Soils

Compost, Mulch & Amendments

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Seed Starting

In this video, Zach teaches us the basics of seed starting, and what products work best!

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What’s the Difference?

A guide to soil, compost & mulch.

The terms can get a bit confusing, so here is a simple reference guide:

Soil

Soil is the foundation of the garden — the base. It is comprised primarily of sand, silt, and clay particles as well as various trace minerals. There are many types of soil blends that are created for different applications.

Compost

Compost is decomposed organic matter (leaves, small tree limbs, food waste, manure) which when added to the soil improves its fertility and supports beneficial microbes, insects, fungi, and bacteria in the soil.

Mulch

Mulch is similar to compost but usually contains decomposed tree and shrub material. Many gardeners place mulch on top of the soil to keep moisture in, keep weeds from growing, and protect the plant’s root system. It breaks down over time and feeds the soil too.

Let’s Talk About Mulch

Mulch is often not on the top of your list of things to do when planning a garden, but it should be. Here are some great benefits of using mulch that will convince you!

Fills the Gaps – Another reason we love mulch is the simple fact that it can help elevate the look of your beds.

Helps Retain Moisture – Mulch helps alleviate water loss through evaporation. This effectively helps cut down on watering and keeps your soil from drying out.

Acts as a Barrier – Mulch protects from weeds, heat and cold temperatures. Applying mulch makes it harder for weeds to sprout through and disrupt the flow of your garden. It also acts as insulation for your plants!

Buchanan’s Calculator

Not sure how much soil, mulch, or compost you need? Use our handy calculator.

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Available Varieties

Garden mix soil makes a great base for raised beds. Potting soil is usually a soilless sterile mixture of raw materials (coir, peat, vermiculite, perlite, etc.) used for starting seeds, and container plantings. Good potting soil should be porous for root aeration and drainage while retaining water and nutrients.

Tropicoir Tropical Mix 12 Qt.
Life Below All-Purpose Mix 1 cu ft.
Heirloom Soils Veggie & Herb Mix 1 cu ft.
Tropicoir Potting Soil 1 cu ft.

Quantities may vary. Please call the nursery at 713-861-5702 to confirm product availability.

Farm Dirt Plant Based Compost 40 lb.
Landscaper’s Pride Black Humus 1.5 cu ft.
Heirloom Leaf Mold Compost 40 lb.
Mushroom Compost 40 lb.

Quantities may vary. Please call the nursery at 713-861-5702 to confirm product availability.

Black Velvet Mulch 2 cu ft.
Native Texas Cedar Mulch 2 cu ft.
Native Hardwood Mulch 2 cu ft.
Pine Straw Bales 2 cu ft.

Quantities may vary. Please call the nursery at 713-861-5702 to confirm product availabilities.

Nature’s Guide Expanded Shale 40 lb.
Soil Mender Lava Sand 40 lb.
MicroLife 6-2-4 40 lb.
Soil Mender Texas Greensand 40 lb.

Quantities may vary. Please call the nursery at 713-861-5702 to confirm product availabilities.

Pea Gravel 1/2 cu ft.
Black Star Gravel 50lbs (1/2 cu ft.)

Quantities may vary. Please call the nursery at 713-861-5702 to confirm product availability.

Buchanan’s Picks

Buchanan’s Peat Free Blend

Tropicoir Peat Free Blend for Houseplants
Sustainable & Locally Made by Us!

Buchanan’s Tropicior is a peat-free container mix designed to be an easy and responsible choice for your favorite tropical plants. Locally crafted with sustainable ingredients, Tropicoir maintains the perfect balance of moisture and nutrient retention for both indoor and outdoor containers. Plant your houseplants directly into Tropicoir and watch them thrive!

Soil Chef

For Passionate Plant People!

The Soil Chef offers custom, hand-crafted regenerative soil blends that are meticulously designed to nourish and enhance the unique needs of various container plants. Crafted by a lifelong horticulturist with a deep commitment to sustainability, our products are 100% free of fillers, peat, and synthetics, ensuring that every handful is a living ecosystem, supporting both the plants and the community they thrive in.

Buchanan’s All-Purpose Soil

Life Below
Locally Made by Us!

To make gardening a little easier we have formulated our very own, organic Buchanan’s All-Purpose Soil Blend! This mixture is meant for containers or hanging baskets, raised garden or veggie beds, and in-ground plantings. Our mix is comprised of mostly compost, coco-coir, expanded shale, and bio-char. All the ingredients included are perfect for turning our dense, clay soil into a loamy, well-draining soil.