Ive just been using potting mix in my 2 year old hardy Chicago fig, its in ~5-6 gallon container right now. I'm going to repot it into a ~8-10g container soon. I have some top soil and sand in my garage I want to use up, would mixing those be a decent medium or does anyone have a good recipe that mainly uses those? whats a good store bought mix (I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff like turface and have bags of things laying around since this is really my only container plant) thanks

this is what i uses http://foxfarmfertilizer.com/item/ocean-forest-potting-soil.html i think it is one of the best mixes out there 

I use Promix HP. You can order here http://www.atlantishydroponics.com/Soil-and-Growing-Media

I also use foxfarm. Amazing organic mix. I also use it for my vegetable starts. Strong and sturdy right from the get go. Works really well for me.

Pro Mix HP does not require mixing additional ingredients. The HP stands for high porosity so it allows air to get at the roots nicely.

Dave and trif1010 what percentages of Foxfarm/Perlite do you use?

I use 100% Foxfarm right out of the bag.

I like Fox Farms but the only drawback about it is it tends to harden/clay at the top. I don't know if this is a bad thing but when I look at the clear cups it appears to only affect the top half inch or so.

I also use Fafard 52 mix. This stuff drains well and the cost is at the range of any other product in the market.

I would prefer Fertilome UPM but I cannot get this product around here anymore. I got a shipment of it before, but was unable to last season.

Hope this helps

Scot ,
Which Foxfarm product are you using ?
Light Warrior , Ocean Forest -that Dave gave a link to , Original ...?
Some versions are available here , might give it a try.
Thanks.

I use Foxfarm Ocean Forest 

I went down to my local http://www.ctroots.com  store  and asked the guy about the Fox Farm and he told me that they were CT Roots brand biggest competitor and and said the CT Roots soil was a little bit better , the only thing was CT Roots soil was a  smaller bag for $24.00 and the Fox Farm runs around $16.00 he did admit that Fox Farm  was very high quality soil 

Rafed
I never noticed any of my pots with Fox Farm soil getting hard on the top and I have had my trees in it for 2 years now I'll have to keep my eye open for that 

Dave,

I think it's a non-issue.
People hold this product to high regard. I will continue to use it until I can find Fertilome UPM again. Little on the pricey side but the product is outstanding.

I use Foxfarm Ocean Forest. I also use it for my cuttings. After they have established a good bunch of roots in coco coir in the clear plastic cups, I transplant them into pots with Foxfarm Ocean Forest. I find that it helps establish sturdy, strong roots and growth. I hope this helps.

Do you guys mix anything else in with any of these potting soils or do you use them straight from the bag?

Here is a picture of cuttings started in coco coir. I like to see at least this much root development before I transplant in to the small pot containing 100% Foxfarm Ocean Forest. These are Maltese Falcon from Drivewayfarmer. Thanks again Kerry!

trif,

Do you add anything to the coco coir? Or you just simple take it out of the and place in the cup as is?
I see you don't put holes on the sides.

Rafed, to start my cuttings I use the coco coir straight. I follow the instructions on the package to get it damp. If it looks and feels too wet, I just squeeze out the excess water with my hands until it feels just damp, not heavy and wet. It's a little tricky to get the right moisture content, but you'll get the hang of it. I also never water the cups. I just spray around the cutting with a spray bottle so a little water runs down the cutting if the coir looks dry and the cup feels really light, but usually this isn't necessary. It's really easy to over-saturate the coco coir when it's in the cups so be careful. I put my holes in the bottom of the cups this go round.

Pro Mix Hp straight from the bag, no need to add a thing except the cuting and a little water

Rooting in  coconut coir few years back

Fox Farm Ocean Forest is real real good stuff.

Thanks guys, I'm always curious what everyone else is doing. I have not seen any fox farm mixes around here. Promix has been working well for me with a few extras added in.

KK ,
Thanks , that is a very interesting article.