Way to complicated Audrie. Since you are doing containers, get a good potting mix from your local nursery that without any moisture control beads
Add sand and chicken grit. You can get chicken grit from your local farm store in bags. It is usually crushed granite, used for chickens and other poultry. No oyster shells.

Very easy, you can even mix in some of your local soil. Just be sure to mix it up really well.

There is a special sand isn't there? I think that is what I have been missing. Is it builders and not play sand? The boy at the big box store just looked at me like I was a crazy old woman when I was trying to sort out what kinds of sand they had....

I use river sand. Works great. Avoid really fine sand.

Found this about sand for plants: http://www.ehow.com/facts_7846...

valleylynn said:Way to complicated Audrie. Since you are doing containers, get a good potting mix from your local nursery that without any moisture control beads
Add sand and chicken grit. You can get chicken grit from your local farm store in bags. It is usually crushed granite, used for chickens and other poultry. No oyster shells.

Very easy, you can even mix in some of your local soil. Just be sure to mix it up really well.

Got it!!! Whew!! Thank you so very much!!!! Is there a ratio I should follow with the three items? Also, does it matter if they get put in a plastic container? I saw some cute plastic whiskey barrels at Lowe's. Hubby is not a fan of the traditional whiskey barrels as he says they get ugly looking and fall apart. LOL!!! So was trying to compromise if I can. Thanks again!!

Sherri said:There is a special sand isn't there? I think that is what I have been missing. Is it builders and not play sand? The boy at the big box store just looked at me like I was a crazy old woman when I was trying to sort out what kinds of sand they had....

Thank you for the 411!!! I'm hoping to shop for all of this tomorrow and plant plant plant!!!! Crossing my fingers we get some rain. It's been so dry and the fires need to be put out!!

I think without seeing what potting soil is available in your area, you will have to go by feel. Consult with a local nursery that grows succulents. So many things can vary from one part of the country to the next.
Again, I would meet up with tabby and picklepuff. They know what works in your part of the country.

I would stay away from clay containers and go with plastic in zone 5. If you get a rain that freezes, it tends to destroy clay posts. Semps don't care if they are in plastic, as long as they have good fast draining soil mix.

Thank you Lynn and Twitcher for all your help and advice!!!