I'm not saying that folks should go raid beaches for sand for gardening. However, if one happens to live near an abandoned sand pit (like I do), then this could be very useful! And yeah, I would do a rinse of the sand pit sand before sterilizing -- to help leech out any pollutants. Small rocks could work as well. But, again, I would sterilize anything before using it as a #PottingMix!

How to Clean Beach Sand

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu
Last Updated: April 16, 2025

"There are lots of ways to clean beach sand for crafts projects. Sift out rocks and other debris, and rinse away organic matter and silt. If you need sterile sand, try baking it for 45 minutes. Remove salt by simmering the sand with water, then straining it through a coffee filter."

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Beach-Sand

#SolarPunkSunday #PottingSoil #PottingMix #Gardening #CleaningSand

So, like #Perlite takes a lot of energy to produce, while #Vermiculite is mined! Not sure if there are alternatives to either of those out there. Maybe sterilized #CoarseSand? Hmmmm... Something to ponder...

Learn All About The Differences Between Perlite and Vermiculite

Written By: Robin Sweetser Gardener
January 11, 2026

"How do you know which is best to use in your garden—perlite or vermiculite? Some people think they are the same and used for similar purposes, but that’s not the whole story. Let’s look at the similarities and the differences and help you to pick the best one."

https://www.almanac.com/perlite-and-vermiculite-choosing-the-right-one

#SolarPunkSunday #PottingSoil #Gardens #PottingMix #Sustainability

Here are some different recipes for #PeatFree #PottingSoil blends -- depending on what one needs it for (#SeedStarting, #RaisedBeds, #PottedPlants, etc). The recipes also call for the use of #mycorrhizae to simulate root production. My cannabis farmer friends use that in their soil blends!

How to Make Peat-Free #PottingMix

Easy #DIY Potting Mixes for Potted Plants and Mo

"Going peat-free is one of the most impactful things we can do as gardeners to be better stewards of the earth and our resources. The lack of peat-free potting mixes at the garden center can be discouraging, but I see it as an opportunity to make my own which, frankly, has yielded far better results over the last few years. With a few basic components kept at hand, you can make great mixes for your plants, too!"

Learn more:
https://wildrevivalgardening.com/peatfree-gardening-guide/peatfree-potting-mix-recipes

#Gardening #SeedStartingMix #SeedStarting #SolarPunkSunday #PeatFreeStartingMix

DIY #PottingMix Masterclass: Make Your Own #PeatFree Blends For Plants

Looking to make more of natural potting mix ingredients and boost your peat-free options? Our DIY potting mix masterclass can help you create potting mediums for different plants

By Mary Ellen Ellis
published September 9, 2024

"While it’s easy to find high-quality potting mix at gardening stores and nurseries, there are good reasons to consider #DIY #PottingMix. Making your own blend gives you greater control and allows you to make adjustments for different needs. You can also save money this way.

"As you investigate recipes for the perfect potting mix, consider the importance of leaving out peat. Peat moss is often used in potting blends but unfortunately it must be harvested from wetlands. The process damages a delicate ecosystem and releases carbon dioxide. Luckily, if you want to make soilless growing mediums, there are plenty of good alternatives. Here we show you how to make your own potting mix."

Learn more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/diy-potting-mix-peat-free

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #SeedStartingMix #SeedStarting #PeatFreeMix #CoconutCoir #Compost #RiceHulls #GrowYourOwn

So much #pottingmix & #mulch!

I’m limited by my budget, so nothing exotic for me today. #gardening

My #JerusalemArtichoke tubers planted in #PottingMix #bags - are ALIVE!

Alive I tell you - alive! Muhahahaha!

#gardening

#Bunnings just delivered 4 x 50litre bags of #PottingMix.

Unhelpfully, directly behind our car in the carport!

So I’ve just moved them out of the way so we can get the car out.

My knees made popping sounds like tiny firecrackers going off.🧨🧨🧨🧨

Not happy.