The SCAM Bagged Soil Companies Don't Want You To Know

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[@jcarter855]

If you disappear, we all know it was "Big Soil"

[@PG-fy9mq]

Hah hah

[@Herbhead369]

lol 😂

[@sandicruz8984]

😂😂😂😂

[@Purpose_Porpoise]

Miracle Gro Whistleblower found DED in his greenhouse! They say he was surrounded by sifted All purpose potting mix.

[@NCorral]

😂

[@darcysimental5299]

What i find even more despicable is the amount of chunks of wood in every “type” of bagged soil. It’s all wood chunks at this point

[@mikeb1039]

There is next to 0 "soil" in bagged soil. ;) To be fair, ALL organic matter (including wood chunks) turn INTO soil when eaten and digested (and crapped out) by the soil microorganisms and bugs.

[@krane15]

LOL, you paid for a bag of wood. Merry Christmas

[@celestejohnson9227]

I don’t mind the wood chunks as much but I’m seeing lots of large rocks in what I bought last year. Just used my last bag and full of rocks.

[@vaderladyl]

Wood is not that bad and you actually need to amend soil with wood chips sometimes, depending on the type of plant and how compact your soil is naturally.

[@wally7856]

You want those wood chunks in there. That is what amends your soil. It's the rocks that can take a hike.

[@eigleenalegri2664]

It's amazing civilization survived for millennia without bags of soil for agriculture

[@Deivid_C]

Exactly. Mom grew every single thing with cow dung from grandpa’s farm and soil from the backyard. And everything was always amazing

[@ForBetterorWorse]

We need to get back to composting. Big AG is depleting our soil😔 But yes, we are totally buying into something unnecessary

[@johnharrison2511]

It's a cheap way to buy land.

[@MsJenna-pb3ur]

😂 this whole thread is the best

[@rickwilliams967]

Almost like you can find most of it in nature.

[@AKennethNolan]

This is a master class in marketing. "Slap a new name on it and charge twice as much." Thanks for the realistic perspective. I stretch the materials in my garden- such as soil- constantly.

[@bhatkat]

Making money off ignorance. Well that would be about half the economy there so don't get too carried away now. The sophistocation of buyers are always tested and ivariably taken advantage of, picked up a bag of grass seed at the local lovely natural place and it was literally 4X the price of the bulk product behind me down on the ground. Think this was a deliberate ploy? I'll go with I just don't know.

[@zackkertzman7709]

Ehh, I bet it's dumber than that... They probably only really make potting soil to start out, then they have to go through essentially the same process (sifting, amending, etc...) in order to produce the specialty blends - so that's how they price it. The price for the specialty blends is set at [potting mix] + [additional effort and materials].

[@user-sw1gc6bd2q]

They do the same thing with milk its all pastuerized and bottled in the same place just gets a different label at the end...its hilarious to see them right next to one another on the shelf as competing brands...the cheaper one is just as good as the other one.

[@erneststaszuk4559]

@@zackkertzman7709 one of the things I've learned in life that price point is always set at how many buyers would be willing to pay for product at particular price and how it compare to competitors. Rebranding it like "special something for something" may give a product attention and cause people to buy something more expensive. Just yesterday I had in hands two moskitos repellents made by the same company. Exactly the same ingredients, same concentration, same cans. Different labels (one for 6m to 3yo kids, other for 3+ kids), different prices. Sometimes it gets even funnier. I am using with kids some syrup for hydrating throat (literally purified water, glicerol and flavors). There are two versions - one for younger children and other for older olders. The only difference is in concentration (and label ofc). And the one more diluted and confectioned in smaller bottle is also more expansive. Btw I would make this syrup myself for pennies, but wife goes like "blablabla" something about syrups should be bought at pharmacy I think. Probably even if I would buy ingredients at the same place (few times cheaper) it would not pass. Marketing power can be unbelievable.

[@nottoday3666]

@@zackkertzman7709 I'm not understanding what thescam is tho? Like for an orchid you need something with shredded types of wood that the regular pottingsoil doesn't have. That's why specialty bags happen. What am I missing here?

[@choppinblock3179]

"Don't like making money off of ignorance" If only the pharmaceutical companies had a motto like yours.

[@goku445]

Basically any company does it. If they can.

[@KoharuUchihaK]

@@goku445big pharma being the worst of them all

[@spacewater7]

Sociopaths all. Especially in mid-level management.

[@slantedshark3853]

Thanks capitalism....

[@firestick4991]

Sham-poo vs body wash is another one. There’s a lot of them. Unnecessary cleaning products, when dish soap, white vinegar and baking soda is all you’ll ever need!

[@nateauld]

'I just don't like that they're making money off ignorance.' Agreed. Thanks for the info

[@SativaVerte]

Espoma does that by selling small bags of berry tone only, when in reality the Holly tone is the same exact thing and comes in bigger bags

[@sherriianiro747]

​@@SativaVerte Holly Tone is more acidic which is why it is recommended for evergreens. There are are some exceptions like blueberries and other plants.

[@harshalshah4685]

@@sherriianiro747 I am looking at the guaranteed analysis labels for both Hollytone and Berrytone, and they are exactly the same label word for word and number for number. there is zero discernible difference between the two products.

[@user-ml3yf7pg7g]

@ nateauld 99.6% of the American people are fools. They will voted for Joe Biden again. Can you believe it ?

[@happyhobbit8450]

Buyer beware

[@descendantofsomeone]

I have never been more informed and intimidated at the same time. Thank you for posting this!

[@ThomasHuayra]

misonformed*

[@saintzk123]

Ugh, I wish I'd seen this yesterday. Costco didn't have inground mix. I thought I was accidentally buying the wrong thing and returned four bags of potting mix and almost was late to my hair appointment.. thank you for helping me learn this forever

[@itschelseakay]

I love it that I’ve made it to the side of KZbin that is exposing big soil. I’m here for it and will be subscribing 👏🏻😆

[@Waspytcu]

Big Soil! Regulations is needed ASAP😂

[@jarrettvasco7710]

Do you see what he charges for his products?😂😂

[@FaaaaaaaQ2]

I don't even garden and this was in my recs. I have now been exposed to the truth. Stop big soil now.

[@mcbrite]

Wait until you find out you don't need ANY soil at all! ;-)

[@river4462]

BIG everything. Profit greed and corruption. Most bagged dirt with even "brand names" have high amounts of lead. Also states what is in the bag regarding concentrations of sludge. And this goes into the plants. Then into the body. Better brands like Coast of Maine and Happy Frog are more reliable as far as organic and clean are concerned. Use gloves and take precautions breathing in the dust, etc etc are usually stated. What is that telling people? Corporations have no interest in the well being of people. They have no idea what they are manufacturing because they have no clue where this dirt initially is coming from. Easy to make amendments from certain weeds and the green algae from rivers and streams that flow clean. Can grow much for amending the soil. Comfrey, horsetail, nettles the list is endless. Can make foliar sprays from certain weeds, plants, aromatic ones, fruit tree leaves, rose petals, anything. Can find recipes on youtube or just research. Need to add molasses and stirring these concoctions is necessary. Amending the soil is beneficial. Home gardens can be taken care of quite easily when people who live in the country forage for soil from the woods. Dead tree stumps give much only if these stumps are hollow with a build up of soil within. Too much deceipt in society regarding most anything. The power for change comes when the masses of people quit supporting shady and corrupt big businesses. Supporting small businesses in comparison works. So much for "name brands" like miracle gro in this video. Rubbish.

[@howellomaha]

For those that want a sifter but don't know how to make/where to purchase: I purchased a kitty litter sifter pan (about $15) and is very heavy duty and lightweight. It comes as a two pack so you get two sifters for that price (it is supposed to sift the waste) and I find it really works great for my potting needs.

[@blessedbygod3430]

Thanks😊

[@ganymededarling]

Great tip!

[@CamMcB]

Never thought of using a kitty sifter scoop but though the wire version for deep fryers foods might work if the sifter is too heavy

[@TheTamrock2007]

I saw a lady that used two wire trash cans. One inside the other, because hers had larger holes. Worked great

[@robinmiddlebrook861]

Brilliant!

[@Jc-lh4mr]

I respect a man that knows his stuff. I appreciate the knowledge you shared. Keep up the awesome work.

[@jmezzofante9337]

I shared this with a Facebook gardening group. I noticed you left out gardening soil aka mulch. When I filled my raised beds, I ordered bulk screened top soil, composted cow, and hummus as individual parts because it was half the price of the mixed version and about 1/8 the price of the bagged soils. I mixed it myself and added the additives that I wanted for the plants I was growing. I have had great results. Thank you for sharing this with others.

[@mikhalych9748]

What is garden soil? Just mulch?

[@Roseles89]

Do you have advice for someone starting out with a garden on where to look for resources like that? I'm about to build my raised beds and I'm dreading buying the soil as I know i'll need several bags of the stuff. At the least I know I wasn't going to go after raised mixes from the big box stores.

[@dessiewatkins1565]

That comment put me back mentally to a time that I almost felt like gardening was like rocket science. Then I remembered even with nature God laid the foundation and we learn one step at a time.

[@CalvinJGreen]

​@Roseles89 Depending on the depth/size of your beds, you can fill the bottoms up with clean scrap wood (non- treated) branches, and clippings, then bulk "topsoil" then good compost/planting mix. If you have shallower beds less filler may be necessary. Making your own compost if you have the space is a great option to help supplement your growing medium.

[@fredbriggs5892]

Hummus?

[@PureLace]

What makes me angry is buying bags of soil/manure and have it come with a bunch of pieces of different plastic and wire in it. Drives me nuts!

[@r.martin3494]

It's probably imported from Ukraine on the cheap from Putin and his cronies then repackaged in the west. That wire could be part of a municipal library! Russia will never live down the shame! Just like Germany and Japan.

[@TheWebstaff]

Tell the animals to stop eating plastic and wires then.. 😂 Btw that's why in some places they have magnets on cows to stop them blocking up.

[@CMZneu]

@@TheWebstaff Really?... looked into it, it's called hardware disease for anybody wondering.

[@adventurejay545]

Wow, the last two big bags of soil I bought were a mess! They were filled with huge chunks of wood, roofing shingles, and even rocks mixed in. Not what I expected at all!

[@holly50575]

@@CMZneu🤯

[@OakParkGardener]

This is the kind of good information that you won't hear from other garden KZbinrs who are being sponsored by potting mix companies. Thank you for the honest info!

[@mollypitcher9380]

You mean the GARDEN ANSWER site that strongly encourages its viewers to buy MANY unnecessary gardening materials.

[@michellehawkins1027]

All I got from this was buy a basic potting soil bag, sift it, use what's left in the sift for orchids, and for everything else use what was sifted. And I guess add some sand but I have no idea how much for cactus.

[@BenEstes55]

@@michellehawkins1027 A dixie cup amount of sand

[@belavet]

@@michellehawkins1027if you start your own seed, you've learned all you needed to from this one video to cut your costs by 2/3. Seed mix is asinine in price.

[@epiclight858]

Lol yeah not much information in this video. You still need to buy specifically potting mix​@michellehawkins1027

[@kphed4423]

You just took the words out of my mouth,whether I buy potting mix or garden soil they are nickel and diming us.

[@sherylynnwales2193]

I just wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you for all of the time & effort that you have put into your videos on your channel. You are my GO TO for gardening information. I started out as a complete lost newbie a few years ago and now thanks to your videos my garden has become my "Happy Place" where we enjoy a great harvest of a variety of fruits and veggies. My amazing wonderful husband even built me a greenhouse last year. THANK YOU!!!!

[@Lucifergreenthumb]

I work at a garden center even if I tell customers all this information they don’t care because of convenience. Mostly the elderly, they like to buy small bags at a time when they need it for their specific plant. But it’s a good video.

[@kitty4536]

I agree. My mom lives in a small apartment and there's no room to spread things out to sift and mix, or even to lift the dirt to sift by herself. I always buy the smallest bag because she has no room to store the extra soil. She usually gives it away or toss it out onto neighbor's garden.

[@francesreis5086]

But, as you said, what they are buying is the convenience- they still get the joy from their hobby!

[@Minnesota_Lakes]

And, not to mention, bigger bags are heavy and awkward for some people.

[@Nphen]

I should ramp up my compost, shred some sticks from my yard, and mix in Perlite, and put it in small bags, maybe sell them for $3 each. My Michigan yard overflows with yard waste even though I don't fertilize or water my lawn. I make my own potting soil already, but have more dirt than I could ever use.

[@cephalonplant4087]

​@francesreis5086 Agreed we all don't have greenhouses or wire racks to fill a corner with things to make dirt, fertilizer is one thing that can be used often as needed

[@lindalouis3731]

I literally giggled when you said don't come after me regarding the sand. Lol!!

[@paulstaley4472]

SAME! 😂

[@karolawatches]

I’m in Florida so there’s quite a bit of sand and I recommend if you bring home a Dixie cup of sand that you bake it first. Sand fleas and fungus gnats can erupt overnight when they incubate in your perfect soil especially if it’s inside the house! Eeeeeeek!

[@ivythornburg8189]

lol i love this, i thought i was taking some sort of risk buying the miracle grow that wasn't specifically for my raised bed while it was on sale for $2 a bag and i was able to use it in my flower and raised bed for about $60 total. its my first year trying to use a greenhouse and outdoor raised bed and im so excited to see how it goes.

[@evavargova42]

Thank you for putting this information out there and confirming it. I've been messing around in my garden and with soil for quite some time and I noticed this was the case but I'm so glad you're putting this out to the public.

[@aiddaphomvisay9422]

I have always wondered about all those bags and bags at the big box stores. This is probably the best gardening info ever. You're obviously not being sponsored by Miracle Gro lmao. Thank-you!!

[@hillbillyprepping3257]

After gardening for over 50 years I still get good tips from MIgardener

[@jeannine9066]

Me, too!

[@krane15]

Me three.

[@anashiedler6926]

the problem is just that he spread misinformation. The soil in those packets differs in ph-value, water-intake possibility (sorry english is just my second language), and so on. Many plants have special needs regarding the soil, and rely on those differences.

[@Penneypepper]

I don't believe the previous comment is correct. Just my opinion. But i've been gardening for over fifty years and never buy special dirt for special things. They grow they thrive their great. There are. Certain ones that you have to be careful with like he said because of being too wet.Or too dry but basically dirt is dirt. And everything that we have is from marketing and greed. We don't need any of it. If you know what i'm getting that. So if you're doing. It for convenience great, if not, take it to advice.It's good.

[@andreaschlueter608]

Thanks for allowing us to know this info! Good to know his materials are very worth it!!

[@amrice62]

Thanks for setting me straight - the toothpaste comparison gets the point across so well!!! I thought that paying more meant better quality for my plants-

[@cameronschyuder9034]

In another comment I made, I wrote that there is an inaccuracy on the toothpaste comparison he made. Whitening toothpaste removes enamel to reveal the whiter enamel underneath. It is actively bad if you want to build enamel. I say this as someone who has cavities and sensitive teeth. Otherwise, he has it pretty much right: the 100 variations on toothpaste is insignificant. The main criteria is whether it has fluoride, and whether it is whitening or building enamel. If it says both (as some do), the whitening component takes precedent.

[@zaks4434]

I've bought potting soil for many years, and have noticed that what was potting soil in the 80s,was way blacker and didn't contain any peat moss,sticks, and bark, and such. Was what used in indoor pots. Now it's harder to find potting soil that is not full of wood products, cheaper for them. I don't like all that in pots for indoor plants. I mixed my own back in the day, depending on the plant. Potting soil, sand, perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, pebbles. A lot of the mixes are below the expectations I was use to. By the way Miracle-Gro fertilizer... the all purpose in the 80s. Was 15-30-15. Is now sold as the Bloom Booster. The Now All Purpose being sold is not the same. It's now 24-8-16. The Tomato one is 18-18-21.

[@microhomesteadecology]

I was so ticked when I opened a bag of raised bed mix that was literally full of wood sticks! Like huge chunks of branches. Ridiculous what they sell as soil!

[@ericawhitfield9289]

It’s pissed me off before! It’s a bag of mulch basically! It’ll be soil in 2 years if I leave it in my compost. 🤪

[@lonayork591]

Yep. I bought a huge bag of Hyponex potting soil, and it was nasty MOLDY mulch. I had to throw it away.

[@mosart7025]

@@lonayork591 Don't throw it away! Compost it. It's halfway there already. If you have raised beds dig down a little and work it in. The wood holds water so the soil doesn't dry out so fast (look up hügelkultur) and it takes up space so you don't need as much bought soil.

[@someoneelse.2252]

Same here in Canada. Lesson learned: Give these wood chip selling companies, who pass off product as 'Soil', really 'good' advertising by word of mouth and social media.

[@JMJMeshel]

If you're growing a lot of plants, you can go to a tree service, a landscaping service, or a large nursery that sells compost by the yard, cost about $50.00-$60.00 You have to have a pick up truck or a trailer. Buy a 2.2 cubic block of peat moss, cost about $12.00, and a large bag of perlite about $15.00. Mix 3 parts peat to 3 parts compost and 1 part perlite. This will pot up tons of plants.

[@itme7685]

I think you haven’t checked peat moss prices in the past 2 years. Or you happen to live somewhere where there is a great deal.

[@plantlady1227]

We used to have a wonderful nursery near us in Oregon - since we don't own a truck they were more than happy to bring us dumptruck loads of 50/50 soil and compost mix. It wasn't cheap, but it was probably a better deal than buying a lot of bagged soil since they measured it out by the generous tractor bucket load. It was also the most lovely dark, sifted soil - you could grow just about anything in it and the plants were so wonderfully productive. I haven't found anything even close to that since we moved out of state, and I miss them so badly!

[@itme7685]

@@plantlady1227 Where in Oregon? If it's anywhere close to Dallas, OR (30 min west of Salem) let me know. I also have no truck to get material. I'm trying to avoid high costs of any kind, but definitely don't have enough of my own compost/leaf mold.

[@ellafly3490]

We went to our local nursery and bought compost in 5 gallon buckets for $1 per 5 gallon bucket. They also sell soil for $1.50 a bucket. A bag cost $13. We have a local source for free goat manure. Free wood chips from chip drop.

[@JMJMeshel]

@@itme7685 Mishawaka, Indiana Menards 2.2 cf brick $12.00

[@pdongy]

I am trying gardening for the first time this year, and I am so happy to have found this video fairly early in the season. I'm just glad I did not spend years wasting money on the soil scam. Muchos Gracias❤

[@DB-mk5kt]

I didnt know this, I want to thank you so much, for letting us know about potting soils.

[@nicolepsy]

If you think about it, a raised bed is essentially just a big pot. Hence, the potting soil.

[@erneststaszuk4559]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TheAshice]

This was so aggressive and chaotic… I love it

[@gailbancer1571]

No it wasn’t it was valuable information. You are projecting your aggression and chaos.

[@randomness32810]

@@gailbancer1571 7:14 the editing is chaotic/aggressive. It's also fairly dramatic. But the video itself is extremely educational, yes.

[@titosrevenger]

​@@gailbancer1571It was a compliment. Perhaps they weren't the one projecting.

[@johannacoreas3968]

@@titosrevenger right 👀 lol

[@johannacoreas3968]

He’s tired of the companies’ 💩 and it shows 😅

[@sweethallewis]

This is my first time watching you and I already love your channel! Thanks for telling it like it is! ❤❤

[@benjaminwilliams3568]

Absolutely wonderful and extremely informative video. You're right, as a L o n g time home Gardner. I was ignorant, I paid for what it said specifically on the bag. What you showed me here makes more sense than I have and I thank you. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@odilepeloquin2040]

This was your best video yet. Stay unapologetically passionate!

[@slickdaddy_tv4499]

He needs to apologize for false information all toothpaste is NOT the same lmao , and why would he even go there! he has no clue what he's talking about.

[@laudigerber9729]

First time I saw your program and I like what you're saying. I subscribed at once and I'll follow you from now on. 80 years old and never to old to learn something new..😂😂

[@SouthpawMagic]

Same.

[@gregoryforrest8970]

99 % of most store bought bagged soil is peat moss, with some wood chips, black dye, 5% actual soil. I like to go to real actual garden centers that actually sell different types of soils you can bag yourself, at such places you get more real soil and a lot less peat moss. Peat moss is ok to get seeds to germinate quickly because it lose not hard. However for your garden and actual flower pots better to use heavily real soil less peat moss and wood chips.

[@jaimerogers7800]

I'm new and so happy to see your video. I'm in the process of learning this myself, and I'm so grateful for the validation. Thank you kindly!

[@iloveit9468]

I’m 62 years old I live near lake saint Clair MI. I’m still learning something new everyday! I appreciate you so much Luke. I love and have great passion for gardening and you have made my experience so much more successful! I would love to come to your store and maybe actually even get to meet you ❤ best to you and Sindy, take care dear. 🍀

[@treasurehunter2299]

Thank you for all the information.

[@colleenselby8818]

I made a HUGE mistake and bought a bag of $Tree potting mix to transplant a couple of house plants. I didn't need a large bag and my thought was, they are just house plants, how bad can it be? It was literally clay soil. What a rip off! I really hope beginner gardeners don't buy that and expect to grow food in it!

[@YuujiVermillion61]

The journey is eternal with knowledge 😅

[@allenferry9632]

That was a fun and informative video. They sell so much stuff in the nursery sections of big box stores so you can grow $5.00 worth of tomatoes and you'll see a cherry tomato growing in a crack in a parking lot with no care covered with blooms and fruit.

[@desireedusseau1769]

Thank you for this! I always have bought perlite and orchid bark to make my houseplant mix. I'm honing in my produce garden and I'll be spending much less money.

[@curiouscitizen4098]

You are educating people, and nothing wrong with not liking people being taken advantage of. It actually shows what a good human you are.

[@slickdaddy_tv4499]

How is it educating people when this guy is claiming all toothpaste is the same thing?? My Mother is a Dentist for 31 years and can't stopp laughing..some dude talking about soil blurts out completely false information.

[@j10001]

The toothpaste comment definitely didn’t help his point!

[@eugeneduprey72]

One of the best pieces of information i have ever heard. I was one of them who bought other bags for other plants. Thank you for this video and demonstration.

[@ZBillions23]

Thank you for this video. It’s really informative. My neighbor did his own blend for potting/raised bed soil. He bought 20 bags of top soil, 2 bags of peat moss and 2 bags of perlite for his raised bed. I’m not sure if it was cheaper though, just thought it was interesting

[@lorihulen7962]

I’m so glad I found your channel. I am 69 years old and I just moved into a new home. I’ve never done any gardening in my life. Going to use your channel as my education. Thank you so much.

[@5DNRG]

Congratulations on your new home!😊

[@camouflagejumpsuit]

Enjoy your home and garden

[@everlastinglife5978]

It a learning process but it's worth it. MI Gardner is a great resource I have been watching him for years.

[@MB-xl4cz]

I started 4 years ago, strawberries. I'm now planting lettuce,onions sweet potato, Blueberries and more. It's all in pots or raised beds. I love being out there watching and learning everyday. Plenty of birds for company. Peaceful is the best description! 🌻Oh yeah, last fall planted a pear tree🌳 it's beautiful 🌻

[@rsnjl]

I've been a farmer / gardener for all my life and grew up in the business. I always recommend exactly what you're saying. I love your passion. Keep growing.

[@jessicalovescookies1289]

The way I learned it is that they have different fertilizers in it, so it's not advised to plant veggies in flower soil because the fertilizers are not good to be eaten etc. I bought soil that fits for veggies and flowers and stuff and bought some extra fertilizer for herbs. Your video was definitely and interesting insight and I will look more into it in the future because if for some soils it's just added sand or sifting big chunks out it really isn't worth it but I would be interested in the built-in-fertilizer stuff

[@Jack_Warner]

Glad I saw this. Last year, I put some Parsley seeds in a few pots of compost. They took ages just to get to a few inches, at least two months. So I emptied the pots onto the garden soil and within weeks I had some really healthy looking Parsley. It's come back again this year. I use a lot of Parsley. One thing I love is mashed potato, with cheese, butter, milk, and Parsley all mixed in.

[@islandgal500]

I've known this for a long time and have noticed this more with food packaging. People will buy specific expensive items that can so easily be made at home. I really reminded myself of that during the pandemic lockdowns and shortages of basic food items. Took me a few minutes to remember that I can make these things myself with little effort and so much cheaper. I've been a package ingredient examiner for ages and then the light bulb goes off when we see that the packaged product is just basic things we have at home already.

[@julesslim8229]

Boxed pancake mix!

[@trevnti]

I buy it because I’m lazy. I will 100% admit that. I have 2 kids… I’ll meal prep them then eat chips because I have 0 effort left lol. These products are for me. Just need to find the cheapest one

[@islandgal500]

@@trevnti I don't think anyone with 2 kids can call themselves lazy! I had 2 kids and even with being an at home Mom, I still bought conveniences. At different stages of our lives, we have different needs. I'm a senior and alone now and on a remote island, so my needs are more of being able to make it because I can't buy it. I also have that time to spare so it is fun to know I can make my own basics. My location (under 300 people) also means there are very few businesses that will ship at a reasonable price because sometimes the item shipping is half the price of the item/s, so not logical to order. Also takes nearly 2 weeks to get here (surface-postal mail shipping only). Your priority is to your family and yourself right now. Do whatever it takes to make life easier for yourself so you can save that energy for your kids. We do not think they notice, but mine are in their 40s now and still laugh about all the extra things I did with, and for, them.

[@christinebeames712]

Just subbed

[@islandgal500]

@@christinebeames712 The Channel probably appreciates your subscription??LOL

[@DoctorMandible]

Get a couple runner boards to slide your sifter on top of. Oil or wax them up. That way you don't have to hold up the weight of it while sifting.

[@BestCosmologist]

That's an incredible idea.

[@mudcatfrank7537]

I made a sifting screen with caster wheels and a frame to roll it on. It sets upon a small wagon when I sift soil and woodchips. The coarse woodchips are used as mulch and the fine siftings are mixed with the top soil for potting and amending my raised beds.

[@DoctorMandible]

​@@mudcatfrank7537Nice! I have a simple lean-to sifter that I throw shovels of dirt at. Whatever makes it through gets caught on a tarp. Whatever doesn't gets raked around the trees.

[@Crazychickenlady448]

I've seen a video where she made basically the same sifter, but put a couple "feet" on it so it doesn't fall off her wheel barrow when she shakes it back and forth. That seemed to work pretty good too.

[@jerrybessetteDIY]

I built mine to fit on my wheel barrow.

[@julierobertson148]

You're absolutely right! I've done this for years. One bag each of potting soil, perlite and vermiculite lasts me several seasons, and I can create any kind of soil I need. I container garden and "custom mix" for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, flowers and herbs. I can't handle heavy hanging flower pots, so I mix up a special soil for them too.

[@gypsygirltarot2451]

I’ve been gardening for years and didn’t know this! Thanks!

[@andralandi1108]

Thanks for this video! It couldn’t have come at a better time - I’ve been mixing my own seed starting and potting mixes this year for the first time and have been so happy with the cost savings, but I ALMOST had a weak moment at the store a couple of days ago when I thought about buying cactus blend to repot my cacti and succulents. In the end, I couldn’t justify the expense, so it’s good to know that I already have everything I need at home, including the sand 👍 I also wanted to thank you for making gardening more accessible by frequently sharing ways to save money, as well as by selling your own line of seeds at such a low price. I’m having great success so far with my first order of MIGardener seeds, and the savings allowed me to even experiment with a few new vegetables. Gardening should be available to everyone, so thanks for doing your part to help make that a reality 😊

[@senorjp21]

A friend was a supervisor at a bottling plant. She told me "oily hair shampoo, dry hair shampoo, it comes in 1 tanker truck"

[@teebob21]

Yes. The base is the same. The difference in the additives, and the proportions.

[@RickWeberEcon]

Your friend must have a lot of hair!

[@lizmoore9043]

😳

[@patrisha7487]

@senorjp21 - so does Laundry Detergent. It's all the same!

[@user-ot3md6oh9s]

My dad worked in a plant that bagged flour back in the ‘40s. After the quota of flour was packaged, they switched to the bags labeled Wallpaper Paste. True story. He also worked in a deli where the mild, medium and sharp cheddars were all cut from the same big wheel…

[@P46169]

I was at the garden centre just the other day looking at all the different bags totally confused and thinking to myself how different can they be ? Now I know !

[@judymessenger2425]

Have been making my own potting soil for fifty five years from a bale of sphagnum peat, pearlite, compost and leaf mould from the bottom of the leaf pile out back: one part each. Great for begonia, fern, any acid loving plant. Vary it for what you need by adding sand and lime. Use your washed, dehydrated and ground banana peels and ground oat meal mixed together, as a fertilizer that can be added to your pot as you need to pot up.

[@nancyseery2213]

I totally agree. When i have to buy bagged soil, I usually just pick the one on sale or cheapest potting mix. I use it in pots, my raised beds or mix it into my native soil to loosen up our clay. Next year I will empty my pots and blend the used potting soil in to my clay and start new in the pots or to add into my raised beds. God bless y'all and keep growing!

[@katekelley7430]

I do the same. Except my soil is more sandy. Getting richer every year

[@thaismatsumoto]

And since i have bears , i throw all veggie and food waste in a pile away from my home .But it's near my garden. The bears usually eat the food waste but leave the veggies alone. So i have compost.

[@mmstetler]

I sure wish Luke was more passionate about soils.... Great video! :)

[@nanas.grotto3091]

I appreciate the heck out of this video the only thing I buy other then potting mix are manure or compost bags just to juice it up but all these mixes are insane 😅 like there’s sticks everywhere I can add if I want a chunkier mix and you were 100% correct on the sand👍🏽

[@motherinthegarden7721]

Thank you for this great information! I enjoyed your passion for the one mix makes all! I’m 77 yrs. Old and like to buy small bags of potting mix! So now I will only have to buy one kind and have what I need for all my other potting mixes. I am now subscribed to your channel .

[@cyndimanuel5473]

So good, Luke! You cracked me up - love your passion for helping gardeners. You’ve just exposed one of the biggest tools of the marketing industry - marketing something as “special” when it isn’t and getting people to pay more for it. You could do this same video for fertilizers, birdseed blends, food and clothing brands,… it’s endless. Always “pays” to do your research. Great video!

[@YourDoomIsSealed]

I was told that I'm the biggest tool, so....take that! Anyway....

[@leemayzes1200]

I've spent eight years building my dirt. It is black gold. I had a newbie friend the other day want to go and buy bags of potting soil. I laughed lovingly gave him what he needed. Gardeners are the best people in the world!!

[@drinmer1]

Maybe you should start by knowing the diffence of soil vs dirt... I hope you gave him a soil mixture and not a dirt mixture... also f your elitetism.

[@DG-iw3yw]

@drinmer1 F your elitism? Maybe you should start by learing what a synonym is. Dirt can actually be used as a descriptive word aswell for example, "Your attitude is dirt" Go love yourself lmao

[@MP-in4or]

I agree. No matter what soil I have ever bought it has wood chips in it. Makes it hard to grow grass.

[@jamieaton]

What does one do who doesn’t have 8 years to build dirt but has plants? Do we have crappy landscaping and no houseplants for 8 years until we can build black gold? 🙄

[@soulcandyalmadulce5885]

You are appreciated for shining light on this.

[@beetickler6418]

I grew up in Algonac, moved to Virginia but still like watching MIgardener. Good info always.

[@SuwinTzi]

Cheapest route is getting composted manure, coconut coir, and mixing your own. Get some sand and wood chips and then you can make yards upon yards of soil for cheaper.

[@michaelwalker2091]

I purchased a bag of their potting mix once that looked more like mulch. I’m thinking to myself, “If I wanted mulch, I would have purchased it by the scoop.” This is some great information!!

[@lindacampeau9870]

I had more wood in my potting mix and I will not buy MGro anymore. Money spent for nothing 8:21

[@SpaceRanger187]

@@lindacampeau9870 MGro is the worst. Your better off buying brands you have never heard of.. Or if marijuana is legal where you are. Go to the grow stores there. They sell way better soils

[@johnsonjohnson4725]

Love this! I’ve said it to people for years - thank you for confirming❣️

[@jbaby007]

I’ve been following you for years and this is why I stick around. Trusted information. Love your fertilizer btw.

[@KlausM4]

I understand that people wanna buy ready bag to use so that's probably for people that don't have option to mix or don't want spend time to do it. The same with fertilazor. But you have huge respect from me doing this video. Not everybody has guts to do it! I hope people wont take it as video against commercial bags but rather the way how to garden and stay on the budget.

[@user-cp1qb4ix4t]

I have been gardening for years and didn't know this. Thanks so much!!

[@destinyandpurpose]

Just wow! The raised bed soil, yep, I have purchased it. LOL Thanks for this most educational video!

[@kevinbossick8374]

I get it because it’s cheaper than the other bags. It says raised bed and container mix. I use it for beds and containers.

[@whoahanant]

I started worm composting a while ago and it has been a game changer for soil.

[@hali73]

LOVE IT!!! I currently have 3 different bags of soil on the go (potting mix, cactus & orchid) plus a bag of perlite! I wish I’d found this channel sooner! ❤

[@admirerofcreativity5295]

This video just proves how much you care about all of us, such good information. Thank you ❤❤

[@db-pz1dh]

Coconut coir (chunky kind) is my favorite for orchids. It comes in a huge compressed brick that is usually pretty reasonable. I also add it to my other soil mixes to help with drainage. 😊

[@dr.elenaolewsky4813]

Can you share where to buy coconut coir reasonably priced? I tried to check online- and the prices are so steep 😢

[@db-pz1dh]

@@dr.elenaolewsky4813 I bought it at a local larger nursery. It has lasted me years. It is more expensive than fir bark, but the reason I like it is because when I repot my orchids it looks like it has barely even broken down. So once I check the root system I just reuse the old chips and add a little more for the bigger pot. Unlike fir bark which I threw out more. I see a 10 lb block at my local Home Depot $20 w/free shipping to store, but when it's time for more I will check my local nursery first. 🙂 I also keep my orchids in unglazed terra Cotta pots...that has made a big difference. Not pretty, but plants are happy 😊

[@MsMoople]

Would it not be cheaper to just use Bark Chips that are sold for landscaping?

[@Swiperkin]

I tried this but I used organic coconut husk from a coconut my aunt gave me. My orchid died 😢 I have no orchid experience so I stopped focusing on orchids and started focusing on easier flowers 😂 im much happier now lol

[@db-pz1dh]

@@MsMoople Yes, but as I said to dr.elena above for the rot reasons I prefer coco chips. I'm not a commercial orchid growing company so I don't need to buy a lot.

[@scottiajohnston8025]

I just love watching your dogs work. ❤

[@rachelyates7473]

This is so helpful! Longtime gardener, and I had no idea!

[@louisedudley6478]

Thanks for sharing this info. I have been so frustrated with all the sticks and chunks in the name brand soil that i made a sifter to get rid of it. Glad to see I was on the right track! I don’t grow orchids so I just add the large pieces to my mulch. Really enjoy this channel and your passion for gardening!

[@brg2743]

We use potting mix and compost. Works fine.

[@catherinephillips2121]

Thank you so much for teaching me how to save money! I always appreciate anyone willing to do that. I will need to look at more of your videos to see what else you can teach me 😀

[@panicmerchants]

Thank you so much. I can now cross orchid mix off my shopping list. Great work

[@nikkireigns]

My project for today is building a sifter! Thanks, Luke!! 🌱

[@jerrybessetteDIY]

I built mine to fit on my wheel barrow. I used junk 2x4s I found for trash pickup.

[@nikkireigns]

@@jerrybessetteDIY great idea, I’ll definitely do that!

[@gruntasanaussie4594]

@@nikkireigns Use lightweight timber to build it or it's had on your back!

[@nikkireigns]

@@gruntasanaussie4594 great tip! I found some old dry scraps that should work!

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you Luke. It is pretty aggravating when you think your buying just the right soil mixture for your plants and find out, there’s really very little difference. Thank you for this helpful information.

[@sajid14]

Just when you think you know everything and then bang 🥊 KO!! World class video overflowing with energy and enthusiasm

[@anacervantes1946]

Thank you so much for this teaching moment i have to admit i have bought all of those little bags once before but i do love learning so it wont happen again! Thank you very much have a wonderful planting season

[@carolynreeves3646]

Thank you for this. Its maddening the amount of false advertising and /or misleading information we put up with as consumers! 😡

[@billyeasley9703]

Thanks Luke, I have found seed starting mix with wood chips rocks. Big scam.

[@missb2182]

Thanks for sharing this information. I am starting an urban garden with seniors and this is very helpful and affordable as they are on fixed incomes.

[@jenmarie03]

I literally had no clue being a new gardener. So thank you for this

[@tristaperkins7112]

"10.50. 10.50! It's all the same thing!"

[@CheriRuskus]

Thank you so much Luke for this education about soil. I am a raised bed gardener and I have found at our local garden center they have raised bed soil for $12.95 for a large bag and the same size bag of Top Soil is $4.95. And you know what? My plants don't know the difference between the two. And when you are filling a raised bed that makes a huge difference.

[@db-pz1dh]

If there is a good landscape supply near you, that sells bark and soil, you can order by the cubic yard...I saved a ton of money filling beds this way!

[@patrickbuswell]

Heads-up! I got caught stealing sand at the beach, I told the police you told me to do it. They're on their way to arrest you as my accomplice.

[@user-cz9wg1ks2e]

Lol arrest me for sand love to see that as just do in the cover of darkness

[@danamcdowell]

😂😂😂

[@susanstreet1]

Wonder how what is the charge? As you are only taking a small amount what you can carry.probanly mot worth police time

[@drinmer1]

@@susanstreet1 Now 100.000 people do the same every year... maybe then you'll starting seeing a difference.

[@PazLeBon]

@@drinmer1 we will hardly have a shortage lol

[@coolmishime]

This was very informative thank you. I saved it to my gardening folder

[@5points7019]

I bought a skid of bagged top soil last year for $1/bag when tractor supply bought out the dozen orscheln stores. I went online and ordered a 2cu ft bag of vermiculite, a couple bags of perlite and peat moss... and I already have trifecta. Top soil is like gold in this part of the midwest and I can't buy it by the yard like I use to in Michigan. Bagged only. I make my own raised bed mix this way. Next time I go back home to michigan I absolutely need to stop in to see Luke and his crew to pick up more trifecta. I couldn't fit in a quick visit the last time I was up there.

[@elizabethchrismanshurtz1208]

*Hides garden full of raised bed mix* Thank you for the breakdown! This season I’m trying to learn a lot more about soil and your video really helped!

[@cameronschyuder9034]

Love the video! I will say that on the toothpaste bit around the 5 min mark: whitening and building enamel functions are opposites, because whitening toothpaste REMOVES the top enamel to reveal whiter enamel underneath. So, they are very much not the same thing. If you have sensitive teeth, DO NOT use whitening toothpaste.

[@alexisscholtes1206]

I appreciate your exasperation. Thank you!

[@joshuaa262]

I am a new gardener and i didn't know this, i just bought a Orchid blend 2 weeks ago lol Thanks luke 🌿

[@michasosnowski5918]

Its the same price as potting mix, so I dont get whats the point of this video. If you need the same volume, you pay the same anyway.

[@joshuaa262]

@@michasosnowski5918 That's not true, they are smaller bags and cost more money.

[@kareharpies]

@michasosnow According to the video his potting mix cost $5 and the other mixes cost $9-10. It will vary region to region, even store to store I'm sure.

[@bhalliwell2191]

Loving that you can lol about this sort of thing; too many new gardeners are stressing themselves crazy about all sorts of stuff. I could only wish that at end of my life, the worst thing that could be said about me would be that I once overpaid for a bag of 'specialty' gardening soil when it was unnecessary. We all learn as we go along, and as long as your household is fed, clothed, shod, sheltered by a roof and four walls and nobody has to sleep hanging bat-like by their heels from a hook in the ceiling while you're learning, you're doing all right.😊

[@michasosnowski5918]

@@kareharpies According to quick google search they are all around 6$. It may vary from store to store. In some stores it really costs 9$. I think its a store thing, not the brand. I think the brand sells it at similar cost.

[@janncoons7445]

I absolutely love and admire these people that expose these greedy corporations❤❤

[@gsftom]

Great video. I kinda knew / suspected this, but didn’t take the time to research to be sure. Thanks a lot for sharing this.

[@nebulussoul1096]

Glad I found this video. I have been trying to tell people NOT to buy raised bed soil. It’s such a waste of money.

[@The_Duck_Pond]

I was just on a cattle farm and my buddy said NEVER purchase manure from one any more as they are now treating pastures with herbicides which will kill vegetables … never heard that before.

[@TheTamrock2007]

Ask the farmer if they are treating their pasture. And yes that's true. It will be in the manure, hay, straw, etc. Your garden won't grow anything for many years. It's called Grazon.

[@tjduprey]

You can "cure" the manure with grazing for a year and it will be good to use. Same with any livestock manure where the livestock are fed "cow hay" that's been treated: horses, goats, etc

[@niveknospmoht8743]

There was an article in Mother Earth News about 10-12 years ago where an organic farmer consistently purchased manure from a local down the road. One year the 'local' bought his feed (either grass hay or alfalfa) from a different supplier that had been treated with a herbicide. Anyways when she did her spring planting, her crops came up and then died. She had a soil sample done where they found the herbicide. She lost her certified 'organic status' and could not get rid of the soil because it was deemed hazardous waste. There have been similar articles over the past few years confirming this as it has happened to numerous farmers where the manure has killed tons of crops

[@wally7856]

Manure is full of weed seeds and full of salts anyway. Stay clear.

[@wanderwoman4695]

Pastures and grass are treated with Grazon which kills weeds. The hay used in gardens will kill the plants.

[@Jaywahoo810]

I love how passionate you are about sharing your knowledge of gardening and THANK YOU for looking out for us.

[@kathyhiggins2847]

Thank you! I was at a big box store recently, pondering over the various “speciality” soils, wondering which one I needed to buy. I walked out because of the “ variety” and the cost. I was about to blow off starting a garden. I’ll now go back this weekend and purchase the cheapest soil they have! I’m just getting started with raised bed gardening, it was going to cost me a fortune.🥰

[@imbilta]

I love this guy. Thank You so much!!! This is so useful!!!! I didn't know how each were different and the same.