Potting Soil & Compost Alert

Be aware of what compost and potting soil you purchase in bags—some contain “biosolids”, another term for sewage sludge. These contain heavy metals and other contaminants.

Both Glacier Gold and Miracle Grow potting soils, even ones listed as organic, contain sewage sludge; see here. These are both sold locally and are best avoided.

The E.P.A. has allowed manufacturers to greenwash their products for years, even allowing a claim of being organic, and using the term “compost” as a substitute for “biosolids”.

The best source for checking for the best certification is OMRI—here is a list of OMRI certified fertilizers and soil.

OMRI listed organic Black Gold compost and potting soil is a good brand. Better yet, make your own soil, but once again be careful not to get compost/manure that is organic. Some local manure has long lasting chemicals from herbicides, such as Milestone, 2-4D, and others that will ruin such crops as tomatoes.