I have been using fafard baled outdoor mix or pro-mix for years. the 3.8 cu.ft. bale expands to approx. 7 cu. ft. when fluffed and is said to fill approx. 50 gal. pots. it consists of a peat based soilless mix with perlite, vermiculite, some dolomitic lime and a wetting agent. to me, it is easier and cheaper to buy it in this form vs. mixing my own. it is available from a local nursery for $30 before tax. they use it at the nursery for their containers and seed trays and stock limited quantities for retail sale. i have not found it at local big box stores so your best bet might be local nurseries. we have two good ones in the small market area of auburn/opelika so larger metro areas should yield more sources.

the last time i bought a bale was several years ago. i take a portion of the bale and put in a large plastic box with lid so i can scoop out what i need easily. i moisten slightly before using.

If you are near a Farmer's Coop, you should be able to buy large (4 cubic foot - they look larger) bags of vermiculite for $19 or $20.

Thanks so much, I did find exactly that type of vermiculite for $19. Plus I was able to score some peat moss from a big box store that was in broken bags at a great price. Now I am trying to decide on using my own precious compost, municipal compost or a third more sterile option, like bagged compost or garden soil.