Hi Buds,
Thanks for your help. It seems that a lightening agent (i.g. perlite) is a must ingredient with any potting soil. I have not seen the brand "Sunshine" in the Chicago area, but I will ask around for it. Miracle Grow, on the other hand, can be found almost anywhere. I used it -the kind with ferts- to start tomatoes and had great results so I don't think it is too strong. It is mostly peat and contains some perlite too. My concern with MG et. al. is using them for mature plants in large contains where compacting may be a problem. I wonder if it contains enough perlite or should I add more. One thing I've learn is that you have to be careful not to compact potting soil. Many "experts" recommend that you press the soil down in the pot a little but I would emphasize as little as possible. Just make sure there are no large air pockets and the ball barely holds together when transplanted. Sometimes just tapping the pot is all it takes get the compression the soil just right.