Comparing Potting Soil to Starter Soil

Title: Comparing Potting Soil to Starter Soil

The goal of finding out which soil is better to grow plants in?

Background

I wanted to learn which soil is most commonly used when planting flowers or vegetables. Which is the best? This project is designed to find out which soil works best by using two different types. In the world of soil today, which is a big business, there are many choices. Starter soils are excellent for starting a vegetable garden, but potting soil works well too. When researching this topic, one will find many suggestions. However, creating a garden is as much an art as it is a science ("How to Start Vegetable Seeds Indoors," 2013). Through trial and error, gardeners will find what works best ("How to Start Vegetable Seeds Indoors," 2013). Because I am doing this experiment in a certain part of the home, with particular temperature parameters and light conditions, results may vary from the results of other gardeners.

Date and Time Started

10/11/2013 7:00 PM

Expected Date Parameters as to When Seedlings Should Emerge

10/ 18, 2013 to 10/ 21/2013

Expected Date of Project Completion

12/9/2013
Materials Used

2 Standard Plant Pots Gravel Rocks Seedlings (Radish Cherry Belle) Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix. Contains mix of coconut fibers, Canadians phagnum peat moss, and a wetting agent to provide superior water holding and releasing environment. Protects plants against the effects of over and under watering. Enriched with Miracle-Gro plant food. An AquaCoir formula helps reduce plant stress between watering. Provides added protection during hot and dry weather" (Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix 2013).Plantation Seed Starter Soil. Plantation's seed starter mix is a high quality mix containing sphagnum peat moss, horticultural grade vermiculite, perlite, starter fertilizer and a wetting agent. Ideal for seed starting and popular as a general planting mix for year round… (Plantation Products, 2013).

Actions Conducting this investigation reports using a standard plant pot, placing gravel rocks at the bottom of each pot and allowing the water to drain. Putting 4 inches of Miracle-Gro Moisture Control potting mix in one pot and then Plantation Seed Starter Soil in the other pot. Gathered a number of rocks from his neighbor's driveway. Pictures were taken to document the stage at which the plant had been along the way, and a journal will mark future observations, in addition to pictures demonstrating progress.