Topsoil? Organic potting soil? Moss? Humus? Compost? What is all this stuff?

[Talka]

So, definitely confused. I want to grow that Russian seed mix from Carolina Pet Supply, but I have no idea where to start. I've always bought pre-potted plants and just used flower-potting soil with fertilizers.
Now that I'm trying to grow food for a tortoise, I can't buy anything with fertilizers, which opens up a whole new world of dirt!

So help me out, what do you use to grow weeds?

---

Also, in regards to terrarium substrate, http://www.lowes.com/pd_92889-76450...entURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=cypress+mulch&facetInfo= is that safe?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Sandy


With regards to the Lowe's product, I'd try to read what its blended with on the package.

 

[EKLC]

Top soil is in general just dirt. But I think companies have a lot of wiggle room with what is considered topsoil. Go with a reputed company, you can email them with any questions about their product

 

[ripper7777777]

I used Scott's Top Soil and Coir 50/50, The scott's top soil was very nice and clean, just make sure not to get any of the Scott's products with Miracle Gro. Lettuce seeds grew well in this.

 

[Melly-n-shorty]

i have had a lot of luck growing in the coconut coir from the pet shop i think it works well for smaller containers.

 

[jaizei]

I use topsoil amended with vermiculite, coir and compost. Coir is reputed to contain a natural source of rooting hormones.

 

[wellington]

I use just coir from the pet store also for my indoor enclosure. I grow weeds and grass in it and it does very well and I don't get any little bugs like I had with soil.

 

[Talka]

Awesome! I think I'll go with coir.
Any place cheaper than PetSmart?

 

[wellington]

look on the internet. I found it cheap but don't remember the name of the site. I just bought mine at Petco, I didn't want to wait for it.

 

[jaizei]

Depending on how much you want, it might be cheaper to go local.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-10-pound-...837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4837fbcf75

 

[Melly-n-shorty]

I buy it in a compressed brick at petsmart but i have seen the compressed bricks at gardening stores for a dollar or two less.