Can You Reuse Potting Soil Viewer Inspired

In this viewer-inspired video, learn how and when you can reuse potting soil. Most potting soil can be reused. Here are some tips for what soil you can reuse and what soil you don’t want to reuse. If the soil is reusable, find out what to add to it to make it the best possible soil.

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Video Transcript

Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.

Today, I am going to answer a question that I have gotten quite a bit recently, most recently from my viewer Alpha Omega. Thank you for asking the question! The question is, can you reuse soil?

Yes, you can reuse potting soil. There are a few caveats to that, which I’m going to discuss now, along with the best way to go about the process of reusing soil. First of all, I would not reuse soil that has been in use for longer than five years. At that point, the soil tends to be high in salts (and I do have a video on the problems with salty soil; I’ll put a link below). By then, the soil structure is worn out, so I would recommend discarding it.

For soil in the three to five-year range, depending on the plant and the condition of the soil, it may be time to consider replacing it. However, before that, yes, you can reuse soil! Sometimes, a plant doesn’t make it—which is sad but happens—or you might buy a plant from a big-box nursery and realize it’s in a pot that’s too large. This often leaves extra soil, and you may wonder if you can reuse it. The answer is yes.

For soil that’s between one and three years old, feel free to reuse it, with a few precautions. If a plant grown in that soil had root rot, do not reuse the soil; instead, put it in a bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it properly, as it may contain fungal spores. Likewise, if the soil has been heavily infested with pests like scale or mealybugs, it’s best to discard it. But, if plants have generally been growing well in the soil or if you’re simply repotting and have leftover soil, reusing is fine.

When reusing soil, I recommend adding some amendments to ensure it remains fertile. Here’s a sample of used soil that came from a plant I repotted into a smaller pot because it was in too large a container. The soil is dry, so to repot, I’d moisten it to keep the plant from sinking. I also break up any large clumps, and if there are bark chunks or similar materials, I remove those.

Adding amendments is key for reused soil. A great option is worm compost, which I have several videos about. Another useful addition is rock dust, which supplies micronutrients. You’ll want to add pumice if the soil feels too heavy; in this sample, I see enough pumice, but if it was lacking, I’d add some. Lastly, add fertilizer—in this case, I’m using my Green Gourmet Houseplant Food. Follow package directions and mix it in.

With these additions, you’ll have a refreshed, “new old” houseplant soil. Reusing soil is a great way to extend its life, and since soil can be expensive, it’s a cost-effective approach. Once you’re ready to use the refreshed soil, add water to moisten it, as soil that’s been sitting tends to dry out quickly indoors.

Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.

FAQ's - Can You Reuse Potting Soil 101

Frequently Asked Questions on Reusing Potting Soil

Can you reuse potting soil?

Yes, you can reuse potting soil with certain caveats. Soil that is older than five years may be high in salts and lose its structure, making it unsuitable for reuse. However, soil that’s less than three to five years old can generally be reused with some precautions and amendments.

What soil age is considered too old to reuse?

Soil that has been in use for more than five years should be discarded. Over time, it accumulates salts and loses structure, which can harm plants.

Can I reuse soil from a plant that didn’t survive?

Yes, if a plant didn’t make it, you can reuse the soil as long as the plant didn’t have root rot, pests, or diseases. If it did, it’s best to discard the soil to avoid spreading any potential issues.

What amendments should I add to reused soil?

Adding amendments to reused soil is essential. Recommended additions include worm compost for nutrients, rock dust for micronutrients, pumice if the soil is heavy, and a general fertilizer like Green Gourmet Houseplant Food.

How should I prepare soil for reuse?

First, break up any large clumps and remove any large bark pieces. Moisten the soil before repotting, as dried-out soil can cause plants to sink in the pot. Mixing in amendments like worm compost, rock dust, and pumice as needed can help refresh the soil.