What should be done to powdery dry soil before using it for potting?

Before using powdery dry soil for potting, it is important to sprinkle and turn it over several times. This process helps to aerate the soil, allowing moisture to penetrate evenly throughout the particles. When soil is excessively dry, it can become compacted, making it difficult for water to be absorbed. By turning it over and sprinkling it lightly with water, you enable the soil to rehydrate properly, ensuring that it will support plant growth effectively.

This step also encourages a more homogenous mixture by redistributing any clumps and allowing for better drainage and air circulation within the potting medium. This technique can prevent issues like water settling on the surface and instead promotes an even distribution of moisture, which is crucial for the healthy root development of plants.

While watering the soil directly might seem like a quick fix, it can lead to a situation where the water runs off the surface rather than soaking in, particularly if the soil is too dry or crusty. Allowing it to sit for a few days could delay your potting process unnecessarily without ensuring the proper integration needed. Adding fertilizer before properly hydrating the soil would not be effective as the nutrients may not be accessible to the plants until the soil is adequately moist. Thus, turning over and sprink