I'd love some advice about this as well--because I'm trying to figure out how i can keep my potting mix going year after year.

I have been reading up on this and wonder, though, if you've put too much of a good thing in your mix, ie compost, which will hold water. And doesn't moss retain it as well? Perhaps you just need to work on the balance of elements in the mix.

I added compost to add some much-needed nutrients to my old potting soil, which I'm reusing from last year. I mixed compost and old soil in a ratio of 1:3. And as for the peat moss... its true, it retains a lot of water, but a lot of soiless mixes sold for container gardening consist mostly of peat moss anyways. What else can I use?

go over to the "container gardening" site on this forum. those folks are full of knowledge and experience.

I'm no expert (and feel like a freak on here because I'm using a commercial soil), but I can give you some basics I think, though I've had some of the same concerns as you, elbereth, with water retention/compaction.

First, don't reuse last year's soil. I know it seems like a huge waste, and I know for me it means a lot of hauling around between getting rid of last year's and getting new stuff this year, but the old stuff is no good now.

I don't think adding peatmoss is a good thing, as it can keep the roots too wet. Perlite seems to be a good addition, unless I get a better suggestion I might just add a bit to this year's mix.

Nothing wrong with getting a good commercial fertilizer and adding it to the watering, say once a week. I also tend to add epsom salts (dissolved in hot water and mixed with cold) to plants, especially as they're flowering and getting ready to set fruit. Seemed to help out a lot on my tomatoes and peppers.

And sarajill, I think many in the 'container gardening' section are growing tonnes of things, hence the giant totes and huge $$ invested in them. Personally I've lost my confidence as a gardener since being over there, but I do want to get a better crop from the few things I do grow, so if I hear any good soil-amending tips I'll bring them over here.

To your favorite potting soil, add in some perlite to help with drainage and vermiculite to hold in moisture without it being water logged. You can change the mixture somewhat depending on the plant. The basic mix I use is 1 part soil (I use Dr. Earth although any potting soil will work) 1 part vermiculite and 1 part pelite. For acid loving plants, I mix in peat moss. You can also add some compost to this - general recipe can be widely adapted to your growing climate (hotter / arid may not need need as much drainage and may need to hold in more water than other areas. A little bit of sand can also be added to this mixture although be aware that even though sand is fast draining, it does stay damp.

Some people growing cactus use (UNUSED) kitty litter - the fast draining unscented (or not) kind.

For starting seeds / cuttings I use vermiculite / perlite / and a soiless seed starting mix. Rates depend on the seeds (some like faster drying - some like moist - etc.)

I find using potting soil right out of the bag most retain too much water and I end up having a problem with fungus gnats - mixing in the vermiculite and perlite stops the infestation and my plants are much happier.

Thank you nancyanne! :)

I absolutely love the Container Forum here, and I made a special request for Al to revise the formula for MY climate, which is HOTTER than a Pepper Sprout, and he did it! BUT, here is a place with tons of soil recipes, some specific to bulbs!
Suzi

Here is a link that might be useful: Soil Recipes