• In today's Growing the Good Life podcast, Michelle Roberts discussed the importance of quality potting soil/seed starting mix, which has become an issue in the gardening space.
• Potting soil/seed starting mix typically consists of compost, peat moss, perlite or vermiculite, and coco coir (spent coconut fibers).
• With more people entering the gardening space in 2020 due to high demand, producers have not been able to check the quality of inputs leading to issues with the product.
• Issues arise from the use of inputs that have been treated with chemical pesticides and herbicides and have not had enough time to break down properly.
• To ensure products are safe for use, Roberts recommends doing a test by planting a few bean seeds side-by-side in different mediums and observing for stunted growth or curling leaves.