Build potting mixes with peat control in minutes. Tune drainage and water holding for crops. Export clear numbers to plan batches and reorders easily.
| Scenario | Total Mix | Method | Peat | Perlite | Compost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container mix | 10 L | Parts (2:1:1) | 2 parts | 1 part | 1 part | Balanced drainage and water holding. |
| Acid-loving plants | 5 US gal | Percent | 70% | 20% | 10% | Higher peat supports lower pH mixes. |
| Seed starting | 1 ft³ | Parts (2:1:1) | 2 parts | 1 part | 0 parts | Add vermiculite for gentle moisture buffering. |
Use the preset selector to auto-fill common mixes.
Peat moss is valued for stable structure, fine particle size, and strong water holding capacity. The ratio you choose directly affects root oxygen, irrigation frequency, and nutrient mobility. A consistent ratio also reduces variation between batches, which is critical when potting many containers or starting seedlings in trays.
Increasing peat generally raises moisture retention but can reduce free drainage if the mix is too fine. Adding coarse components such as perlite, bark, or sand increases macropores that hold air after watering. Use the calculator to compare mixes in parts or percentages so the final volume stays predictable while you adjust drainage.
Fresh mixes often settle after filling pots, and peat can expand after hydration. The waste and settling factor helps you prepare enough material to finish the job without re-mixing. The expansion setting estimates how much dry peat to measure before wetting, improving repeatability when you pre-moisten peat for uniform blending.
Converting ratios into exact volumes supports purchasing and staging. If you know you need 50 liters of mix, the calculator provides each component volume in your chosen unit, plus the adjusted preparation volume. This keeps workflow efficient for greenhouse benches, container rows, and raised bed top-ups.
Record your successful blends as a fixed recipe. Track notes such as crop type, pot size, and watering schedule. When performance changes, adjust one variable at a time: peat fraction, coarse amendment, or compost level. Exporting results to CSV or PDF supports repeat orders, training, and consistent production across seasons.
Use parts for fast mixing with buckets or scoops. Use percentages when you want strict control for large batches, purchasing, or documenting recipes that must total exactly 100%.
It increases the prepared volume to cover pot settling, compaction, spillage, and leftover material in tools. This prevents running short when filling many containers.
Peat often expands when hydrated. The estimate helps you measure dry peat more consistently, especially when you pre-moisten before blending for uniform texture.
No. The ratio stays the same. Units only change how results are displayed and how volumes are converted for planning and measuring.
Reduce peat slightly and increase coarse amendments such as perlite or bark. Keep compost moderate to avoid excessive fines that can reduce air space.
Adjust values until the total equals 100%. This ensures each component volume is calculated correctly and the prepared mix matches your target volume.
Yes. Calculate once, then download CSV or PDF. Store the file with notes on crop, container size, and irrigation so everyone mixes the same batch each time.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.