Which soil mix is right for you: Ocean Forest vs Happy Frog? If you’re an indoor grower, the answer may depend on your growing style and the plants you’re trying to cultivate. This blog post will look at these two popular potting mixes from FoxFarm and compare their pros and cons. By the end, you should have a better idea of which mix is right for you!
Ocean Forest vs Happy Frog
FoxFarm’s Happy Frog and Ocean Forest soil mixes are popular options for indoor growing. But, which one should you choose for your garden? Here are some key factors to consider between Ocean Forest vs. Happy Frog.
Ocean Forest
Ocean Forest is a great option if you want a high-quality soil mix for potted plants. Its heavier structure is ideal for growing plants with high water intakes, like tomatoes and cucumbers.
Ocean Forest soil mix is made from:
- Gypsum powder
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Sphagnum
- Vermiculite
It also contains things like crab meal and fish emulsions (hence the name). The magic of this soil mix is that it is very nutrient-dense. It contains all the nutrients your plants need to grow and thrive (for at least the first few weeks). Growers using Ocean Forest need to add fewer supplemental nutrients.
Happy Frog
Happy Frog is a practical option if you need gentler soil. It is designed to be light and airy. Plus, it drains well while holding onto moisture and nutrients.
Happy Frog soil mix is made from:
- Bat guano
- Earthworm castings
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Vermiculite
During early growth stages, plants can’t handle excessive nutrients. That’s why Happy Frog is great for plants in their early stages (seedlings and clones). This well-balanced soil mix is ideal for beginners who want to follow supplemental nutrient-feeding schedules.
Differences Between Happy Frog and Ocean Forest
In general, Happy Frog and Ocean Forest are great growing media options that will hold moisture and nutrients while still draining excess water well. They are both made from a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. However, there are critical differences between Happy Frog vs. Ocean Forest that growers should consider before purchasing.
| Happy Frog | Ocean Forest |
| Higher percentage of perlite Lightweight texture Acidic pH High moisture retention Water drainage Less nutrient dense | Higher percentage of vermiculite Heavier mix Alkaline pH High moisture retention Water drainage More nutrient dense aka “hotter” |
Happy Frog has a higher percentage of perlite. In contrast, Ocean Forest has a higher rate of vermiculite. These formulas can affect how well the soil holds moisture and nutrients.
Happy Frog potting soil is lighter in weight and texture, while Ocean Forest is a bit heavier. Its structure can make a difference in how easy it is to mix and work with the soil.
Lastly, Happy Frog is acidic, and Ocean Forest is alkaline. This distinction is essential for growing plants with specific soil pH requirements.
Mixing Ocean Forest and Happy Frog
You can combine both soil mixes if you want to create your own custom blend. Mixing Ocean Forest and Happy Frog offer the benefits of both mixtures, and you can add other ingredients to suit the needs of your plants.
For example, if you are growing plants that need extra water drainage, you could add perlite or sand to the mix. You could also add compost or manure if you are growing plants that require additional nutrients.
Creating your soil mix is a great way to customize your soil based on your plant’s specific needs. We suggest experimenting until you find the perfect blend for your garden.
Happy Frog vs. Ocean Forest FAQs
Which is better Happy Frog or Ocean Forest?
Ocean Forest and Happy Frog are two great soil options that offer different benefits for plants. If you are looking for a nutrient-rich mix, go with Ocean Forest. If you want a well-balanced blend that is gentle on plants, try Happy Frog.
If you are worried about over-feeding your seedlings and clones, many growers start with Happy Frog to have more control over the amount of nutrients, then transplant to Ocean Forest after a couple weeks.
What is the pH of Happy Frog?
The pH of Happy Frog is acidic, at 6.3.
What is the pH of Ocean Forest?
The pH of the Ocean Forest soil mix is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.0-7.5. This pH is ideal for plants that prefer slightly alkaline soil, such as tomatoes and cucumbers.
How often do I need to fertilize plants grown in Ocean Forest?
Ocean Forest contains nutrients for the first 20-40 days of your plant’s growth. It is best to fertilize plants grown in Ocean Forest every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the directions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can damage plants.
Can Happy Frog be reused?
No, Happy Frog is not reusable. Since the previous plant used the nutrients in the soil mix, there would be a nutrient deficiency in the new plants.
Can I mix Happy Frog and Ocean Forest?
Mixing Ocean Forest and Happy Frog is a great option to get the best of both worlds. However, it is not required. Both soils are high-quality soil mixes that will hold moisture and nutrients while draining excess water well.
Shop Happy Frog or Ocean Forest Today
Now that you understand the differences between Happy Frog vs. Ocean Forest, it is time to start shopping for the soil mix that best fits your growing needs. Regardless of your decision, your plants will benefit from using quality organic matter soil mixes in your garden.
Ready to shop for FoxFarm Happy Frog or Ocean Forest soil mixes near you? Use our store finder to locate the nearest grow shop or browse through our plant care products online today!
