@acoder Hi there. Compost is not a plant mix. Compost is PART of a good soil. Do not grow anything in pure compost and i really hope you aren't thinking of making your own potting soil, right? Fluff up the soil where you want to plant adding compost by double digging, rake, smooth and compact with a piece of plywood on the top and jump up and down on it. All my plant beds, ornamentals to vegetables are done this way in any soil. Need more information, Coder!

@stormy cost wise. It will cost a lot :D

@4-K Money of course is relative. The plants the pots your reputation your time are costly. To skimp is up to you of course! I am still a bit confused. Trying to think of a good analogy at this moment...something is terribly wrong that you are unable to grow a simple garden on your balcony. Soil is a huge factor for a potted plant's success. What percentage, when you add up the costs of plants, pots, saucers, fertilizer possibly bottled water, would soil for success be?

@acoder I've seen your question on main (and agree with @stormy's comment above) and what would make me uncomfortable is the idea of using used tar buckets. I wouldn't want any what-nots leaking into my soil.

@stormy add almost a decade to that estimate ;-) I won't be going back to work full time and hubby plans to reduce his hours a bit. Don't fear, the minors will always have priority over any career and there is a reason hubby took four months off this summer.

But while laundry, cooking and Mommy-taxiing are important, you're never truly done. The next day (sometimes even the next hour) brings more and Syssiphos starts over.

But when you've finished a project, got a car (or anything else) shipped to the customer and finally on the road, you're done. You have something to show for, even if your contribution is hidden deep down in the software.

And let's face it: the social perception of stay-at-home mums vs. so. working as an engineer is different. Like "every idiot can stay home, relax on the sofa and raise kids". Completely ignoring how tough it is to do the "Mommy job" truly well.

I think the minors will also benefit: They will need to get a bit more independent in a good sense, experiencing more "I can do this!" moments and trusting themselves and their abilities.

@stormy yet to buy saucers. My Mom asked the nursery man and he said that he will get soil this friday, I might go this time to investigate what type and kind of soil it it. I will buy it if it is red.

I will probably buy organic matter.

depending on cost and amount.

and I think soil with Organic matter will be good? @stormy