Best Soil For Annual Flowers In Outdoor Pots

Question From: MICHIGAN
Q: Hi Nancy, It's too late for this year, but can you tell me what type of soil/material I should use in outdoor pots for my annual flowers? I'm not much of a gardener but like to plant annual flowers in pots around the yard and would like to be prepared next year. When I water my annuals the water only penetrates about the top 1/2 inch of the soil and the rest drains out of the pot around the perimeter. It seems the water doesn't get to the roots and I'm having to water them almost every day. Basically the dirt in the pots is topsoil from a bag that I've used to patch spots on the lawn. Help! Thanks.

A: I use one third Organimax. compost to two thirds Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss based potting soil. Bordines in Rochester has good potting soil. Don't buy cheap potting soil or compost from Walmart or Home Depot. You get what you pay for. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.