Universal soil for indoor plants composition. All about ready-made substrates for indoor plants. What to take as a basis

Growing colors in room conditions, It is necessary to carefully take care of green pets, so that they felt in the room as comfortable as possible. It is advisable to create conditions close to the natural habitat. To do this, you will need to keep the temperature in the room, air humidity, as well as pick up proper primer For plants, which would combine exactly the qualities that are needed by this flower or shrub. Although in flower stores you can find bags with universal which will suit the majority of green pets. What land is needed for landing indoor plants And how to classify the types of substrates, read in our article.

Types and characteristics

Soil for indoor flowers can be purchased at any modern flower shop. They present a large range of land for landing home and street shrubs, colors, Lian and so on. Thought over how to choose the ground for indoor plants? The view of the substrate is of great importance for right cultivation flowers. Each of them has its own features and a unique composition.

Heavy primer

This type of soil is best suited for growing large plants with a developed root system, located at great depth. Among such representatives most often found clivia, drasens and palm trees. As a rule, this garden mixture is prepared from three components:

• 5 parts of the turf soil;
• 1 piece of large sand;
• 1 part leveling.

Knowing the preferences of room colors regarding the quality and composition of the substrate, it can be prepared at home. All components are harvested independently or purchased in any specialized store.

Solid medium severity

Most of the representatives of indoor plants give preference in this type of soil, since its composition is optimally balanced. Such an soil mixture can be made of the following components:

• 1 part of the peat;
• 1 part of the sand;
• 2 pieces of humus;
• 2 pieces of turf land.

If you decide to prepare a substrate and soil for plants own handsIt is worth noting that all components must be appropriate quality. It should also be properly observed all the proportions, because with the slightest error, the root system of the room pet can hit the rot, to get rid of which it will be almost impossible.

Light sad

This soil is best suited for growing small colors that have a surface root system. Among the popular representatives: Gloxia, cyclamen, Begonia and Aloe. Also, such a substrate can be successfully used to grow seedlings and when rooting cuttings. For standard scheme Preparations need to mix the following elements:

• 1 part of the sand;
• 1 part of humus;
• 1 part of the leaf land;
• 3 parts peat.

Before connecting all components, it is recommended that land from foreign bodies should be sifted. Otherwise, small stones and twigs will prevent the correct development of the root system. Remember that the soil should be clean, air and loose.

Structure of substrates

The characteristics of the soil for indoor plants include two basic parameters to which attention should be paid primarily - acidity and structure. In terms of its composition, purchasing substrates can be very different. Determine the eye, it corresponds to the content of the packages of the composition, which is specified on the package, is simply impossible. In this regard, when assessing the quality of the proposed substrate, it is necessary to focus on easily recognizable and always visible characteristics, for example, the presence or absence of a structure.

Earth for Lian, shrubs, etc.) should have a pronounced structurality, that is, the presence of some rude texture, heterogeneity and lumps. This can be easily checked by referenceing a bag with a substrate hand. In such a soil, plants will never suffer due to dry "reservoirs", which are formed on the surface of the vase as a result of soil drying. In the ground with a pronounced moisture structure, it will be uniformly distributed and kept in any part of the substrate. She also retains his breathability even a few years after landing, since the upper layers of the soil are not subjected to cake and seal. At the same time, substrates that have too homogeneous composition, more slopes for acidification, as well as uneven distribution and deduction of moisture.

Soil acidity

Determine the composition of the soil for indoor plants is not so difficult, but what to do with acidity? Even in universal substrates, this parameter is defined on the ground packaging, since most indoor crops have their own individual characteristics that are not homogeneous at the requirement to the soil reaction. Of course, most plants will feel great in a neutral environment, but there are representatives who develop exclusively in the soil with an alkaline or weakly alkaline reaction, as well as types that need an acidic medium.

For room colors, the average acidity rate is 6.0 on the scale of the medium). Soils with an indicator 7.0 and above are alkaline or lime, and the substrates react pH 5.5 and are calculated to weakly acid and sour.

Alkaline soil prefer very few houseplants. Among bright representatives: chlorophytum, officeron, calkesolaria and bells.

The soil for indoor plants and colors with a reaction of 5.5 pH will be optimal for cyclamen, cisetrum, sansevier, pittosporum, dummy, ferns, acids, diffenbahia, cypressive, cordilins, callas, camellia, gerbera, alocation, acalifes and others. The substrate with an indicator from 4.0 to 5.0 on the pH scale is preferably used for bergerantus, hydrangea, zuppia, osqueuria, cerebia, rhododendron, etc.

In the description of any room plant, in addition to the transplant strategy, as well as the optimal content conditions, you can find the preferred composition, and the structure of the soil. If you decide to determine which is better for colors, you should not stop on the "average" version, since for each favorite it is necessary to choose your substrate based on the individual preferences of this plant. Of course, most cultures will prefer a nutritious, loose and universal type of substrate with a neutral environment, but in room collections there are often species for which such soil will be destructive.

Universal primer

When choosing a soil for plants, it is necessary to pay attention not only to the acidity indicator, which is mandatory to be indicated on the package, but also on the suitability of the substrate for a certain type of plants - in most cases the list of crops will also be shown on the package with the planting material. Also do not forget that you can get advice on the suitability of a kind of soil from the seller-consultant who will help you decide on the choice.

Unified, or universal, complex earthy mixture is on sale most often. Manufacturers may call it anyhow - from the usual "soil" to smart brand names. This soil is considered suitable for different groups of plants due to its "middle" characteristics. With great joy, most unpretentious indoor crops will settle, which do not require much care.

Special types of substrates

Special substrates are soil mixtures designed and selected under a certain family, view or type of room plants. A distinctive feature of such a soil is its narrow orientation. These earthy mixtures differ from universal not only by their structure and acidity, but also by varying degrees of nutrition, which is achieved due to additional additions in the form of a sphagnum or a pine bark. Such formulations are always better than universal, as they really satisfy all the needs of indoor crops. However, this type of substrate will be extremely difficult, so you first need to get acquainted with the information about the plant itself.

Special types of substrate include:

• soil for violets;
• soil for growing indoor roses;
• substrate for perfeit, jasmine, citrus fruits;
• soil for palm trees (in rare cases you can find separate mixtures for drazes and yukki);
• soil for succulents and cacti;
• exammes for decorative and decorative and decorative flowering plants.

Moreover, the finished soil for plants a narrow specialization is perfect for representatives who are similar to the soil requirements. For example, in the soil for violets, almost all the heesnery will feel great, and the soil for Yukki or Drageren will also come for hibiscus. But the orchid soil is a highly specialized substrate, which can only be used under orchids.

Components and components

Now you know about the types of soil for plants. It is time to talk about the components that include one or another mixture. The reaction of the soil will also vary depending on its composition. Such information will be especially useful for those who want to prepare a substrate at home.

Cherry earth

The result of overwhelming the layers of the turf is quite nutritious. For the preparation of the substrate, it is necessary to fold the grass into a bunch, after which it is necessary to close it with a layer of cow's manure. It will remain just waiting when this "pie" reproves. The substrate is used to plant plants that prefer acidic soils, as the hard land has acidity from 5 to 6 pH. In order to reduce the reaction, as well as making the substrate a more loose structure, the turfs are often mixed with other types of soil, as well as sand or clay.

Sheet land

Perhaps the easiest and loose soil for plants. A mixture of a substrate, which has a sheet earth, perfectly passes water and air to the root system, but its feederness is at an average level, since such a planting material is obtained as a result of overloading simple leaves from deciduous trees. They are harvested in autumn in small heaps and are left for a period of one to two years. In order, the overpricing process was faster, the heap layers need to constantly water and turn over. Sheet land can be used to enhance the acid reaction.

Peat land

This land is different from other special ease and looseness. It is precisely it is most often used to improve the overall soil composition. Peat mix provides mineral balance for any landfill. It is obtained exclusively from the peat, which passed the decay period for at least a year ago. In gardening, it is most actively used by horse, less often - dark transition peat, which has an acidity from 3.5 to 5.5 pH. If there is a peat in the mixture, then you must see the fibrous reddish pieces in it. Such a soil is best suited for growing young seedlings, especially all the aid. Ferns and philodendrons can live in a clean peat. However, in order for the soil to better pass water and air, it is recommended to mix it with other types of land.

Coniferous land

This kind of acidic lightweight land is perfect for growing flowering indoor plants, for example, azaleas and anthuriums. The soil is the upper layer of the litter, taken by their coniferous forest (usually pine). If you decide to prepare the soil for plants yourself, then you should know that you need to remove the layer from the very top, because there are many non-dried needles. It is best to use the bottom layer, which is at a depth of 20 centimeters. This is quite loose land with a reaction from 4 to 5 pp.

Compost or humus

Pretty rich and rich in active substances land, which is very aggressive in its pure form. If you decide to add pure humus to the substrate, then risk damageing the root system of plants (it simply burns). So this kind of soil is be sure to mix with other types of land. To obtain a compost, it is best to use spent greenhouse manure, which decomposes within 2-3 years. Its acidity on the pH scale is located in the area of \u200b\u200b8.0 units.

Sand

One of the most important components for many earth mixes. Although many people say that they will not grow anything in the sand, but you will not succeed without it in your home flower growing. For planting plants, exceptionally river white sand is used. Before use, it is necessary to rinse thoroughly, rolling, and also to decapitate.

Bark

In most cases, flower products use an exclusively pine bark. It can be collected directly in the forest. For disinfection and softening, the material copes for 30 minutes in boiling water, after which it is cut into small pieces. The bark will give the substrate good water permeability, as well as ease. It will also provide a mixture with a sour reaction (4-4.5 pH). It is used in order to make the soil for plants more loose. Such properties are particularly demanding an aid, fern and most of all - orchids.

SFAGNUM (MOSH)

This is an indispensable component soil mixture For Moss, it is used to impart lightness, looseness, hygroscopicity. However, it is necessary to dry well before applying it, after which it is to be confused almost into powder. SFAGNUM will give an acidic reaction in the area of \u200b\u200b4 pH. Also, Moss is perfect for covering the air roots, which are located on the trunks of some plants, so that they did not dry and did not freeze. Proponed taps (in reproduction) is also better to cover fresh moss.

Information from the article will help you correctly prepare the soil for domestic pets and answer the question of what land is needed for planting room colors. Remember that not all cultures prefer to "live" in a universal soil, so it is better to consult with a specialist in a flower shop or find information in the appropriate literature.

Evgeny Sedov

When the arms grow out of the right place, live more fun :)

Content

Every gardener seeks to get on its plot good harvest. In order for the plants successfully fertile, it is necessary to create them the best conditions from the first days of life. To do this, use a special soil for sowing seeds, which provides fragile food nutrition, growth and future harvest. From how correctly the soil will be chosen, the success of this difficult case depends.

What is soil for seedlings

The soil or soil for seedlings is a source for plants of chemical elements and organic substances. They are needed by seedling for nutrition, active growth, reproduction and formation of delicious and ripe fruits in the future. Soil also provides the root system the desired temperature mode, supports humidity and air exchange. Not the whole land, which is located on the site, has the necessary properties, so experienced gardens recommend using a special point for germins. It can be bought in the store or prepare yourself.

Requirements

Special stringent requirements are presented to the seedlings. If you change at least one component, then seedlings will grow reluctantly, maybe the abyss in the process or not at all. To the question of the choice of the soil, it is necessary to approach with all thoroughness, performing such conditions:

• Looseness. Under this concept is the physical structure of the Earth. If she is taken by one lump, it is better not to take it, like the soil of the soil. The land should be air, porous, moisture-permeable, breathable, squeeze between your fingers.
• The composition of the soil for seedlings. If in the ground you will find fungus, mold, insect larvae or small weed roots, then such a base for plant growth is not suitable.
• Fertility. The soil must contain the necessary trace elements necessary for the growth of seedlings.
• Acidity. Pay attention to this indicator when choosing a soil. Acidness should be neutral, i.e. The pH should be 6.0-6.7, depending on the preferences of the garden culture. Plants will not germinate in a very acidic or alkaline medium.
• Toxicity. Good soil for seedlings is the one in which industrial waste is not contained, toxic petroleum products, salts, radionuclides. It must be environmentally friendly.

Varieties of purchased soil

It's easier and safer to purchase ready-made soil for planting seedlings in the store. Before making such a purchase, carefully examine the composition of the proposed land. Below are the popular soil grades and their description:

Name	Description		Cost
Living land For seedlings	Universal or special peat-based soil	Peat, biohumus, aglopeoritis, mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen -150 mg / l, potassium - 300 mg / l, phosphorus - 270 mg / l. pH - about 6.5.	55 rubles for 5 liters.
Gumimax	Multicomponent special soil with carefully selected balance	Sand, peat, fertilizer "Gumimax". Ammonium nitrogen - 700 mg / kg, nitrate - 100 mg / kg, potassium oxide and phosphorus oxide - 800 mg / kg. pH - 6.0-7.5.	350 rubles for 40 liters.
Garden land	Universal peat-based soil	Peat, Sand River, Mineral Fertilizers. Nitrogen 300 mg / l, potassium 400 mg / l, phosphorus - 300 mg / l. pH - 5.5-6.0.	260 rubles for 50 liters.

Pay attention to the type of soil purchased. It happens universal or special. In a special soil manufacturers add one or another component to more, which is well suited for a certain type of culture, for example, tomatoes, eggplant, pepper, cucumbers, cabbage, onions, colors, etc. Universal Earth fits all plants, but perhaps this soil you have to supplement yourself to give them the necessary composition for one or another type of plants.

Soil for seedlings with their own hands

1. With the backfill of the finished soil in the boxes, do not forget to ensure good drainage. To do this, on the bottom, put a layer of dry moss (sphagnum) or sand.
2. From above to drainage, pour myself soil. Do not spare, it must be covered in a smooth layer and to the edge of the box, peat cups or other containers that are used to disembark seedlings.
3. Do not forget about supplemental nutrition. To do this, take suitable fertilizers and distribute them on the surface of the soil to a smooth layer, then mix thoroughly.
4. If you take dry fertilizers, then the ground before enrichment should be moistened, but do not overdo it. The perfect option is the absence of a liquid during the squeezing of the soil.
5. Select the desired temperature regime, which is difficult in apartment conditions. Arrange on the balcony micro. Otherwise, limit irrigation, otherwise the seedlings the root system will be weak, and the green top with the leaves, on the contrary, is overlooking.

Structure

To prepare a simple universal soil for seedlings you will need:

• cherry earth - 2 parts;
• peat - 2 parts;
• sand - 1 part.

These ingredients can be bought in a specialized gardening store. Peat can be replaced by humus or leaf ground. To additionally mineralize the resulting composition, i.e. Increase its fertility, add for every 10 liters of 200-300 grams of charcoal or ash. The composition is recommended to interfer perlite, vermiculite or wood sawdust. These components make Earth light and air. Another useful additive is an egg shell, compost piles into the powder.

Disinfection

Often, how qualitatively the disinfection of the soil is performed, the quality and volume of the crop depends. Disinfection is the removal of larvae and dolls of malicious insects, bacteria, fungi and other unnecessary microorganisms. The disinfection procedure can be carried out independently by any of the following methods:

• marching with subsequent thawing;
• steaming on a water bath;
• washing in boiling water with small portions;
• equululation in the oven;
• holding in the microwave;
• washing with a solution of manganese (3 grams of manganese at 10 liters of water);
• etching with a solution of actara, fungicide;
• adding phytosporin.

How to choose soil for seedlings

A large selection of soil species for seedlings often puts in a dead end of novice gardeners. The following tips will be useful to you when buying the desired soil:

1. If you doubt what kind of land is better - universal or special - take the first option. It is suitable for any seedlings, if necessary, it can always be supplemented.
2. Pay attention to the label. It should have information about the manufacturer, composition, properties. The prerequisite is the presence of instructions for use. If there is no label or information on it is incomplete, it is better to purchase another soil.
3. Very important composition of the Earth. It should include a minimum of three ingredients. Well, if the composition will be present peat, vermiculite or sand with adding mineral fertilizer. Chemical components should not be too much. The amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus should not exceed 300 mg / l, otherwise the soil is better diluted.
4. The consistency of the soil is very important, so you will appreciate this factor when buying. If necessary, take the trial package of the Earth.
5. To assess the acidity, you need to carry out the following procedure. Place a piece of glass on a dark horizontal surface. Top pour a little soil and vinegar. If a large amount of foam is formed on the surface, it means that the soil has an alkaline medium, the complete absence of foam speaks of increased acidity, small foaming - about neutrality.

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Ideal soils with high levels Acidity. Neutral soils are good for cultivation, and rocky and sandy suitable. Special soil mixture is necessary for noble. It includes charcoal, moss, the bark of trees and the roots of the fern.

Each soil type has its own base. For example, the neutral soils include black-earth lands, to acidic peat, and alkaline - clay-turf. The patency of water and air to the roots of plants depends on the composition and density of the soil, and therefore their development, and life in general. With timely provision and saturation of the soil with the necessary fertilizers, it also provides plants with high-quality food.

Natural components can include natural components (for example, peat, sand, ash, humid, and other) and artificial (for example, ceramzite, perlite, hydrogel). For each type of plants, it is necessary to select its optimal composition of the soil.

Trading networks offer a large number of diverse types of soil mixtures, which differ in the level of acidity, the presence of fertilizers and various baking powers.

Peat soils

Peat soils can be two types: one consists of the upper peat, and others from low.

Moss, which grows on the head of the swamps, in the process of decomposition turns into a riding peat. This kind of peat soil has its own positive and negative properties. Good breathability and ease are positive, as well as the property to choose moisture and hold it. The last property is simultaneously a disadvantage, since the long-term retention of moisture in the soil can lead to the direction of the root part of the plant. And if such a soil is to cut, then it will be quite difficult to moisten it, it will be quite difficult. Another disadvantage is low fertile qualities and the minimum amount of mineral substances as part of the soil.

Peat, which is extracted from the marshy lowland lakes, rivers and the swamps themselves are heavier, but the content of mineral elements is very high in it. This type of soil is used only as an additive into soil mixtures, as in its pure form it is always too wet and dense. In such a soil, the roots of the plants do not develop, and get the moisture and lack of air due to the overaffect of moisture.

Biohumus

Biohumus is a product obtained during the processing of manure with rainworms. Such soil is considered valuable for plants, because its composition contains a large number of effective microorganisms and beneficial natural natural substances. When compiling a mixture of soil at home, a small part of the biohumus is able to replace the humus and enrich its composition.

Trading networks offer ground mixes in a large assortment. Almost for each plant, you can choose an individual substrate, but you can also make it yourself. The main thing is that at hand there are all the necessary components.

Sheet land

When growing indoor plants, a mixture of sheet and turf is used as the main soil. In its composition, the leaflet of many types of trees (for example, apple and nut, linden and maple, pears and elm).

Cherry earth

This type of soil is used most often, as it has good water and breathability, and also has a huge amount of nutrients. You can find such a soil in the meadows, in the forest or unused pastures for animals.

Humus

Such a soil consists of a small amount of the upper layer of soil and overworked. This land has ease and looseness, and also contains a large amount of nutrient elements. Many cultures are able to develop efficiently and grow on humid soil.

Heather soil

Such soil is considered to be rare, as it is possible to get it only in places where coniferous trees and evergreen shrubs are growing. Dark gray heather earth mixed with sand white color It has a loose structure, good air and water permeability. In composition, it can be compared with a mixture of sand (one part), sheet (two parts) and peat (four parts) of the soil. The heather is the most favorable for growing rhododendrons, azaleas and camellia.

Coniferous soil

This soil is often part of the soil mixtures and is intended for many plants (for example, for heather and orchids). Mining such soil in coniferous forests. The needles of ate, pine and fir when decomposition turns into loose and acidic earth. When collecting a coniferous land, it is necessary to remove the upper layer - it is still unsuitable for the preparation of soil mixtures and growing plants. Use only the second bottom layer.

Roots of fern

Crumpled and dried fern roots are a valuable nutrient component in the preparation of soil mixtures.

Moss

Some old parts of the marsh plant of the sphagnum die out, fall and over time form a riding peat. The preparation of Sfagnum is carried out in September - October. First, it is purified from large branches and other unnecessary components. Then crushed, carefully dry and conduct steam processing. Such preparation is necessary to disinfect the soil. Harmful insects die, which means that there will be no danger to grow and develop plants in the future. After the preventive measures, MOSH is ready for use.

Moss is part of many soil blends and makes them loose and able to maintain the necessary humidity for a while.

River sand

Flower shops are offered to purchase various types of sand (large, medium and small), but you can get it on the river bank. Before using sand, you must prepare. First, it is desirable to sift it, get rid of various garbage and stones large size And clean the mud with pure water.

Almost all the ground mixtures contain sand, as it makes the soil of the air permeable, does not allow it to be seal and lifted and exceeds water, although there are no nutrients in its composition.

Soil mixtures with such a sandy addition are needed to grow almost all types of palm trees and cacti.

Charcoal or ash

Coal and ash are used to disinfect plant roots, as well as for healing cuts on the branches and stems. This component prevents the formation of rot, as it is a natural antiseptic. Most often used charcoal remaining after burning aspen or birch branches.

As part of almost every soil mixture there is at least 5% of chopped wood coal. Coal increases the water permeability of the soil and its looseness. Mixtures with coal additive are necessary for growing cacti, orchids and many other indoor plants.

In the harvesting of components for the soil mixture, it is necessary to collect land in different places: in the forest, in the meadow, in the field and on the river bank. Naturally, in such a land there are a large number of different insects and their larvae, mushroom disputes that can cause fungal diseases. In order not to be in the future problems in the cultivation of plants, it is necessary to prepare such a soil before use. It is recommended to carry out mandatory thermal processing in the form of steaming.

Choose a large-sized container, pour a small layer of well-humidized sand to the bottom of a small layer (about 3-4 centimeters), and on top of all the components of the future soil mixture. Put the capacity on a small fire for warming up and steaming. Wet sand when heated will highlight steam, which gradually warms the rest of the mixture. For the warming of the decater container, it will take about one hour of time.

There is one significant drawback in such a treatment is the one hundred percent death of useful microorganisms that are vital for the growth and development of plants. No organic feeding is capable of learning plants without them. In order to correct this problem, it will be necessary for some time and patience. When after planting a room flower, a minimum of 30 days will pass, you can start the soil settling with new useful "residents".

Soil saturation with important microorganisms should be carried out gradually and try to maintain their number. Living microorganisms are contained in many special preparations and organic feeding. Specialized stores for gardeners and flower flows offer for these purposes to use the means "Ecostile", "Baikal", "East Em-1" and "Revival".

As a disinfecting soil procedure, you can taste or process or process with chemicals. Chemicals All harmful bacteria and fungal disputes will destroy and get rid of infectious diseases. And after the fruit of the soil even improves its structure.

- The main must be peat soil (horse) with a small amount of needles. The prerequisite is lightness, air and water permeability.

Soil acidity

The degree of soil acidity plays an important role in the development of plants. It depends on its level, the increase in the flowering of culture, its fitness for life and the ability to confront pests and diseases.

For some representatives of the soil, the soil is needed poor and sour, for others - fertile and saturated with a large number of efficient microorganisms, with moderate or neutral acidity. For example, alkaline soil is necessary for plants growing on mountain stony slopes, and for most plants a weakness is suitable soil.

The pH soil acidity level can be defined in two ways:

• With a special lactium paper
• Using a meter for soil

When buying ready-made substrates, acidity is determined by digital indicators on the package:

• pH over 8 is strong
• pH from 7 to 8 - alkaline
• pH from 6 to 7 - neutral
• pH from 5 to 6 - weakly acid
• pH from 4 to 5 - sour
• pH from 3 to 4 - strong

The soil acidity level meter will show more accurate data about the selected substrate, and the lactium paper will show the result using the color indicator. A special color scale is offered. It is necessary to place a litmus piece of paper on the surface of well-humidized soil and strongly press for a few seconds, and then refer to the result with the proposed scale. In the presence of a weakly alkaline soil, the paper will be painted in blue colour, with neutral - in light green or blue, with a weakly acid - in yellow, with sour - in pink, with a strong-acid - in red.

How to prepare the right substrate for plants

Spring - it's time when gardeners are gardens begin to prepare for the approaching colorful season. Just a few months to suffer, and here you already plan young plants on your beloved garden - your seedlings, growing up and stumping in order to stay in a greenhouse or on the street.

But how to grow good seedlings, which not only goes and takes on the pots on the windowsill, but will also please good juicy fruits when it turns into strong adult plants? The answer is simple - provide it to favorable conditions for growing.

Soil or soil is the main source of chemical elements that the plant consumes during its active growth. It has a special property that is called "fertility", due to which it provides plants not only with useful substances, but also participates in the creation of optimal temperature mode, humidity modes for the root system of the plant. A young seedlings more than an adult plant required good nutrition And suitable for the development of the condition.

In natural soil, which can be typed on your garden, it does not always contain the desired number of seedlings of elements, and its structure may be too "coarse" for a young plant, so gardeners either prepare soil, improving physical and chemicals Country land, or acquire the finished soil in specialized stores.

Basic Requirements for the Soil

The soil for seedlings sold in stores is different:

• universal, which, according to the information on the package, is suitable for any species of plants;
• special - its composition producers make optimal for any kind of cultures (for example, soil for peppers, tomatoes, colors, etc.).

Special soil is not a marketing stroke and an attempt to deceive the consumer.The fact is that the composition of such a soil is optimal for a specific culture: each type, whether it is pepper, tomato, eggplant, a certain amount of nutrient elements and the structure of the soil is required to develop well and gain strength. In special soils, the necessary balance is observed, whereas in universal soils may have to add some fertilizers.

And although the soils implemented in the stores, different composition, after all, is defined with the choice, remember the basic requirements applied to the seedliness:

• Looseness. Pay attention to the physical shape of the soil - it should not be lump. For seedlings, the soil must be air and even gentle. The mixture should not be solving or lifted
• "Health". In the ground there can be a lot of useful substances, but if they found spores of mushrooms, pathogeful microorganisms, insect larvae, weed sprouts, then this substrate is not suitable anywhere. Weak young plants will not cope with such a "biological" attack and perished.
• Fertility. As part of the soil, trace elements needed by the plant, otherwise seedlings will not be able to eat.
• Acidity. This property of the soil should be close to the neutral pH indicators, that is, to be equal to 6.5-6.7. Tiny plants are harmful to be in an acidic or alkaline environment.
• Toxicity. The composition of the soil should be absent, oil products, salts of heavy metals, radionuclides.

Many of these indicators are difficult to evaluate at home, and therefore it is not always possible to comply with all the requirements for the soil. Ideally, to determine how the soil is suitable for planting seeds to seedlings, you need to pass it on the analysis in the laboratory. But, as it is not always possible to do it, then in stores it is worth choosing proven stamps.

Main brands of soils

In stores now you can choose a soil of various price categories, all kinds of compositions and from long-known or only marks released. Below in the table you can familiarize yourself with the main ones.

Name	Characteristic	Structure
Living land	A peat-based primer suitable for landing seeds and growing a strong seedlings of any fruiting and blooming plants. Can be used as a fertilizer during the seedlings landing. There are several types: universal, special (for individual seedlings), floral.	Hinde peat, biohumus, agglitis, mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen content is at least 150 mg / l, potassium - 300 mg / l, phosphorus - 270 mg / l. pH - about 6.5.
	Universal soil, which has long been used by summer houses for growing any seedlings, improves her germination and increases yield	Peat, sand, fertilizer complex. The 1 liter contains nitrogen at least 200 mg / l, phosphorus - 200, potassium - 300. pH - 5.5 (for some types of plants is required to suffer).
Bud sad	A multicomponent balanced mixture that allows you to improve the growth of plants and in the future will affect the taste of their fruits. There are several types: Panked, floral, pumpkin, vegetable, etc.	Peat, compost, rhocopeous meal, vermiculitis, sand and mica. Mass fraction of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium - at least 0.1% of the entire mass.
Gumimax	Suitable for growing seedlings, vegetables on windows, loggia, balcony, often used as a fertilizer when planting seedlings on a garden or to greenhouses. Including and for room colors.	Sand, Nizina peat, Gumimax fertilizer. Chemical composition: Ammonium nitrogen - at least 700 mg / kg, nitrate - 100 mg / kg, potassium oxide and phosphorus oxide - at least 800 mg / kg of each. pH - 6.0-7.5.
Garden land	The neuropogrount is excellent for growing seedlings of various garden crops, also used as a substitute for turf when forming a bed, for planting shrubs and trees.	High peat, river sand peeled, fertilizer. The content of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus mg / l - 300, 400, 300, respectively. pH - 5.5-6.0

How to choose primer

How in such a variety to choose the right primer for your seedlings? Follow the instructions below, and everything will turn out:

Some analyzes for determining the quality of the soil can also be held at home, as well as at home to prepare the ground for disembarking seeds.

Video - Instructions for choosing soil for seedlings

It is necessary to immediately note that it is incorrect to call a substrate in the pot soil. The soil is a single living organism consisting of related layers (horizons) and formed on a certain mother breed, depending on climate, relief and activities of soil organisms for a long period of time. So the soil becomes fertile and can recreate itself. As soon as we take part of the soil and carry it home, it immediately turns into a certain or less fertile substrate. Therefore, we will call the substance in the pot of soil or substrate. Its main purpose is to maintain the plant and carry out water and nutritional elements to root, give air access. Ensuring the plant with nutrition is not a priority function of soils, and our task is to timely and correctly enter nutrients into the substrate. Soils can be made not only of natural materials taken from nature, but also from artificial, for example, hydrogel, perlite or clay - with a hydroponic method of cultivation.

In the selection of soil for a particular plant, it is necessary to understand what kind of soil is needed in composition and acidity. To do this, it is useful to read special literature, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the biology and the conditions for growing a loved plant.

Despite the extensive variety of soils on store shelves, almost all of them are divided into several groups. In the production process, substances regulating acidity, fertilizers (usually long-term action) are added, sometimes added sand, clamzit crumb, perlite and other components.

Top peat-based soils. They are perhaps the majority. Horse peat is the result of the decomposition of the moss of Sfagnum, which grows on the rollers. He is poor minerals, after prey, quickly loses fertility. On its basis, the transportation soil is prepared, which transports plants, and which are also used by our nurseries. The advantage of it is lightness, hygroscopicity, breathability. The disadvantages include such a high ability to keep water that at a certain humidity of the soil roots already cease to absorb it; On the contrary, after full drying it is difficult to wash. Sirts based on the upper peat serve as a substrate for almost all indoor colors.

Nurts based on low peat. Such peat is extracted from low-roll swamps, wetlands of rivers and lakes. He is heavy, more rich in minerals, which, however, is freed slowly. In its pure form, it is better not to use for transfers of room colors, as it remains wet for a long time, it has a small structure and quickly flies, making it difficult to access the roots and causing their posting. It can only be used as a component in the preparation of land blends.

Biohumus. Biohumus is obtained by recycling the manure with certain lines of rainwrites, it contains not only a high percentage of organic substances, but also useful living microorganisms. It is used in a small amount to enrich an earth mixture, it can serve as a substitute for sheet or herbal humor.

Many manufacturers offer ready-made soils for different groups of plants, however, it is necessary to refer to the recommendations on the composition of the soil for one or another plant type. Sometimes it is necessary to make adjustments, it is desirable to always have a few more components for the preparation of optimal soil for a particular plant.

To do this, you may need:

• sandIt is advisable to take in unpolluted places along the banks of the rivers, but you can buy in flower shops. Sand should be sifted through a sieve to get rid of garbage and large stones, and rinse in water to remove dust and dirt. It serves as a good additional addition to ready-made soils for cactus and succulents, palm trees and other plants, prevents their peel.
• moss Sfagnum Sold in flower shops, its pH about 4. added for the preparation of loose lightweight air-permeable acid substrates for Uzambar violets and other representatives of heesnery, for aroid, orchids, azaleas.
• bark of pine thornswhich can be bought in the store or assemble from constructed plants, has a pH of 4-4.5. Before use, it is necessary to boil at least 30 minutes. It is added to the soil for epiphyts, bromellene, anthuriums, phylfodendrones and other plants in need of a loose wet substrate. Serves as the only component of the soil for some orchids, including phalaenopsis.
• coniferous land going under coniferous trees, It contains the fallen and partially recovered hive. The bumps and branches in it should be removed. It is loose, poor, acidic land with pH 4-5. Serves part of For plants that prefer the acidic reaction of the soil and requiring increased looseness of the substrate, for example, for precious orchids.
• herbal or leaf humus It is formed when the leaves or grass is overcoated, pH 5-6. Replaces the reworked manure, which is not necessary for room colors. It serves as a component for earthy mixtures plants in need of enhanced organic diet, such as ferns and others. Adequate replacement can be biohumus.
• cherry earth It is formed when composting the turf, but it can be typed in the forest from fresh mobby, where the ground is loose and practically does not contain garbage and plant roots. IN middle lane Cherry earth is usually loam. A small amount of Clay helps to strudule the soil and hold the moisture. Clay thanks to a layered structure holds ions on itself, does not allow nutrients quickly, thereby reducing the number of feeding. Under young plants in transplanting should be added a little land, increasing its share as it grows. It is a good component of the soil for palm trees and other plants. The turf land is desirable to add to prevent a quick (during the day) to dry the substrate, especially when the plants on the balcony.
• charcoal Sold in flower shops, enters the substrates for orchids, bromelia, etc. plants, it should be added to the fresh ground during transplantation in case of firing root. They are sprinkled with rings and cuts on roots, stems and leaves to prevent the development of rot.

Guided by knowledge about the needs of plants and having ready-made purchased substrates at hand and additional components, you can cook land mix Almost for all indoor colors. Sometimes used more perlite, vermiculite, foam, mineral Wat, Porolon.

Before use, the soil must be subjected to thermal processingThis will save in the future from problems with root nematodes, rainworms, many-digging and other soil inhabitants. A simple way is to placed on a bottom of a large pan, washed with crude sand with a layer of several centimeters, and on top of it - other components of the mixture. The saucepan is put on the stove and heated. Water evaporating from the bottom layer of sand in the form of a pair warms the rest of the soil. It should be safe until the upper layer is heated (10 liters of the pan warms up for about 40-60 minutes).

But thermal processing leads to the inevitable death of useful soil microorganisms, and without their livelihoods, the plants cannot absorb organic fertilizers. About a month after the transplantation, when the roots fully restore, it should be started to populate the soil with special microorganisms and constantly maintain their number. This will help special drugs containing live microorganisms, such as Baikal, Revival, East Em-1, as well as organic fertilizers of the Eco-Staples brand containing soil microflora.

Specialized soils for indoor plants

Soil for cacti and succulents
The main requirements for this soil are water permeability and poverty with nutrients. Such soils contain a large amount of sand (approximately half), the rest can be a riding peat, leaf land. For cacti in the purchase of ground, you can add some more of the sand.
For a group of forest cacti, a universal soil based on the upper peat is quite suitable.

Soil for orchids
Purchased soils for orchids typically contain several components - peat, sphagnum, coal, bark. With these substrates, the greatest confusion occurs. There is no single soil for orchids, since among them there are different groups on the habitat. For terrestrial orchids, the purchase of the soil meets the requirements, but there are epiphytic orchids that live in trees, for them such a soil categorically does not fit. For this group, it is necessary to use only a bark, sometimes moss sphagnum and coal, but in no case can peat. It is easier to buy separately the bark of the desired fraction and after boiling to put orchid into it.
The soil for orchids with the addition of the upper peat (1: 1) is optimally suitable for anthuriums, phyloodendrons, monster, bromelia.

Ground for Bromeliev
Such soils consist mainly of the upper peat with the addition of leaf land and sand. To give greater looseness, you can add small pieces of bark, chopped sphagnum, coniferous ground, as well as coal, or prepare it on the basis of soil for orchids, adding about half of the universal soil based on the upper peat.

Soil for palm trees
All palm trees love loose and breathable land, they are suitable substrates based on the upper peat with the addition of sand, leaf and turf. As palm trees grow, a substrate is adding an increasing amount of turf.

Soil for ferns
Ferns are growing in a very loose, wet, rich in organic soil. To compile a mixture, it is possible to the soil for succulents (peat, sand and low content of mineral fertilizers) add sheet humus or biohumus-based primer (1: 1).

Soil for Uzambar violets and other heesnery
For this group of plants, an acidic substrate based on a rigoric peat is optimally suitable. It is desirable to add some sand or perlite, coniferous land, coal, for greater moisture intensity and looseness to make a cut-off sphagnum.

Gardening ground
In the purchased substrate for clerk, consisting of the upper peat and sand, it is desirable to add approximately equal parts of the leaf land (or humus soil) and coniferous ground. Be sure to use only acidic mixtures.