As a gardener, you may find yourself with a surplus of old potting soil at the end of each gardening season or after repotting plants. Instead of tossing it out, why not find ways to repurpose and make the most of that leftover soil?
In this article, we’ll explore eight practical uses for old potting soil that can help you reduce waste and make your garden flourish.
Old potting soil doesn’t necessarily lose its usefulness, it’s simply depleted of nutrients as your plants have absorbed them over time.
By refreshing and reusing it, you can extend the life of your potting soil, saving money, and benefiting the environment in the process.
In the suggestions that follow, you’ll discover methods for refreshing that old soil, using it as a compost booster, creating a space for beneficial insects, and more.
We’re confident these ideas will inspire you to think twice before discarding your old potting soil and set you on the path to a more sustainable and eco-conscious gardening journey.
8 Uses for Old Potting Soil
1. Composting and Fertilizer
Old potting soil is a great addition to your compost bin. By mixing it with kitchen scraps, leaves, and other organic materials, you’ll create a nutrient-rich compost. Your plants will love being fed with this homemade fertilizer—simply sprinkle it around them.
2. Mix it with Fresh Soil
Old potting soil can be rejuvenated by mixing it with fresh soil. This way you can improve its structure and add nutrients. Use a 50/50 mix of old and new soil to create an excellent growing medium for plants.
3. Mulching
Use old potting soil as a natural mulch for your garden beds. Spread a layer around plants to help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. This will also help to improve soil fertility over time.
4. Use it for Seedlings
Old potting soil can be used to start seedlings. Just make sure to add a bit of fresh soil or compost to boost its nutrient content.
Fill your seed trays or pots with the mix and plant your seeds. They’ll appreciate the nutrients from the recycled soil.
5. Use it for outdoor landscaping
If you’re working on a landscaping project, consider using old potting soil as filler material.
For example, you can use it to backfill holes when planting trees or shrubs. It will save you from buying additional topsoil and give the old soil a new purpose.
6. Filling Gaps in the Lawn
Your lawn may have some dips or bare spots that need attention. Simply spread your old potting soil on these areas and mix it with a bit of grass seed.
Before you know it, your lawn will look healthier and more even.
7. Adding to Raised Beds
Refresh your raised beds by adding old potting soil. Layer it at the bottom of the bed, keeping the fresher soil on top.
This will help with drainage and provide more nutrients to your plants’ growing needs.
8. Use it for indoor plants
Recycle your old potting soil by using it for indoor plants. As long as it doesn’t contain insects or diseases, topping off houseplant containers can be beneficial. Just make sure to mix it with some fresh soil to ensure your plants receive the nutrients they need.
