Since you are doing an open bottom, I'd think any "garden soil" would be fine. MiracleGro makes that (was 4 bags for $10 at Home Depot a couple days ago), but probably anything is fine. Potting soil would probably work too, but would be a less perfect match, in my humble opinion.

oh yaaay! I'm so glad you posted this - I saw it today too!

Here is a link to the EPD website and their rules for Outdoor use of water during the 4 levels of restriction. You will need Adobe Acrobat to view it. Glad I haven't planted very much this year. Worry about the trees though. Maples are already starting to defoliate. Other shallow rooted trees will be next. They are predicting that October, our driest month, may be even drier. Instead of the average 3", may only receive an inch or so. Don't know about you, but I'll settle for that. That is more than I have averaged per month since March. Good Luck! :-) Here is a link that might be useful: EPD Outdoor Watering Rules

rcnaylor: You have apparently watched and learned carefully (Grasshopper). We say it here all the time but until it happens to YOU, it's only words on the screen. Woodycrest has been saying that for years. He even posts pictures to prove it, but every time he does he gets chased away for his crazy ideas. I mean...when a guy has been taking care of two golf courses organically for five years, you have to listen to him. The OP said, The reason I don't leave the clippings is because as with any organic lawn, I do have some weeds throught the yard. I disagree with that statement. You don't have to have more or less weeds with one lawn care program or another. If you water infrequently the weed seeds cannot sprout. They need continual moisture to sprout. By watering only once a week you interrupt the moisture and the seeds don't sprout. If you mow the grass at the highest setting on your mower, the tall grass will shade any weed seedlings that do sprout, say, from a prolonged period of rain. Most seedlings need full sun to take root, so the tall grass will keep out most of the rest of the weeds. Now there are some weeds that thrive in shade. For the most part those pull out easily. Weeds go away with good care. Your choice of organic or synthetic fertilizer is not part of that equation. The only difference for people willing to use chemical herbicides is they have options for spraying or using granulated products in addition to the option of pulling the weeds. That's a personal issue for you. For me I cannot stomach the idea of using granulated or soil drench type herbicide.