What is a good substrate for a new outside habitat?

[Guardian-Angel-671]

I'm rebuilding an outdoor habitat for my box turtle. We recently moved & before we could bring the original one over to new place someone stole it. I'm wanting to be sure that I use correct bedding/soil because I don't want any chemicals that can hurt my turtle in it.I'm a do 1 prob like this idea http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/dwight-and-moses-outdoor-kiddie-pool-enclosure.50738/ as I do have a kiddie pool that size with drainage holes already in it.(I started out with the pool & was going to move to a stock tub fixed up as it'd be deeper & more dirt to dig in.The stock tub is the 1 that was stolen) I plan on prob putting gravel in bottom also for drainage unless there is something better? I plan on putting plants in it also for feeding/hiding in also.besides pools/hides & other usual items.

Thanks for any suggestions. I may also have to redo the indoor habitat as our turtle (Rogue) is now climbing out & escaping the indoor 1. So I'll be browsing for new indoor ideas also lol.

 

[Millerlite]

How bigs your box turtle. I always use a soil moss mix. Then I put leaves on top of all that for my box turtles. It holds moisture well And they can dig in to sleep

Kyle

 

[Tom]

Is using the native soil from your yard an option?

 

[Guardian-Angel-671]

I could use my native soil as I've not treated it with anything yet. I was just worried that if it rained in my setup,the soil would get to hard for Rogue as my soil can get kinda rocky & hard at times.I don't have a box yet just 1 of the huge kiddie pools so far.I was kinda wanting a box but I have a bad back & don't want to make Rogue wait forever for me ta get her box ready. So was gonna do the pool as at least a temp setup for now.