by Jorge Cervantes
Potting Soil
Potting soil fresh out of the bag often fulfills all requirements for a growing medium: texture that allows good root penetration, water retention, and drainage; a stable pH between 6 and 7; and a minimum supply of nutrients. The best choice is a premium fast-draining soil with god texture that will not break down quickly.
Use a potting soil only once. Depleted used soil has poor water and air retention causing compaction and reduced drainage. Some growers mix their old potting soil with new potting soil to stretch their mix. Cutting corners this way most often costs more in production losses than is saved in soil.