Believe it or not, I am certain the soil mix I buy from the growshop is second hand. I like to work my fingers through the bag to ensure there are few lumps and bumps before potting. Not only that, I like the touch of some mixes and I can more or less feel how a plants roots will feel when the are bedded in it. I've found shreaded roots and clay pebels in tens of fresh bags of special mix. It does the job, but I do wonder if I can recycle my own soil with the correct additives and methods.