[quote="Azgarden"
@DavidLMO...I have to ask...that list of items sounds like an interesting recipe
Is this your potting mix or a part of it? I think I can kind of understand all of the components usefulness except the kitty litter. Of course, I am thinking of clumping litter that our cat uses. Does not seem as tho that kind would be helpful if you wanted drainage. So, I know I'm not thinking right here.[/quote]
Oops. Those are just the amendments. I forgot the soil.
I don't always use all of those all the time, but I do use at least some of them all the time. For the basic soil that I use, I have recently become fond of a product by the Hyponex company. It is called Earthgrow potting soil. It has good constituents, is cheap (always a plus) and I have had very good luck with it. I would never ever again use any Miracle Grow products. I have had good luck with Shultz, but hard to find here. Again - I reiterate do not use anything that is water retentive.
I also often use very coarse sand - not the fine stuff. I do not use much peat moss.
For cat litter - do NOT use clumping types. Special Kitty from Walmart is one of the few I have found and others use it as well. It is made from calcined clay and helps with moisture and nutrient retention. Check some of these links:
https://www.google.com/search?...
NAPA product:
https://www.google.com/search?...
If you use this, you don't need Special Kitty and vice versa as they both essentially do the same thing.
Some folks use Turface, but it is not readily available here and is very expensive.
Al Tapla has some good mixes as well. His 5-1-1 is famous.
I am getting carried away - sorry
At least you have a leg up when you get to ?s on potting mixes.