Best commercial (brand name) potting mix?

I know this is probably gone over all the time...

But, what's the best store bought potting mix for outdoor containers?
(preferably a brand that is readily available at lowes, home depot, ace, etc. in the new york area)

I have fertilizer and don't really see a need for plant food added to the mix?

This message was edited Jun 4, 2009 11:48 AM

I like Miracle Grow without fertilizer. I don't like to fertilize my plants just after planting or potting them as it can damage the roots. Down here Lowe's and Home Depot both carry MG products.

I thought all the MG potting mixes had fertilizer added?

i couldn't live without Jungle Growth Professional Vegi and Flower Mix from lowe's. JG makes several different varieties-this one is the best imo.

I've never seen MG potting mix without fertilizer either. I use Miracle Gro potting mix for almost all my containers and it works fine--probably not the best but it's readily available and I've never had any problems with it. I honestly think the level of fertilizer in it is fairly minimal--I've never had any problems with it burning roots of newly potted things, etc. I've heard good things about the Jungle Growth too but haven't seen it at Home Depot or the other local place I typically shop for potting mix so I haven't tried it.

As a related question
How many times can you replant in potting mixes?
You can get multiple seasons use out of it, right?

Is the fertilizer in MG mixes (or other mixes with fert. added) enough for 3 months growth?
Or, are those that use MG adding fertilizer in addition?

This message was edited Jun 4, 2009 3:18 PM

This message was edited Jun 4, 2009 3:23 PM

yes, except for certain plants like tomatoes. when re-doing a pot, i take all the soil out and take out any root clumps from the previous plant. then i freshen it up with some fresh soil and put it back in the pot. JG isn't sold by HD-only lowe's as far as i know. it has a small amount of fertilizer in it but i disregard that. after the plant has been in the pot and shows signs of new growth, i feed like normal.

My favorite is Pro mix.

I started using the MG "moisture control" mix last year, and have had very good results with it so far.

I love the products by Fafard, including the Potting Soil. Their organic Forestry Compost is really rich and wonderful for outdoor gardening.

physeek, here are all the locations that sell it within 7 miles of your zip code.

Edit: Many golf courses around here use Fafard products.

This message was edited Jun 5, 2009 1:01 PM

I concur with monkapotamus - the MG moisture control mix is the only one I use now.

Just add fertilizer before you re-use and make sure there aren't any litter crawly "critters" hanging out. My mom bakes hers before using it again to get rid of any creepy crawly's or other 'stuff.' Another friend recycles it by putting in her compost bin.