Are you near any of the locations in the link below? BFG carries bales. They are wholesale, but sell the bales as single units and do sell directly to home gardeners.

Lynda

Here is a link that might be useful: BFG supply

Pro Mix has many different types of soil. Check out their web site to get product info. There are different types in the large bales as well. I don't know how to add "Here is a link that may be useful" or I'd set it up for you. Can someone help me with how to do that??

Thanks, Luke

Thanks for the information. I checked their web site & the nearest place is about 85 miles from me. I can order the smaller bags from Ace Hardware / True Value which is about 25 miles from me. Still debating which way to go.
Thanks, jan

luke to add a link: copy the html and place it in the Optional Link URL under the message box. Then in the Name of the Link put a name to identify what the URL links to.
Hit preview and you will see your message with the link noted. Then hit submit as usual.

In lgslgs posting above the name is BFG Supply which goes in the Name of the Link box. The HTML from that link: http://www.bfgsupply.com/content/locations.asp
goes in the Optional Link URL box

Jan, Pro Mix is more expensive in the smaller bags. The real savings come from using compressed bales. That said, I sometimes use the small bags.

Don't get hung up on using Pro Mix. It is my favorite but I use a variety of different potting mixes. I have used Miracle Grow, don't waste extra money on moisture crystals and fertilizer, plain works fine. Also have used K-Mart and Lowe's store brands. Have also asked a local nursery what they use (home made) and in the fall special ordered some big bags of it from them at a good sale price. As long as the mix drains well it works. The only mix I've had trouble with is a store brand from Fleet and Farm.

I discovered Pro Mix in large bags years and years ago at Home Depot before many people were using it. Often got it on sale at clearance prices. A couple of years ago my HD sold the bales for $10 each in the fall as few were sold during the season. I bought most of them (10 or more) and HD hasn't sold Pro Mix since. The most I ever paid was $14. $30+ makes me gulp.

Keep in mind the extra cost of traveling so far to find Pro Mix and decide if it is really worth it in both $ and time and effort.