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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: They All Do the Same Job
Just about any commercial potting soil you can buy contains three main ingredients: bark, peat moss and little white pellets called perlite. These potting soils are labeled "soilless" because they contain no actual soil or dirt.
On the Other: Different Soils for Different Plants
Your plants have different needs, and that's where the difference in potting soils comes into play. Succulents and cacti, for example, need a looser soil to keep from getting waterlogged. Also, some potting soils come with fertilizer in them, while others require you to add the fertilizer yourself.
Bottom Line
Before you buy, find out the specific needs of your plants to determine if the particular potting soil is good for your plant. Or ask for assistance at your local garden center, which sells a variety of soils.
Source:
Exploratorium Science of Gardening: The Dirt on Dirt
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