have tried everything! mg potting mix the best by far, you'll hear all these other accounts of mixes, but it works and i always go back to it. cuttings, repotting, whatever, if it's in a pot, use it. in the ground, lamberts, mg, scotts, ects....just use it and mulch.....hope this helps.....m

One difference I have noticed is soil sold as potting soil often has little bits of styrofoam in it to keep it light and to prevent overwatering, I assume.

the big difference, as I know it, is that ground soil will compact in pots, while soil for pots will not.
Lori

Potting mix will not contain true soil - IOW, it's a "soil-less mix" - usually peat &/or wood products, lime & perlite(the styrofoam-looking stuff),with or without added fertilisers. Potting SOIL does contain soil, hence the name.

Soil from the ground can be problematic for some uses, since it often harbors pathogens & pests. Soil-less mixes may also be called 'sterile'. Potting soil is usually heavier than potting mix & may have sand added.

HTH

stick with miracle gro potting mix in a pot and you can't go wrong......pricey, but worth it.