Recommended Potting Soil & Soil Amendments
for the northwest gardener
Swansons is pleased to offer a variety of high-quality potting soils and soil amendments (featuring G&B Organics® and E.B. Stone® products) suited to your preference and garden situation.
POTTING SOILS are specially formulated for containers, to enhance root development and provide excellent drainage. They generally should not be used to amend garden soil.
SOIL AMENDMENTS (such as compost) add organic matter to your soil, which greatly improves the ability of soil to retain water and nutrients, and helps soil particles bind together to form a structure, in which water, air, and roots can move freely. It also feeds beneficial soil microbes and fungi which in turn break down and transport nutrients to the roots.
Sandy soils (gritty and loose with large particles) need extra organic matter to improve the ability to hold water and nutrients. In heavy clay soils (sticky when wet, powdery or chunky when dry), organic matter provides new air spaces for water to drain and roots to grow.
When adding amendments, work into existing soil as deeply as possible without disturbing existing roots. Never dig in soil that is saturated, as it will compact.
TOP MULCHING (aka “top dressing”) Planting beds with a layer of compost (or bark, in some areas) significantly helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and feed the soil. Please ask if you have any questions!
Choices of soils or amendments for specific garden projects
POTTING SOIL
All Plants in Containers:
•G&B Organics® Potting Soil
• G&B Organics® Raised Bed & Potting Mix
• E.B. Stone® Edna’s Best™ Potting Soil
Filling Raised Beds
G&B Organics Raised Bed & Potting Mix
Dr. Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Planting Mix (only available seasonally)
AMENDING EXISTING SOIL
Trees & Shrubs:
• G&B Organics® Soil Building Conditioner
• E.B. Stone® Planting Compost
• G&B Organics® Premium Topsoil
Vegetables:
• G&B Organics® Harvest Supreme
• G&B Organics® Soil Building Conditioner
• E.B. Stone® Planting Compost
• G&B Organics® Farmyard Blend (Manure Blend)
• E.B. Stone® Earthworm Castings
Perennials:
• G&B Organics® Soil Building Conditioner
• E.B. Stone® Planting Compost
Annuals:
• G&B Organics® Harvest Supreme
• E.B. Stone® Planting Compost
TOP MULCHING
Trees, Shrubs & Large Perennials:
• G&B Organics® Soil Building Conditioner
• E.B. Stone® Planting Compost
• E.B. Stone® Bark Mulch
Lawns - for overseeding:
• G&B Organics® Soil Building Conditioner
• G&B Organics® Premium Topsoil
