Marg, like Ben I do a guestimation when repotting..but I can give you an approximate ratio. 1/3 part all purpose potting soil, (black) 1/3 sand and 1/3 peat..I also throw in a couple handfuls of Perlite. Because of the number of plants I have I buy 40 and 50lb bags of potting mediums. Out here you can get smaller bags of Perlite, but w/sand it only comes in big bags..but the thing about buying bigger sizes, it lasts a long time..And if you grow other types of plants you can mix your own soil come repotting time. For instance, when I pot up cactus and succulents, I add more sand/perlite than all purpose. When potting a tropical I use less. But it all evens out at the end..Toni

Stefan - I grow some of my produce in containers, but for different reasons than yours. My property is small (just over an acre) and the garden only takes up a tiny corner of that. Full sun is at a premium because the house and land is deep in the forest. So I have to rotate crops into the best light to finish them off (I start in the shade and move them as they grow). By using large plastic boxes (used to mix concrete in) I can grow quite a lot of greens and they are easy to drag around on the lawn. Another bonus is that I can really control the soil that I grow in - which makes the lettuce taste better. And it pretty much stops the vole (rodent) damage.

There are quite a few people here who have GE growing in their gardens. I bought two 3 years ago and have those two still growing nicely, must be my soil, light or whatever. I just bought two more cheaply. Here is some advice given by forum member 'dhaven' : "Some varieties are very picky about growing conditions, and unless they are planted in optimum conditions, they will either remain small, or fade away and die. The best example of this I know of is Great Expectations, which also happens to be my favorite hosta. A great many people have lost this one, sometimes more than once. I have three very large mature plants, and they are the prettiest thing in the garden. It took some experimentation, but there are three things that GE absolutely must have to thrive. First, and most importantly, plant it shallowly. It's going to be a very large plant, so the natural inclination is to plant it deeply, but this will kill it faster than anything else. Plant it so shallowly you are convinced that it will tip over, and you've got it right. Secondly, it likes a lot of light. Dappled shade is ideal, but it will take several hours of direct sun, either morning or afternoon. Third, it likes a lot of water. If you give a GE all three of these things, you will increase your chances of growing it into an absolutely stunning plant. If you want to try any of the hostas that have the reputation of being difficult, be prepared to try different locations and growing methods, and possibly go through several plants before you discover what works for that variety in your location. When you do find out what works, please share the information with the rest of us!" Bernd

Ipomoea nil and I. purpurea do very well in containers. I grow all my MGs (Ipomoea or other genera) in containers. I generally learn from the experience as I go. It would be helpful if you were more specific on which vine group you were addicted to so we can focus on plant requirements? Joseph