Usually I just fill straight from the bag. I use the Miracle Gro potting mix(the green colored bag). Then I moistened the soil, by adding water to the rim of the pot. Once all the water goes down, I add more and then wait till water comes out from the holes beneath the pot. Then I go ahead and place my plant. Or sometimes if I know its going to rain, I just leave the pot on my deck (which is were usually the pot stays), let rain moisten the soil and then the next day, I will go ahead and place the plant inside.

Hope this helps. I did once get this soil mix where you had to water less, some kind of moisture control soil and that was really bad, it would not moisten easily and I ended up moistening the soil first and then putting it in pots.

I also use miracle grow potting soil n would usually premoisten the soil n pack into containters n put plant in, but i purchase several topsy turvy planters n wasn't sure which way i would do it. the direction for planter says to fill with soil n add a gallon of water.

I use Miracle-Gro as well. I put the soil in the container, fill the pot or bucket to the brim, wait about five minutes, then plant