Hopefully, what you take from the container forum, is the notion that air is very important in container soils and that you need to be sure it will remain in the mix for the life of the planting. Knowing it's important, and that it must return to the soil quickly to prevent root death, is half the battle. You can make allowances for, and grow in, a less than ideal soil if you know what makes a good soil. With soils that are not open, or well aerated, watering habits are much more important and more critical to root health.

I have heard Dorie (Rhizo) mention Fafard often as a good off the shelf choice. I trust her judgment, so if it's available in your area, it might be a good place to start - if you have no intention of building your own. She hangs here now (lucky for us) and will likely see this. Hopefully, she'll expand.

Al

Are you referring to the "So talk to me about Potting Soil" thread that is currently on page two? If you think your nursery IS really good, they will steer you in the right direction for your location. If you're unsure, stop and ask at the homes of people's containers/garden that you admire. Trust me, if you pull in their driveway and admire their plants, they will drop their weapons and spill their guts. Let's face it, no matter how much personal joy we get from our gardens, unless we're some kind of weirdo or comeptitor, we live for that crap:)

I too do not have the time or space to make my own potting soil and do grow a great many plants in containers, most on a permanent, year round basis. We are fortunate on the west coast to have several local manufacturers of superior and mostly organic potting mixes and other soil amendments - I avoid anything sold by Scott's as a matter of principal :-))

California is home to one - Kellogg Garden Products. Their Gardner & Bloome soils are exceptional and I recommend them highly and use them exclusively. There are several various mixes available depending on what you are growing, but their Blue Ribbon Blend can't be beat for most applications. They should be available at most better independent retail nurseries in your area or the attached link can be directed to a provider based on zip codes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kellogg Garden Products

Thanks to every one taking the time to try to educate me.

tapla, If I have a large container that has a plant in it already, and I can't (physical limitations) repot it, would it be at least a second best if I punch holes in the dirt to aerate it?

Or can I start putting something on top of the dirt that might eventually help improve the soil?

(To clarify--- my physical limitations keep me from being able to stay bent over more than a few minutes at most. Or from lifting anything heavier than about 15 lbs. Woe to the healthy younger person who wanders by me. LOL It's kinda like being being drafted, only with some pay!)

Thank you gardengal. I'll try to locate those suggestions.

I did get my Sweet Potato Vine (Blackie), Oxalis (Sunset Velvet) and Silver Falls (something) planted yesterday in one pot. They're now hanging off the balcony railing and I'm waiting eagerly.

My balcony looks like a very messy miniature botannical gardens. LOL But I love it.

I'm afraid that poking holes in the soil will only be a little better than poking holes in a pond. ;o) Each time you water, the finest particles will wash into the channels you create, undoing all your work. A homogeneous mix of soil from top to bottom is the best way to grow in a container. Topdressing will do very little or nothing to improve the structure of container soils. It really is an issue that needs addressing before the planting is made.

By and large, everyone on this forum is anxious to help and very giving of their time and knowledge. I think you picked a good place to hang out. ;o) Sorry to learn of your limitations, I'll hope they are temporary or at least something you can work around.

Al

*** poking holes in the soil will only be a little better than poking holes in a pond.****

LOL Well that puts paid to my ideas about poking holes or top dressings. Should I say *Thank you*? Or not! lol

O.K., back to square one. Learning all the time. And loving these forums.

My limitations are probably permanent, but I'll work around them as best I can. Nothing (well almost) is impossible.

Cave76 - you need to experiment with things in order to find what works best for you and how you take care of plants. I disagree about top dressing and have been doing so for quite some time with my shrubs and perennials with satisfying results.

Sometimes I think we overanalyze gardening too much here on this forum and never get the chance to actually enjoy the simple act of gardening itself and why we choose to do it. There's nothing wrong with a good discussion on the merits of different mixes, but I also realize after many years that plants are often alot more adaptive and tougher than we give them credit for and no one way is the be all end all for achieving a successful container garden.

Topdressing will do very little or nothing to improve the structure of container soils.

I don't know how anyone could disagree with this, but I respect the wont to do so. Cave's question was regarding improving structure, and my answer was directed specifically to structure.

Al

Fortunately (or not :)) I'm old enough to know that there are many paths to success and enjoyment.

I appreciate learning about the science behind horticulture and also hearing about all the different approaches. It's a learning process for me.

I doubt if I'll ever be as accomplished as some, but I bet I'll have just as much fun.

Thanks to all.

Cave - that's the main thing you need to consider. Your growing climate actually opens up some unique opportunities for sure and I think you will pleased with the results of your efforts!