The Plant Care Facility operates a full-service soil room to provide custom soil-based mixes and commercial soilless mixes.
Custom soil mixes (topsoil-based mixes made with local soil) require a minimum 3-5 working days ‘ notice to process. Soil mixes are steam pasteurized and delivered by PCF staff in ½ (small) or 1 (large) cubic yard steam carts. PCF staff will pick up steam carts with leftover soil after one to two weeks of no activity unless otherwise instructed.
Soilless products are stocked in the storeroom and ready for pick-up during storeroom hours (Monday-Friday 8:00AM-4:00PM). You must accurately fill out the paper soil request form in the storeroom.
There are roller bins in the storeroom of soil and soilless mixes that are available and charged by the scoop for when only small quantities are needed.
Visit the PCF website Soil Mixes | ACES Plant Care Facility to access the digital soil mix request form and learn about current rates and soil/soilless mix components.
- If you are renting space in the Plant Biology Greenhouse and need to order a custom soil mix, be sure to check the box on the online form ‘Include the Plant Biology Greenhouse Manager’ or Plant Biology Greenhouse staff will not receive the soil request.
STEAM CART SAFETY
Use proper lifting and moving techniques when scooping soil out of the cart.
Be cautious of pinching/crushing from metal edges and fold-down sides.
Do not move steam carts after they have been delivered.
Do not climb on or inside of the steam cart for any reason. Ask greenhouse staff if you need access to step stool or small step ladder.
Ask greenhouse staff for assistance if carts need to be moved.