skip to main content

Container Gardening

use of miracle grow fruit and vegetable soil in container garden

14 years ago

I am a first year container vegetable gardener who was very upset reading on another site that miracle grow fruit and vegetable soil will eventually strangle my vegetables. Should I transplant them into potting soil? I have no idea what to do or how dire this is. Please help me. Thanks in advance.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
14 years ago
You CAN grow a good crop in MG if you're attentive to how you water and fertilize. It's just easier and more fool-proof in a well-aerated mix that drains freely. I'm not familiar with "MG Fruit and Vegetable Soil", but generally peat-based soils collapse too quickly and are too water retentive to be considered good, when compared to the soils you can build based on pine or some other conifer barks instead of peat. Search this forum using ..... never mind - I'll leave a link below that explains a little about container soils, what is and isn't important ...... ;o)

Al

Here is a link that might be useful: If you click me, I'll share some info about soils
c00rdb
14 years ago
I think katrina08 is referring to the Miracle Gro "Garden Soil" rather than the Miracle Gro "Potting Soil". I believe it is much finer than the potting mix and holds more water because it is for use on the ground rather than a garden bed. I could be wrong though. I would repot with a custom mix or at least the Potting Soil mix Miracle Gro sells. But then again, it's all about results. If your plants are flourishing, leave them be, but I don't think they would be in potted "garden soil".
Related Discussions
container gardening miracle gro moisture potting soil
Q
Comments (6)
I already have garlic chives (every few weeks a nice bunch) and nicely growing edible Indian Princess Nasturtiums. I expect strawberries (vine), Yellow Bell Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes & Organic Jalapeno's by the end of May/beginning of June. I have a dwarf lime tree on the way sometime this century (Spring Hill...). San Marzano Organic Tomatoes, Early Girl Hybrid Tomatoes, California Wonder Bell Peppers & Serrano Peppers soon to follow in June and July. Then some Texas Sweet Onions. My late crops will be Mucho Nacho Jalapenos, Cayenne Peppers, Orange Bell Peppers, Dill Weed and then finally early next year some more strawberries (bush). I'm so proud & can't wait. Steve's Garden Peace - Steve All of this on an apartment porch...Mostly in MG Moisture Control Pitting Mix.
...See More
Bringing miracle fruit plant bare root, what soil to use?
Q
Comments (1)
Sorry folks, posted to the wrong forum. Was intended for container gardening. Please see the correct discussion here: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg020043072650.html Here is a link that might be useful: Correct thread
...See More
Miracle Grow Garden Soil - Question
Q
Comments (38)
I just recently planted a tomatoe plant in a huge plastic pot.I grow all my tomatoe plants in pots,as I can have them inside a small fenced in area to keep the deer from eating them up, and I filled the pot with the MG garden soil.it says to not plant in pots using only this mix, but,I did it anyway,and I will continue to do it,as this one tomatoe plant has tripled in size, compared to my other pots with MG potting mix.It grew huge just in 3 days and full of flowers already.and there was no chunks of wood in mine either.really nice soil mix. jean
...See More
Miracle-Gro organic garden soil in containers?
Q
Comments (8)
There are several posts here from last growing season discussing all the problems folks had trying to use MG Garden Soil in containers that a search will pull up for you. Some of the problems mentioned as I recall were mold and bacterial problems, post-transplant damp-off, heavy compaction in containers, and does not drain well. Results in excess water retention, root rot, stunted growth, etc. - thus the warning on the bag. You best results will be from using a soil-less mix intended for containers, but since you already have $$ invested in this at least mix it 1/2 and 1/2 with one of the better soil-less alternatives, peat, bark fines, compost, etc. something to lighten up the mix. Dave
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Grow Blueberries for Their Fruit and More

By Ellen Sousa/Turkey Hill Brook Farm

Eastern gardeners should consider growing blueberry plants for their delicious fruits, bee-friendly spring blooms and brilliant fall foliage

FARM YOUR YARD How to Grow Vegetables in Containers

By Annie Thornton

Get glorious vegetables and fruits on your patio with a pro’s guidance — including his personal recipe for potting mix

FALL GARDENING 5 Fall Fruits You Can Grow in Containers

Brighten your porch or patio with a potted pomegranate, kumquat, blueberry bush or another great fall fruit

SUMMER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES How to Grow Your Own Fresh, Sweet Corn

By Marianne Lipanovich

Here's how to plant and care for your own mini cornfield

FARM YOUR YARD 10 Easy Edibles to Grow in Containers

By Marianne Lipanovich

These herbs, vegetables and fruits are just as happy in a pot as they are in the ground

URBAN GARDENS Containers Make Growing Edibles a Cinch

If life hands you a lack of land, grow lemons — with a few basics, you can proudly reap the fruits, veggies and herbs of your labor

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

SPRING GARDENING Summer Crops: How to Grow Strawberries

By Marianne Lipanovich

Pluck your own sweet strawberries right from the garden vine for smoothies, salads or eating then and there

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crop: How to Grow Blueberries

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant blueberries in spring or fall for garden beauty through three seasons — and a sweet superfood in summer

SUMMER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Summer Crops: How to Grow Beans

By Marianne Lipanovich

Grow your own beans for amazing variety and healthy, convenient produce all summer

Sponsored

Landscape Management Group

28 Reviews

High Quality Landscaping Services in Columbus

More Discussions

Firefly Petunia in Containers Outside

4

Fertilizing in a self water pot?

5

was just gifted a starter gardenia bonsai

1

Combine 5-1-1 And Gritty Mix?

3

Gashed caused on ponytail palm. Is it a goner?

9