Can i use last years potting soil?

I am not an avid gardner by any means. I have about 7 different pots that i buy flowers for every year then put in the shed at the end of the year. My question is...can I reuse the soil in the pits from last year?



I just dumped the pots out in a bucket...can i hydrate that soil and use it in the new pots? With the dead flowers in it? Should i mix it with new soil?



Again...i am just looking to pot a few flowers...nothing fancy at all.

Can i use last years potting soil?
i guess so its just dirt
Reply:As long as the soil is still rich and not dried up terribly then it can still be used. If it is terribly dried up then I suggest you mix a little water with it. It will get a little messy, but it will work again :D
Reply:Sure! As long as the pots were not left outside all winter. Always remeber to "pinch" the bottom of the plant, releasing the roots.
Reply:Not a good idea. The soil is probably depleted of nutrients and may also have bacteria that could harm the new plants.
Reply:I reuse soil but always add some new soil as well.
Reply:Sure you can. It is dirt. Some kinds of potting soil have fertilizer/miracle grow added to it.... those fertilizers would be exhausted for this years use. But, you can always add fertilizers to your water, or not. I use the same dirt year after year and seldom fertilize. Break up the clumps, and fill your new pots. Don't water it til your pots and filled and your new plants are planted though. Never work wet soil, it turns hard as a rock and won't drain well.. As far as the dead flowers ... I pull them out. I don't think they'd give you any good compost nutrients until they've broken down in a few years.



I always put an inch or two, depending upon the pot size, of rocks in the bottom of my pots. (I just use the river rock/landscape rocks I buy it bags at Walmart from my flower beds) It keeps the drain hole open so the water can drain out the bottom. Sometimes if it's just dirt the hole gets plugged up with hardened soil and then the dirt in the pots get waterlogged and your plant roots will rot.



Good luck!
Reply:Most potting soils do not contain nutrients from when they are bought new. They are just a fine soil that is "supposed" to be free of weeds and seeds. Use the old stuff and then fertilize with the proper nutrients for what you are growing.
Reply:you can use the soil. I would just take the dead flowers out and use a little bit of miracle grow when you water your new plants...they'll be fine.
Reply:YES! I have done this with all my plants and they are doing very well. it should not hurt them at all.