Native Plants better?

[KoopaDaTroopa]

Hello, I have a Russian tortoise and I'm thinking of growing my own plants. I'm not just trying to grow lettuce or stuff like that, I'm growing plants native to arid regions of central Asia since that's where there from. I plan to use a mix of Topsoil, washed play sand, pea gravel, and some compost. Is this a good idea?

 

[Tom]

Hello, I have a Russian tortoise and I'm thinking of growing my own plants. I'm not just trying to grow lettuce or stuff like that, I'm growing plants native to arid regions of central Asia since that's where there from. I plan to use a mix of Topsoil, washed play sand, pea gravel, and some compost. Is this a good idea?

You can grow food plants in whatever soil works the best as long as it doesn't contain toxins. It's also fine to use fertilizers. Plants can't grow without fertilizer. Just don't let the tortoise have direct contact with fertilizer products. I would not let the tortoise have access to store bought soil, sand, or pea gravel either.

 

[RosemaryDW]

So, I'm in a Mediterranean climate and while it wasn't intentional—we found our tortoise on the street—having a very dryscaped yard has been ideal. Plenty of big rocks to bang around on, sandy soil to dig in. The soil is very similar to what she's have at home.


It was key the soil was compacted, if that makes sense. We worked with a landscape architect to purchase clean, gravel rich soil prior and he installed it. We didn't mix it up ourselves. She can dig in and it won't easily kick up loose. Is that an option for you? If not I'd stick to clean fill dirt, ensuring she gets regular access to minerals and calcium. Play sand isn't recommended.

 

[RosemaryDW]

Oh, I will add that native isn't necessarily better. Our scrub offers the right kind of plants to expose herself to just as little or much sun as she wants at a given time. But I've no doubt a tortoise would take a nice green yard as well! She just needs a couple of good spots for sun and shade.