I just use the pine bark mulch that comes in bags from Wally World. Just don't get the big chunks. They should have some broken bags that you can judge the texture.

If one buys perlite in 3 cu foot bags it is also cheaper especially if you buy it from your local ARS club.

Good luck!

F.L.

Here is a link that might be useful: root trimming

Last time I checked, Al the container soil guy, was a guy :) I also do as iowa_jade does and get the pine bark mulch. For longer term plantings I pass it through 1/4" hardware cloth Whatever passes through is sifted through an insect screen. Whatever remains on top gets used.

Or you can just get the Miracle Grow Organic potting soil which has bark fines, sphagnum peat moss, and slow release fertilizer already in it.

MG Label

I mix 50/50 finely ground pine mulch and the most inexpensive potting soil I can find. This was a recommendation from the author of "Tough Plants for California Gardens". He said he experimented with many different combinations as a project in college and this was the best. It's worked well for me too...

BettyN

Miracle Gro Moisture Control or ProMix.

Al is so smart I thought the post must be from a woman. ;)

Thanks for the tips. No one here seems to know what "pine bark fines" are. I'm hitting the organic garden center tonight to pick up my Zephirine Drouhin tonight and I will also see what they recommend.

Buford, Thanks for the idea about Miracle Grow, even if I don't use it for the rose I have about 5 planters for annuals who need soil. :)

I agree with Buford ... Miracle Grow Organic potting soil. Or Wal-Mart's brand of organic potting soil, which is at least as good and a little less expensive.

I've finally given up on using my own "mixes". I have not been able to get better performance than when I use Wal-Mart's organic mix. So, I no longer waste my time trying.

Randy

I agree with Buford and Randy

12 of my roses are in permanent containers and the only mix I have ever used is Miracle Grow potting mix/soil.

Randy, have you seen a difference between using MG or the Wal-Mart brand? The reason I am asking is I have to container all my roses. And I know the Wal-Mart brand is a dollar or two cheaper.

Thanks
Liz

I second using the Wal-mart ORGANIC mix - I think this is the first potted soil ever I have purchased that I didn't have to amend in some way - good stuff, you can see the perlite and organic bits in it. I'm suspicious of Miracle Grow soils - I haven't tried their organic mix, but a "standard" mix I bought once looked like it was all peat moss. Also, I'm not fond of pre-fertilized soils - I want to know what my bushes are getting.

I don't know where you live, but in our local supermarket (Publix) they were selling the small bags of the MG potting soil for 2 for $4. I bought 4. Then I went back and got 4 more. It was a great deal since in HD they were almost $4 each.

buford, - Wow Publix, now that brings back memories (grew up in Miami, FL.

stone garden, - Since you have had good luck with Wal-Mart brand, I think give it a try in the winter when I move my new roses into their permanent bigger containes.

I use a private nursery blend that is composed of compost, builders course sand and finely ground pine bark mulch. I add Perlite because the pine bark mulch eventually breaks down and I still want a crumbly mix. Also it has been my experience with the Miracle-Gro pre-fertilized type products that they are usually stocked outside and are open to the eliments . The bags are perforated with small holes to allow air to get in. Good idea at first glance, but that also means that moisture from rain or the sprinkler systems can also get inside the bag causing the fertilzer to become active. If you look at the bags of Miracle Gro products left outside you will see that many of the fertilizer granules are already expanded. On annuals it's not that important, on my roses that I intend to get many many years out of I like to start out with the best potting mix available even if it is more expensive or more effort. BTW, I've used the Walmart brand (like Miracle Gro) potting mix on my annuals and it is every bit as good as Miracle Gro( and can also have the same problems). I have not checked out the ORGANIC type potting mix some have mentioned, but again I would double check to make sure that the fertilizer problem has been addressed.

I've started to get serious about growing roses in pots. My soil is shallow and I don't know what else but roses don't do well in it.

I used Shultz potting mix Plus anyway the expensive stuff. It is so heavy I must say I have my doubts but some on the Container site recommended it.

One other thing mentioned on that site is the use of wicks. So I went to my local hardware store with the hope that they had wicking material in bulk. Well no such luck. So I bought some cotton close line rope. And cut it in lengths about 2' long, coiled it the bottom and stuck two ends out the hole.

I wonder how my roses will do? Visions of beauty!