NEVER ... EVER.. use SOIL in pots..

you need a potting MEDIA ...

i favor 1/2 common peat based media [mixed with perlite, etc] .. with 50% mini bark chunks ... and NEVER with fert already contained therein ...

the key is high drainage .... and that is what the bark chunks add ... otherwise.. everyone has a recipe they favor ... and any one of them is fine ... Al's gritty mix is all over GW ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: go down THE page and hit the link to PINE BARK MINI NUGGETS

yeah that makes sense. I've been growing a red maple from seed for 2 years now in a pot of black dirt, and when i transplanted it this spring the whole root ball was a wet soggy mess. that didn't seem right to me, and that's what initiated the question. thanks...

oh, the link above sent me to NOAA sites?

i thought you needed some weather info.. lol ..

should be the right link below ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: go down the page.. as per above ...