Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A

I will start by noting that I am a novice when it comes to gardening and trying to keep a green thumb. I am not great at it, as time and other priorities are also working against me. But my experience with Black and Gold all purpose potting soil has been positive so far. Pros * The bags are big enough to hold a decent amount of potting material, but small enough to store and to carry. * I have not experienced strange bugs or creatures coming FROM the potting soil (which I have learned can be a huge problem...but see my note in cons about experience with LOCAL spiders digging the soil). * The soil has not attracted gnats or flies. * The soil has a good dirt scent to it. I grew up in ag country, so I appreciate a good clean dirt smell. It does not give off foul odors, immediately or over time. * It has been versatile enough to use, even if I am making novice mistakes and using it when and where I should not. * I have used it to start new trees and plants from cuttings or seeds (see above, as I am sure life would have been even more simple if I'd used a starter material instead, but lazy novice disease got to me and my cuttings and seeds are living in spite of me). * It is easy for me to tell when the soil needs to be watered or nourished, for the benefit of the plant. I am still awful about monitoring and locking down a perfect routine, so a soil that can work with me and the plant to communicate needs gets an A rating in my book. * I have used the soil with a compost and without a compost mixed in. It performs well either way. * I've used this soil in soft sided planters (Smart Pots), bamboo planters, and BPA free plastic planters. The media performs well in all of the planters. Just make sure drainage is appropriate to the plant needs. Cons: * Spiders seem to love this soil. In all my years in SoCal I had never seen (that I am aware) a jumping spider. Once you see your first, you are never the same. I've since learned that they are common and they are all over our yard. Outside. Outside is sine. Since using this soil, I have seen a lot of them, and they like to come indoors. I recommend keeping this bagged soil outside, if possible, and using a simple natural spider deterrent to keep spiders from coming indoors. We've been successfully using a simple spray of dish liquid, chili powder, and essential oils of peppermint and lemon. It doesn't kill spiders, it just keeps them away. * Use it or find another way to store it. There isn't a built it mechanism to re-seal the bag once opened. I've found alternatives to closing up the bag for future use, but would prefer a mechanism on the bag itself. All in all, the potting mix has performed as advertised. I know from trying to pick a soil that there are a million and one criticisms of them all, so I just took a leap of faith with one and it worked out. There are some very small sticks or twigs in the potting mix, which you will have to choose to file under pro or con, depending on your opinion. I have no issue with it. It has not seemed to negatively impact my planting experience, and if anything, they seem to give air and space for the soil to breathe. I have not come across any other odd material in the media, which seems to be a common complaint with potting soils. I purchased 2 bags and the integrity of the potting media is consistent across both bags. This is a brand I will purchase again.

I am a first time Dahlia grower and I absolutely love this soil, apparently my they do as well. I have two pots currently and will be repotting them in a few days so that there are only one per pot. What I attached is an image of the initial growth followed my the current growth of all five plants. This growth period is over the course of seven days. They took less than three weeks too sprout and look so healthy and happy. I’ve digested a lot of information about proper Dahlia care and I’m feeling very confident with this soil. It has fantastic moisture retention, is a beautiful rich color, and is packed full of great ingredients with a six month expectancy for the slow release fertilizer. I’m making my own compost now just to reintroduce more nutrients in a few months should they require it. I haven’t had any issues with gnats nor fungus. I’ve been through six bags thus far and haven’t any complaints whatsoever. Hopefully it will remain as such throughout this next cycle because I really love this soil and Miracle Grow isn’t the best quality. It’s actually advised against for Dahlias as well. Happy gardening, everyone! xoxo

Great potting soil. Good value for the cost

This is the type of soil that will pool up with water on top before the soil is able to absorb it. It stays wet for way too long and does not have great drainage at all. If this soil does dry out, it shrinks and is very annoying to try and water again because all the water slips through on the sides and out of the pot before the soil can absorb it. I have to amend the soil with coco coir, course sand, and perlite to get it to be airy and fluffy. After this, it's perfect. The water takes into the soil right away. If my soil dries out, I don't have to worry about shrinkage and compaction because watering will absorb just as well still. Coco coir helps to keep it fluffy and airy while also absorbing water well and holding moisture while course sand and perlite help with drainage and prevent soil shrinkage.

Best soil for gardening in high country!!!

Great soil.

Use for starting seeds. Eight quart size was all I needed for seed starter trays.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: I went with the cheaper value and it turns out it works great. Size: great size Plant health: Great for the plants Water retention: Water stands a little bit but not bad Potting soil: Good stuff Appearance: Doesn't look pretty but it does do its job Smell: Smell is terrible but it's workable