I may not be right but I think the difference is that pottin mix has other stuff add like vermiculite to make the soil lighter and retain moisture plus fertilizer such as slow release may be added. Whereas potting soil is just the sopil without the other stuff added.

I like the Miracle Grow brand, not alot of sticks and stuff, usually soft and drier. Some of the the other brands are wetter and heavier. There is another with part of the name being Jungle __________ and I like it alot too.

I used to be able to find torn bags at Lowes really cheap but they have stopped reducing them as much, just tape the bags before much is lost out of the bags and they sell it full price. So now I have to be more careful what I use it for - I hate paying so much for dirt - even though it isn't just dirt!

Whether I am container planting on in-ground planting I throw just some mulch on the bottom and love both the the Miracle Grow moisture control and Seed Starter and even their regular potting mixes. I recycle a lot of my planters soil with this. I also like mixing either Black Kow or another NEW fav, Miracle Grow's organic fertilizer mix to my soil whether in ground or in planters. It seems to work great for me. I've bought some of the off-brand stuff before and needed to still ammend it because it was so thick and pick though the twigs, stones and crap that gets thrown in. Heck, if I am going to keep spending the money and effort on the plants I have, I might as well give them really good soil.

Hi
I use so much potting soils I just buy the separate ingredients and mix it myself to whatever I'm potting up.
Have never tried to root roses but I use a 50/50 mix of peat and crushed lava rock. >get at least 80 percent with this mix.
If you''re just using small amounts get the most expensive . You get what you pay for I'm sure.
gary

mboston, you are probably thinking of Jungle Growth potting mix/soil. It's been around for a while and is better quality. I've used it for years. I have recently tried the Miracle Grow and seem to be having good results with rooting and seed sprouting.
cindeea, I reuse potting soil, too. I have a ten gallon container that I dump it in plus tail ends of bags of potting soil, potting mix and Black Kow. I stir it all together then use it mostly when repotting large plants and small trees. Can't afford to fill BIG pots with the expensive stuff so usually mix half and half for those jobs. cora

I'm using Jungle Growth mix for my potted roses and so far so good. :-)

another question what is sterile potting soil?

Nami,
I buy Jungle Growth at L/HD stores - I think they all carry it - and have been happy with it for a long time. I like the pine fines (very small chips of mulch) that are mixed in. It keeps the soil from compacting too much. Miracle Grow is nice too but I prefer Jungle Growth.

Sterile potting soil is actually sterilized by heat as part of the packaging process. It's great for starting seeds because you would be assured nothing else will be growing in the soil and nothing would contaminate the seeds. I don't think it's important for general container planting or starting cuttings. I often reuse potting soil although I'm sure there are some people who empty their containers onto the compost pile if they decide to replant a pot.

Kate