Okay, first, here is a quick rundown of the basics of Succulent Care 101. If you’re even thinking about growing succulents outside, bravo! It’s a great way to have a gorgeous, low-maintenance garden. Succulents are hardy, drought-tolerant, and have such an amazing diversity of fascinating textures, shapes, and colors.
This article includes all the tips you will need to know to prepare your outdoor succulent soil for planting, so if you are a beginner or seasoned pro, this article is for you. From the type of soil you will need to how you will need to water them, we’ve got you covered.
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Disclosure: This article is partially written with AI and humanly edited.
Succulent Soil 101
Soil amendments aren’t necessary for outdoor succulent gardens. If you’re amending soil, remember that succulents need the water to drain out quickly. Succulents have a tendency to become waterlogged if the soil doesn’t drain properly. They store water in the leaves, stems, or roots.
If you are planting your succulents outside, you need to make sure the soil drains well. You can improve soil drainage by adding sand, perlite, or pumice to the soil. This will also improve air flow to the roots of your succulents. They do not like clay or waterlogged soils.
A good mix for cacti and succulents might be 1:1:1 potting soil:perlite:sand. It should be coarse and not compact when wet.
Mixing your own soil for your succulent: Do I use cactus soil for succulents outdoors?
Many of us wonder that. While it seems to be the logical answer, it is wise to look at the contents of cactus soil before it is used for succulents.
If you do purchase a pre-made cactus mix, make sure that it does not contain fertilizer or water-retaining gel. If it does, it is safe to use for indoor plants only. For planting a succulent garden outdoors in the ground, either purchase an outdoor potting soil or create your own mix using the recipe below.
If you are going to make your own succulent soil mix, you need to get the ratios right. For outdoor succulents, a good rule of thumb is to make a mix of 33% potting soil, 33% perlite, and 33% sand. But you might discover that your succulents do best with different ratios, depending on where you live and what types of plants you have.
If you need to mix more, a 5-gallon bucket works perfectly as a measuring bucket. Say you fill the bucket with one bucket of potting soil, one bucket of perlite, and one bucket of sand. Mix them all up well until well blended. Now you have a very nice, draining potting soil that is no longer clumpy.
If you’re making a large quantity, you may want to mix it in a cement mixer or wheelbarrow. If you’re mixing the dry ingredients, be sure to use a mask and gloves, as the powder can irritate your lungs or your skin.
Watering
A common issue for many is, “How often should I water my succulents?,” and it’s just as crucial to follow the guidelines for your outdoor succulent garden as it is for your indoor succulent plants. If it’s really hot outside, it’s difficult to keep up with the demands of watering your succulents!
In the case of succulents, it’s better to water them less, but then deep enough that the roots will stretch to get the water. Water your succulents only when their soil feels dry a couple of inches into the soil. Water less in the fall or winter, or in a rainy climate.
If your succulents are in an outdoor bed, think about mulching: A 2-inch layer of gravel or decomposed granite will retain warmth, hold onto moisture, deter weeds, and add some visual interest.
Inspect your plants often and tweak the frequency to suit. Over time, you will know when to water your succulents, and that is the greatest lesson of all.
What tools do I need to have for growing succulents outside?
Here are a few items you may want to keep close by to make it as enjoyable and easy as possible. Here is a list of basic gardening tools:
- A garden trowel and rake for tilling, planting, and digging around your plants.
- A soil pH tester (you want your soil to be between 6.0 and 7.0 for succulents).
- Measuring cups for mixing the soils in the right ratios.
- A watering can with a small spout to water directly at the soil level without washing away any new soil, or when a hose will not reach.
- Gloves. Keeps the dirt off of your hands and prevents your fingers from getting poked by thorny succulents, especially in gritty soils.
- Gravel or mulch to use around your plants, either for a practical reason or a decorative purpose.
Succulent garden size?
The size of your outdoor succulent garden at its outset is a critical factor. This will influence the amount of time you spend on preparing the soil, maintaining your garden, and the ultimate look of your garden.
You’re new to this? No problem! Just start off with a small bed or a couple of large pots and get to know the likes and dislikes of your succulent. Then, you can expand your garden to a size that suits your requirements and space.
This brings us to the next very important thing to consider when creating a succulent garden. Make sure you understand the mature size of the plants you’re using. If they’re planted too closely together, it will create congestion and cause the plants to compete for water and light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Preparing Outdoor Succulent Planting Soil
As you prepare your soil, you might have some questions. To help, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
How frequently should I fertilize my outdoor succulents, and with what fertilizer?
Infrequently, perhaps once or twice a year, and with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (at the strength recommended on the label).
How far down should I plant my succulents in the outside dirt?
Most succulents should be planted at the same depth as they were in the pot from the nursery. Don’t plant them too deeply, as that will encourage the soil to retain moisture on the roots.
What about a ground cloth to keep down weeds?
It is a good idea to use a ground cloth to prevent weeds from growing around succulents. You could use mulch or decorative rock to keep down weeds and add some interest. This is a personal preference and depends on your yard. Just be sure the ground cloth allows for drainage and air flow.
Resource: extensiongardener.ces.ncsu.edu
Bottom line
The correct ground soil mix and preparing your outdoor succulents for the right conditions will give you a great base for a beautiful garden that will last for years. Let your succulents express their individuality in the colorful home you have prepared for them. Happy succulent planting!
