Blended Earth

Anybody that grows anything in the ground or in a pot will benefit from using Blended Earth. In the early establishment of this product over 20 years ago, it was introduced to the Master Gardner’s of the Greater Columbia (SC) area and to this day they still line up every spring to get their fill of Blended Earth. The magic in Blended Earth is fresh mushroom compost. This proprietary blend stands out as a complete soil with excellent staying power and the ability to outperform other products making plants healthier, tastier and more attractive.

With Blended Earth no additional fertilizer is needed in the first year. Remember that potted vegetables and other plants come with plenty of slow release fertilizer and when planted in a fresh bed of Blended Earth, plants are not likely to need additional fertilizer. In the second season the soil can be freshened or replaced. We like to take out the old material, spread it in our yard and put in fresh Blended Earth every spring.

Raised beds of Blended Earth require no other preparation other than choosing the best area for sunlight. Other garden areas need to have proper drainage, be relatively weed free, and have lost fertile soil.

Seedlings or established plants are both happy to grow in Blended Earth. Initiating planting from seedlings usually occurs indoors and takes great planning and offers a wider variety of plants, especially in the heirloom category. Potted or established plants give a great advantage in time and allow for more spontaneous plantings.

The most popular vegetables for home gardens are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and carrots. Lettuce is largely planted as well but pay attention to your local climate as in the summer, many places are too hot to grow lettuce.

Yes, it is generally not recommended to plant tomatoes in the same soil two years in a row; this is because tomatoes are heavy feeders and can deplete the soil of nutrients, making it less suitable for subsequent tomato crops, and also because planting in the same spot can lead to a buildup of tomato-specific diseases and pests in the soil. To maintain healthy soil, practice crop rotation by planting tomatoes in a different spot each year.

Get ready for a winter garden! Blended Earth has great staying power to keep growing, so plant those winter vegetables and lettuce! If it’s too cold to keep gardening where you live, no further action is required. Any leaves that are present in the spring can simply be worked into the medium for added organic material.

Precautionary measures to safeguard against extreme weather should begin as part of the planning process for choosing the appropriate plants, growing medium and position of your bed or plantings. The sandier the soil, the more droughty the growing conditions. Blended Earth offers a great balance of sand and organic matter helping both retain proper moisture and providing for drainage. Some plants enjoy full sun while others prefer a bit of shade. Heat is relative to where you live and you need to choose plants that have a proven track record of success in your local climate.