I throw the old mix into my garden beds as mulch. Exception would be if there's a mealy bug infestation, then it goes in the trash.

It is good to repot once a year or once every two years, to refresh the mix. I would not do it now, but wait until September just before the winter growers start growing again as it begins to cool off. Warm weather growers I would wait until mid spring next year. Opportunists, September also.

You could settle your pots deeper into that bed in the soil temporarily, as that would keep the roots cooler in this hot dry weather.

Only a few more weeks of the really hot weather. It will cool off then and everyone will be happier.

first, your little garden is really cool! I love that tower!

hoovb gave you good advice. The only thing I would add is to not use sand in your soil. I believe it prevents aeration in your soil and can make it get compact more quickly. Al Talpa has some good posts about it. He sent me a link to read, and also the information is a bit dense, its interesting and makes sense. I have seen some nice growth in my plants after making some changes.

I agree with hoovb too and you I also agree with deva33 advice to look up Al's gritty mix in the search bar. (And I agree sand shouldn't be used) I switched to Al's mix and my plants are doing SOOO much better! But you being in a droit you would obviously want to add more of one of the ingredients to retain more water (turface) but the mix lasts for quite a few years. (From what I hear, you'd probably have to repot before the gritty mix would need to be changed) but you would have to fertilize with most waterings. But take deva's advice and read up on it first to see if it's something that you would be interested in doing. It works great for me.......but I buy distiller water for my plants. Hope this helped! :)

Hi Lorrie, Well of course I agree work everyone as it is all good info, I'd like to add that I usually add fresh soil on the top of my new pots but mix the old soil and use it as filler to avoid waste, also sometimes I mix the old soil in the ground to amend the ground soil but I think I remember you saying you were renting but hey why not start planting some in the ground and then let them grow and add them to your new pots as they grow. :)

That's just one of my little secrets for multiplying my succulents, and they actually enjoy the ground. Also just to hammer the same nail, No sand unless it's real gritty for drainage purposes.

Have a great day and welcome back, long time no hear,

Greg

I would also like to mention that although Al's gritty mix must be great (from what everyone says) he is understanding that his gritty mix is not for everyone. It requires daily watering, is time consuming to make, and is a bit expensive to start up (although I am sure it pays off in the long run!). I am in the process of trying to find all the ingredients and plan to put some of my smaller plants in it first. He has several informative postings though. I actually emailed him and he responded quickly and provided some great tips and links for things for me to read.

Deva

just a question - cacti & succulents don't need water every day? So, using gritty mix actually saves them from overwatering. It is so freely-draining, that even heavy-hand watering or overpotting (too big a pot with too much potting soil could hold too much water) most likely won't kill the plant.
We had about 5 days of constant rain recently & all my succs were outside. If not for gritty mix, I am sure I would have had many casualties....Rina

We are also in a severe drought.
When we can water we wait until evening
when the soil will retain some moisture if
even for a short period. Our temps dry the
potted plants out quickly as well as the ground.
Sometimes I'll amend the potted plants with fresh
soil saving some that was in the pots. If I change
out the soil I throw the old out in the garden or use
it to fill in holes made by the dog.
I too love your plants and tower.
Karen