Plant Care

Growing a lush indoor or outdoor garden takes hard work and a bit of research. That’s why we’ve put together a beginner’s guide on how to purchase the right potting soil, plant food and plant fertilizer to maintain and care for your plants. Get your garden gloves & shoes ready, we’re about to dig in!

Potting Soil
When it comes to growing plants, not all potting soil (aka potting mix) is created equal. The first thing you’ll want to research is what type of planting soil your live plants & flowers require. For example, ferns prefer a light, fluffy soil mix that drains well. Orchids thrive in a combination of perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss and shredded bark that allows for super-fast drainage and circulation.

Speaking of drainage, remember that all potting planters should have drainage holes in the bottom. If they don’t, you can add a layer of rocks to the bottom that will allow any excess moisture to evaporate and not drown the roots of your plant.

The difference between potting soil and topsoil is that potting soil is made from a blend of ingredients that help container plants grow, while topsoil is used as the natural top layer of earth in a field or outdoor garden bed.

Plant Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a manufactured product designed to assist your plant’s growth. You can purchase it for your garden or house plant and add it to soil, granules, or water. Fertilizer is an essential part of any plant care routine as it adds supplementary nutrients.

Get your garden started with plant supplies, gardening tools and more—all available right here at Macy’s.