“While our primary goal in formulating this mix was to deliver our members and customers a higher quality product that truly excels at its intended function, it is also very exciting to be able to do so in a more sustainable fashion.”
– Walker Young (Assistant Curator)

Specialty Soils & Mulch

Not sure which blend is best for you? Visit us at the Ruth Bancroft Nursery for more information.

Bancroft Potting Soil Blend

Tired of the bagged commercial ‘cactus soil’ that lose their structure after a few months? If so, then use the potting soil we use.

The Bancroft Potting Soil Blend is a proprietary blend of ingredients that hold their form for a long time. This provides good drainage and air for the roots to thrive. Suitable for succulents, natives and members of the protea family.

This blend is available for purchase here at The Ruth Bancroft Nursery.

This soil blend is for containers only.

Bancroft Bedding Blend

End your struggles with growing plants in heavy clay. We worked with Contra Costa Topsoil in Martinez to develop a propriety blend perfect for succulents and other drought tolerant plants. The goal was to apply the blend over the existing soil without having to dig it in. Simply rough up the existing soil and add 12” or more of Bancroft Bedding Blend. Once its laid and shaped, it’s ready for planting.

Bancroft Bedding Blend can be purchased from Contra Costa Topsoil, 5030 Imhoff Drive, Martinez, (925) 228-4007, and is available for pickup or delivery.

This soil blend is for in-ground applications only—not for containers, slopes or under the drip lines of existing trees.

Note: Our bedding blend is only available for purchase at Contra Costa Topsoil and not our nursery location.

Landscape Mulches from Eco Mulch

We have partnered with Eco Mulch to bring you a selection of quality, locally sourced mulches that our members may purchase at special, members-only prices.  Eco Mulch mulches are made from re-purposing  the cut wood materials from local tree trimming and landscape companies that would have otherwise gone into landfills.  They are processed locally in Martinez to create a high quality, environmentally friendly product to use in your landscape.  Learn more about Eco Mulch’s history, ecologically friendly products and services here.

We offer six different mulch varieties to choose from.  Members receive 20% off the standard retail price. Prices noted are by cubic yard.

Visit the Nursery to see samples and to place an order, or call the Nursery Kiosk at 925-433-5319.

Note: Member discounts are only available for mulch ordered directly from the Garden and not from the Eco Mulch website or their location in Martinez.