Why is a potting media preferable to soil for growing plants in ...

[nmorano1]

Why is a potting media preferable to soil for growing plants in pots?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the function of each of these basic components of potting media?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[Koolkid240]

Answer to Question 1

Soil has small pore spaces, but an organic medium has large pore spaces to allow air to reach the roots of the plant. A potting medium will not compact under containerization as soil will. Also a medium will be sterile and not harbor disease organisms, weed seeds, and insects. Finally, potting media are lighter in weight than soil.

Answer to Question 2

organic component  to retain water and act as a reservoir for nutrients
coarse aggregate - to create large pore spaces that allow the free flow of water and air through the medium

[nmorano1]

Gracias!

[ricroger]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it