Garden soil and potting soil aren't interchangeable — a pot needs something that drains far faster than ground soil ever could.
Why Garden Soil Doesn't Work in Pots
Garden soil compacts heavily in the confined space of a container, cutting off the airflow roots need and often leading to waterlogged, suffocated roots. Potting soil is a specially blended mix — usually peat or coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite, and compost — designed to stay light and well-drained even in a pot.
Reading the Bag
Potting mixes formulated for cactus and succulents drain especially fast, while mixes for African violets or seed starting are finer-textured and hold more moisture. Using a mix suited to the specific plant type usually beats a generic all-purpose bag.
Refresh It Periodically
Potting soil breaks down and compacts over a year or two, losing the airy structure that made it work well in the first place. Repotting with fresh mix every year or two keeps container plants healthier than topping off old, compacted soil indefinitely.
