Just for clarification - the bark in the 5:1:1 mix breaks down at about 1/4 the rate of peat on a (particle) size for size basis. When you consider the larger particle size of the bark used in the 5:1:1 mix, which also slows breakdown, it's not difficult to see that the life of the 5:1:1 mix as it relates to retaining suitable structure is at LEAST 4-5 times greater than peat-based soils. You'd be far better served to press the 5:1:1 mix into subsequent years of service than a peat-based soil by a wide margin; plus, the 5:1:1 mix will probably end up being about half the price of anything you might want to use from a bag. Al

Al I am very happy with my Benjamina's progress. I really thought that I have taken off too many roots (photo of most of the trimmed roots below). I tried my hardest to keep as many fine roots as possible. After potting it in 5-1-1 soil mix, I kept it outside in dappled shade, religiously watered, and even talked to her...You are so right that this kind of work creates bond with your plant. Before starting, my attitude was "if tree doesn't make it, that's ok - it's old, getting too tall for my house, it's crooked and so on". Now I really want it to grow well. I am looking forward to next year when I will try to shape the top much more. Now I see that it could work, one just has to go for it. I never knew this is what you are supposed to do to help plant reach it's potential. I always had some potted plants, but thought that providing as much light as possible, watering them, ocasionally fertilizing and potting up is all you can/should do. I am really glad that I stumbled upon this forum, and found all of this information. Al has been very patient, I even called him at home on Sunday night at inapropriate time. I have bookmarked all Al's posts, and return to reading them often. One of the reasons I didn't give up after seeing the root ball first time was that I felt I took too much of Al's private time for not at least trying. I am happy that I did. My plan for this tree is to shape the canopy more next year, and then do more root prunning year after (2014) - the root ball is still large (but probably 60% smaller than original). There is great satisfaction in completing this new -for me- task and seeing the results. And I think the tree is happier too... Henrik, forgive me for posting so extensively in your thread, but I hope that my experience will somehow help - from the newbies point of view. Most of the pruned-off roots: Rina

You'll need a heavy-duty scissor or utility knife probably, but it can be used. Cut a large window in it, and duct-tape some saran wrap inside the window so you have more light going in there. Or lose the top half altogether and cover the whole thing in saran wrap (cutting it pretty tall, but only putting in the 4" of soil, leaving room for seedling growth. Follow?) It'll be fine.

We planted tomatoes in "earth pots" that we made using Home Depot 5 gallon buckets and for other plants used plastic bins. We got the idea online. We drilled holes in the bottom of the bucket and took cotton clothesline from Dollar General, cut it into lengths and pushed them through the holes. We knotted the ends so they wouldn't fall out. Sat a brick in the bottom of another bucket that had drain holes drilled into it around the sides at a certain height and then sat the first bucket into it. Filled it with a mix of Jungle Soil and garden soil. Tomatoes went nuts! One place to see directions is www.instructables.com Hope this helps! Good luck! Val