When using store bought potting mix or store bought compost for potted plants I like to sift out the bits that are not all the way broken down or decomposed and any pebbles or large chunks of perlite.
I will use this rough portion of the soil in the bottom of the pot. This way nothing goes to waste.
For added drainage it is nice to put an inch or so of light lava rock on the bottom of the pot with the rough bits. This practice also makes my nice soil go farther.
Happy Frog = Happy Plants = Happy Erika
I mix in a little bit of Happy Frog Fertilizer to the sifted soil ahead of time. Then, I use this mix in the the upper portion of the container.
Plants want to grow
They will not protest over few small sticks or pebbles in the soil. Taking the time to sift just adds to the overall appearance of your potted plants. This extra step makes the soil look more like black velvet, smooth and calm. This is especially nice for the times when the soil will be visible.
Related – you may also like my post: “Cute Ways to Display the Rebirth of Succulents”
P.S Keep the environment in mind when buying fertilizer. Buy ORGANIC. Do your research. I do not want to single out a company or brand – but do a Google search on “Miracle Grow” for example and why not to buy it for environmental reasons.
Products used and mentioned in this post about fertilizer