rotting in case of overwatering.

This potting soil doesn’t require you to add any fertilizer during the first month – you can start planting as soon as you tear the bag open. Clearly, this is one of the best potting soils. Let's get it NOW! 

2. Burpee Premium Organic Potting Mix 

Organic container gardeners will delight in this mixture from Burpee.

Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant

• ALL-NATURAL MIX: Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix is formulated with plant food & coconut coir to promote seed & root growth and healthy flower, vegetable & herb plants. OMRI Listed for organic use. This premium mix releases essential nutrients immediately.
• PERFECT FOR CONTAINERS: Use this growing mix for planting in containers or raised beds. The potting soil feeds plants instantly, then provides a slow release plant food that feeds for up to 3 months. Whether you're growing organic herbs, vegetable seeds or flowers in raised beds or patio containers, this growing mix will make the job a breeze.
• RETAINS MOISTURE: Sustainable coconut coir helps hold the perfect amount of water for potted plants, indoor or outdoors. Coconut coir is an organic and sustainable resource that helps maintain moisture between waterings for vibrant flowers and delicious vegetables and herbs.
• TIP FOR FLOWER POTS: Use flowers and foliage of varying heights to add dimension to your container. Place tall plants in the middle or back, mounding plants all around and spilling plants at the edge. Your live flowers will thrive with this premium potting mix.
• 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants & gardening supplies are packaged and sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!

$12.99

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-31 at 00:30 EST

Thanks to the coconut coir use in the mix, it will retain water much longer than many other potting mixes and feeds your plants for up to three months. It works well with vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

While it is one of the more expensive potting soils on our list, gardeners who don’t have time to create compost or aren’t always around to water will find a happy balance between cost and results. This stuff works! I'm sold! 

3. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix 

Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Grows beautiful Houseplants, 6 qt. (2 Pack)

• Blended for a wide variety of container plants
• Feeds up to 6 months
• Designed to be less prone to gnats (Contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
• Contains coconut coir, which holds and releases water and helps soil easily re-wet
• This bundle includes two 6 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix

$13.42

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-31 at 00:30 EST

This formula helps roots take off fast, building the strong anchor a healthy plant needs. Miracle Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix is lightweight, providing enough air for the germination of seeds in your container gardens.

Miracle Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix is a great overall product, and it works well with a variety of seeds, whether they are vegetables, flowers or herbs. It retains moisture well, which means your seeds will have a constant supply and won’t dry out.

With its blend of nutrients and drainage, this product offers plants, your container garden will be blooming in no time. You will find this popular and inexpensive option in many sizes to meet your specific needs. Yes! I want it! 

The post 5 Best Potting Soils 2021 appeared first on Garden Consumers.

Things to Remember About Mulch

• You’ll want to pull all weeds from the area to be mulched before you put it down.
• Spread mulch about four inches deep to slow weed growth and retain moisture.
• While mulch reduces the need for yard maintenance, it doesn’t eliminate it. Mulch needs to be replenished periodically, usually every two to three years.

Benefits of Mulch

Mulch is any material that is used to cover bare soil, especially around plants and bushes. Adding a layer of mulch will help you and your plants in several ways.

• By slowing evaporation, mulch helps reduce water loss from your soil.
• Mulch also improves your soil’s water absorption when it rains or you turn on your sprinkler.
• A layer of mulch makes it difficult for seeds that accidentally land to take root. This slows weed growth and protects against weed infestation.
• Organic mulch enriches the nutrients in your soil as it decomposes.
• Mulch offers insulated protection from extreme temperatures for plant roots.
• An attractive addition to any yard or garden, mulch adds color and texture to your landscaping.

Types of Mulch

While you will find a variety of mulches at your local nursery or hardware store, no one type does it all. Each type of mulch comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Aged Organic Mulch

Any mulch that is comprised of partially decomposed wood products is considered aged organic mulch. It continues to add nutrients to the soil as it further decomposes. This type of mulch is perfect for improving the quality of your soil and encouraging all-around plant growth. It also helps hold moisture but doesn’t provide the best protection against weed growth.

Fresh Organic Mulch

Wood chips and bark fall into this category. If you want to control weeds and improve the eye appeal of your yard, this type of mulch is a fantastic option. Perfect for use around trees and shrubs where soil improvement may not be necessary. Since this mulch is comprised of larger pieces than aged organic mulch, it will last longer, enriching the soil as it slowly decomposes.

Loose Stone and Gravel

When you use stone and gravel as mulch, you add attractive color and texture to your yard. This type of mulch is especially useful for stabilizing areas of your yard or garden that are vulnerable to washout, such as hillsides or areas surrounding downspouts.

Rubber Mulch

Made from recycling tires, rubber mulch is great for play areas. Not only does it look great but it also provides a soft bouncy surface that can reduce the risk of injury. Also, it will last essentially forever! Generally not found as a garden cover, but perhaps there would be special use cases where it would make sense.

Small Sampling of Mulch Products

FibreDust CoCo Mulch

This mulch is a 100% Coconut husk and with no other additives. It is an attractive rust color that doesn’t wash out even when exposed to direct sunlight. Instead, it darkens as it ages.

Unlike mulches made from other materials, you’ll only need to apply a cover that is about one-inch deep. One bag can cover as much as 24 square feet. It retains water well without becoming soggy or saturated and stays in place without washing away, even in heavy rain.

Unlike Cocoa mulch (which comes from the Cocoa Nut that makes chocolate), this product from Coconuts is pet safe once it has been hydrated.

Unlike other mulches that float, the CoCo mulch does not and is suitable even for slopped services which often have issues with mulch washing away.

This mulch comes as a 5kg (11 pounds) compressed block. You will hydrate and fluff it prior to installation. Each block becomes about 2 cubit feet of applicable mulch. This makes it much easier to deal with than heavy mulch bags. This is a unique and long-lasting product. Does not attract insects.

Also, because of the high lignin content, this mulch will outlast bark mulch every time. If you want a unique look and a quality product for your landscaping needs, look no further than FibreDust CoCo Mulch.

100% Natural Cedar Chips

This is a natural 100% cedar chip mulch. As pure cedar, it has all the great cedar properties. It is insect resistant just like your cedar chest and has that great cedar smell.

It has many uses from the garden to making sachet bags. It will perform well inside the home in potted plants or out in the garden. Just like other natural mulches, it holds water well and will control weeds.

Use it because you like the light color or great smell.

This accent mulch comes in several sizes from 4 quarts (1 gallon) up to 16 quarts (4 gallons). We found that the plastic bags were actually overstuffed with the product giving us extra to love.

CedarCide Insect Repelling Cedar Mulch Granules

These red cedar granules naturally contain aromatic cedar oil which repels unwanted insects like mosquitoes, roaches, flies, fleas, and gnats yet won’t harm honey bees or butterflies. It’s safe to use around children and pets, too.

It’s easy to use, just open the bag and spread. This cedar granule mulch adds a nice reddish-brown color to your flower beds and a nice cedar smell to your yard. You’ll fall in love with CedarCide Cedar Mulch Granules. You certainly won’t find a more attractive form of pest control.

The post Mulch: Types and Options appeared first on Garden Consumers.

We want to make it easy for you to compare different tomato-friendly soils side by side to help you determine which is the best soil for tomatoes that you will be planting.

Are you starting from seeds or transplanting young plants?

Either way, you can check out the top soils below in our guide.

Current Top Selling Soils for Tomatoes

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Coast of Maine Organic Tomato and Vegetable Planting Soil 20 QT	$24.91	View on Amazon*
2		GARDENERA Organic Potting Soil for Tomato Plants - 1 Quart - Hand-Mixed with Natural Ingredients for...	$11.99	View on Amazon*
3		GARDENERA Premium Organic Potting Soil for Tomatoes - (2 Quart Bag)	$16.99	View on Amazon*
4		FoxFarm Happy Frog Garden Tomato and Vegetable Soil Dry Plant Fertilizer Mix for Outdoor Organic...	$18.28	View on Amazon*
5		Vermont Compost Company Organic Container Tomato Mix | High-Nutrient Compost-Based Potting Soil for...	$29.99	View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 15:34 EST

*Price from:  2024-03-31 at 01:38 EST

Potted Tomato Plants

If growing tomatoes in a pot, then you can really have the best soil for tomatoes. You are in complete control, so let’s make the most of it and pick a great soil.

Are you growing them from seeds or will you be transplanting young plants into the pot? We found some great soils for both, as you can see in our table.

When it comes to choosing soil, the only solid rule that we can lay down is to avoid purchasing cheap products. If you really care about the quality of your tomatoes, then you will need to provide them with high-quality, and preferably organic, soil.

A few things that you want to see on your soil label include:

• Perlite – Perlite  is an organic product that comes from volcano eruptions where tiny sponge-like glass is formed from the rock. It is incredibly light and can hold a lot of water by holding it in its complex outer structure. So, it serves both for good drainage and helping with a reasonable about of water retention.
• Vermiculite – Horticultural Vermiculite  is an inert silicate that has been processed into pellets that are very light and have great water retention, much more the Perlite. But this also makes Vermiculite less aerating than Perlite.
• Sand (see below)
• Peat Moss (see below)

Some gardeners insist on using homemade compost in their pots. Others disagree since this can introduce foreign contaminants to a tomato plant and increase the risk of disease. We say, “To each his/her own!” and you can have great results either way.

If you are not getting the results desired, perhaps it is time to give new techniques a try. See how they work, and if they do the trick (or not), you’ll know what to do (or not to do) next year.

In-Ground Tomato Plants

Some of you may want to transplant your tomatoes into the ground. In that case, it’s helpful to know what kind of soil you have.

Tomatoes don’t do well in soil that has a high clay content. If you find yourself in a clay-rich area, you can try various mulches to help make the soil more tomato-friendly.

• Peat Moss –Peat Moss  is a common soil improver and consists of fiber materials from mostly moss that has decomposed over many years. It generally has a slightly acidic pH and great for Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Blue Berries, Begonias, and other acid-loving plants.
• Garden Sand – Sand  provides for easy drainage, without delivering any nutrients. Helps to make soil easy to work with while remaining heavier than other options.
• Sawdust – Sawdust  is completely organic and a natural fertilizer. It will not have high levels of nutrients, but many gardeners find that is a great mulch for tomatoes.
• Coconut Coir – Coconut Coir  is the fiber waste product from the harvesting of Coconuts. It holds in the moisture very well, so if you live in a particularly dry climate, give that a try.

The pH level of your soil will also have a huge impact on the success of your tomatoes, so aim for a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8 for optimal growing conditions. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral, either acidic or alkaline, so tomatoes like most plants like slightly acidic soils.

Don’t forget that it is super easy to test your garden (or pot) soil using a soil pH tester. These are inexpensive and an important part of any gardener’s toolbox.

Fertilizer is also important, and for tomatoes, a good 5-10-10 ought to do the trick.

Top 3 Best Soil for Tomatoes Reviews

1. FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil 

This soil is every tomato plant’s dream, complete with bat guano, worm castings, sea fish and crab meal, composted forest humus, sandy loam, and sphagnum peat moss. The peat moss and forest matter give it a light, airy texture, which in turn keeps the soil more aerated in the pots.

FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Organic Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants - Organic Plant Fertilizer - 38.5 Quart (1.5 cu ft). - (Bundled with Pearsons Protective Gloves) (1 Pack)

• Ocean Forest Potting Soil is ready to use right out of the bag and provides the ideal environment for young seedlings.
• Fox Farm Garden Soil is Lightweight and well-aerated, it is specially formulated to grow seedlings perfect
• Ocean forest is soil ph. adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake.
• Ocean Forest organic soil is perfect for indoor and outdoor plants growing. Ideal for containerized plantings.
• Bundled with Pearsons Protective Gloves. Protect your hands when you planting or manage your garden.

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*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 23:27 EST

We really liked this soil for some indoor tomato plants. They grew under grow lights and also tried a pot out on the terrace where it thrived as well.

The bat guano and worm castings make a huge difference (and also make this stuff so expensive), but you will be rewarded with large, luscious tomatoes for salads and tasty sauces.

While this is great stuff, we can see how the price might cause some of you to look for better alternatives. If that’s the case, check out the next two soils in our top three.

2. Black Gold All Organic Potting Soil 

Black Gold’s loamy soil is great for a variety of plants and vegetables, tomatoes included. Loamy soil has a mixture of sand, silt, and a little bit of clay, and tomatoes love the proportions used in this bag of soil.

SUNGRO HORTICULTURE Black Gold-64277063083-8qt, 8 quart

• The all purpose organic potting soil that fits all your needs; convenience, quality tested organic ingredients and a proven track record of performance
• Offers premium quality at outstanding saving
• This product is made in United States
• Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
• Rich, loamy mix is one of the best for all gardening applications

$14.79

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*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 15:34 EST

The soil has a dash of fertilizer along with some pumice and perlite to help keep things aerated. If you’re not interested in purchasing a seed starter soil separately, you can use this to start your seeds and should have excellent germination results. The peat moss, bark, compost, and earthworm castings also nourish the tomatoes, and while it is still a bit pricey, it is a bit less than FoxFarm’s probably since there is no bat guano.

You’ll notice that it really holds in the water well, which means you’ll have to be careful not to overwater your tomatoes.

We were impressed by this stuff and felt it was just the right mixture for our potted tomatoes!

3. Espoma SS8 Organic Seed Starter 

Our final suggestion in the top three is from Espoma, and it is the best soil for tomatoes that you plan to grow from seeds.

Currently on Sale

Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix - All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening, 8 qt, Pack of 2

• CONTAINS: This organic Seed Stating soil mix is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss & perlite with yucca extract and lime to ensure correct pH.
• MYCO-TONE: A blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
• WHEN TO USE: Use to germinate and start seeds. Great for flower, vegetable, herb & more plant types. Can also be used to root stem and leaf cuttings.
• PROMOTE ROOT GROWTH: Organic seed starter mix ensures ideal moisture retention and aeration.
• ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.

$28.57 −15% $24.35

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*Price from:  2024-03-30 at 15:34 EST

Some of you may prefer to use regular potting soil for seeds, but we have always had excellent results using a specialty seed starter soil like this since it is lighter and specifically formulated with seeds in mind.

The mixture of sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, peat humus, perlite and Myco-Tone all work together to promote root growth.

Keep in mind that the mixture is a bit chunky (we were expecting a finer mix), but the seeds still popped up and grew into healthy plants!

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