no suggestions, but thanks for the reminder. It's hard to think about soil when the nite temps are down to the '30's, but I should go out and see if I can find any....

I had to laugh at this line: "...I have put enough in 5 gal. buckets and am keeping them indoors..."

Oh my, yes, how many times have I stood outside freezing while chiseling off a pot full of frozen-solid potting mix from the big bale, to bring it inside to thaw? And of course, it's only enough for like, two jugs, lol, so back outside with the knife to chisel some more. Sheesh.

One thing I like to do early, if I have the time, is to put all the holes in the bottom of my jugs. This way, I can work outside while it's still fairly comfortable out there - I use a soldering iron and this really needs ventilation.

Always remember the year I actually opened a window, set up two fans, and literally put the holes in the milk jugs holding them in the window, blowing the smoke, fumes - and my expensive heat! - out the window. My kids came home from school and asked who was blowing out birthday candles, lol. My DH would have had a heart attack if he ever knew....

Dee

Right with you on the smell - I also use a soldering iron for the holes - much quicker and easier than a knife. One year, I put my potting soil in the microwave to kill all the knats that were in it (Miracle Grow). Now thats a real smell!!!!!

Haven't had the knat problem since I started using ProMix.

I add a few holes along the bottom sides of jugs in case the bottom holes get plugged. This is enough that the jugs can stay on the cement patio. My patio has walls on three sides so don't normally need to worry about wind.

Bales of ProMix are kept in our unheated garage and DH brings one in to the basement a week before I need it so it can thaw out.

No soldering iron for me, an ice pick type tool works well, doesn't stink and needs no electricity.