Can the soil after repotting still be used? Detailed explanation of the five-step operation method for reusing old soil.

Can the soil after potting be reused?You may not be aware of the experience regarding whether the soil after potting can still be used and the detailed five-step operation method for reusing old soil in green plant maintenance. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!Spring is approaching, and it is the season of growth for all things. Grass and small trees gradually sprout, and the earth transforms from white to green, filled with vibrant energy. Different seasons require different tasks for plant care. For instance, spring is the season for repotting and dividing plants. If you are reluctant to discard the old soil after repotting, you can add two ingredients to the soil to immediately transform it into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used to grow any type of flower successfully.The longer you engage in plant care, the more skills you accumulate, and you certainly know that old soil cannot be used directly after replacement because it lacks nutrients and may have become compacted and hard after prolonged use. Moreover, the soil may contain bacteria and eggs. For example, if a pot of old soil has previously experienced root rot, it is definitely not suitable for other plants, as the likelihood of rot recurring is high.Therefore, the old soil we replace must be treated before use, which generally involves these three steps:First, crush the old soil with a hammer because the soil freshly removed from the pot is usually hard and clumpy. Crush it into small pieces and then choose a sunny day to spread it out in a sunny spot, laying it flat on the ground for a few days to disinfect and kill germs with ultraviolet light.Second, after exposure to the sun, the soil is largely free of germs and eggs. For safety, it is recommended to mix in a small amount of fungicide, such as carbendazim, or other pesticides to ensure the safety of the soil.Third, after sun exposure and disinfection, the soil is safe from hazards but still lacks breathability and nutrients. You can add some decomposed leaf soil, such as pine needle soil, to the soil. Pine needle soil contains a high amount of humus, which helps adjust the soil's pH, as most plants prefer to grow in acidic conditions. Additionally, pine needle soil has good breathability and drainage, preventing soil compaction and promoting root development, thus extending the soil's usability. Typically, 30% decomposed leaf soil is added.Fourth, if you are concerned about the soil's breathability, you can also add a small amount of granules, such as river sand, perlite, ceramsite, or vermiculite. These granules usually account for about 10% of the total soil volume.Fifth, having good breathability and drainage in the soil is not the ultimate goal; it also needs to have some fertility. Therefore, before use, it is essential to add an appropriate amount of base fertilizer. There are many types of fertilizers that can be used as base fertilizer, as most plants prefer to grow in slightly acidic conditions. Many experienced gardeners like to use organic fertilizers, such as cake fertilizer and bone meal.After these five steps, the old soil generally becomes breathable and fertile, making it perfect for growing plants, ensuring that each pot thrives.The above is an introduction to whether the soil after potting can still be used and a detailed explanation of the five-step operation method for reusing old soil, which can serve as a reference for everyone.