Secret Recipe For Drought Tolerant Container Garden Soil Mix

Soil mix can make a big difference for container gardens when the heat of summer hits. One thing that has really helped my containers hold on this heavy drought season is my super-secret container formula and planting techniques which have kept the containers fresh even though I water them only about three times per week.

Above you see by one of my containers that my technique is a success. The container is a mix of Proven Winners annual plants – Supertunia Watermelon Charm, Superbells Grape Punch Calibrachoa, Superbells Yellow Chiffon Calibrachoa, and Illusion Midnight Lace Sweet Potato Vine.

Why Do My Flowering Garden Containers Dry Out so Fast?

When you shop at a nursery and buy a pre-planted container, chances are the containers will be planted with the soilless mix that the nurseries need for their specific growing conditions. In other words, they water very heavy everyday and do not want the soil to hold the water in the container so the plant will not suffer root rot. BUT WE WANT TO HOLD MORE MOISTURE IN AN ANNUAL CONTAINER GARDEN. If you do not hold water in a drought, you have to water constantly.

When I get a pre-potted plant, I always tear the planting apart. I know – I know – you’re freaking out right now. Just tear that baby apart. When you pull it apart, the soil will feel dry like dust. Then replant it with my own secret fantastical soil mix recipe (below) which holds water close to the roots longer. This keeps roots moist for a longer period of time and helps build a healthier plant.

Secret Drought Tolerant Soil Mix for Recipe

1. 1/3 Organic Potting Soil
2. 1/3 Rotted Manure
3. 1/3 Compost of any kind
4. Organic Fertilizer

Here is why I added each item in the secret mix:

#1 is REAL SOIL, not a soil-less mix, so potting soil is usually a healthy mix of ingredients that will hold water consistently. Moisture retentive soil means you water less.

#2 and #3 is compost with a nitrogen content and some amazing microbes mixed in. Essentially I’m suggesting you put in 2/3’s compost and 1/3 potting soil. Composted manure is always a great water-retentive product that is beneficial to both containers and ground plantings.

#3 is a fertilizer. Annuals such as petunias, geraniums, and calibrachoa can always use a little extra oomph to help them grow because they are heavy feeders. Mix in organic fertilizer when planting.

Why mix your own soil formula? The answer is clear — if you hold more moisture in your containers, your plants will be more likely to survive extreme heat and drought. Replant store bought flowering containers and plant up brand new containers with this soil mix. You will have great success!