The Hot Pepper

Add peat moss really lightens your soil

Peat moss, egg shells (calcium), lime stone to balance the ph
mycorrhizae is good too

Thanks for the info! How much peat moss and limestone should I add?
Completely forgot but I have this coming in that I can use as well http://xtreme-gardening.mybigcommerce.com/xtreme-sample-kit/

One more quick question. I don't have access to my own soil, so would top soil from Lowes be good enough to use?

Almost anything but MG---notoriously not consistent. Any "hot" (poop)material should be aged first for potting, but rabbit is good for outdoor planting in moderation fairly fresh. Check the PH of your mix before using it.

Thanks Gotrox. May have to order the perlite online. All I can find around here is MG perlite. Or would vermiculite be a good substitute?

yup. Except Vermiculite holds water longer, and can contribute to rot if you aren't watching your watering.

Sounds like perlite will be better for me then still being fairly new. This is why I love this site. How helpful everyone is. Thanks again!

Perlite is perlite its a neutral substance it doesn't have fertilizer so the mg brand should be fine

That's what I thought originally Nightshade. However it says different on the Lowes website http://www.lowes.com/pd_156581-446-74278300_0__?Ntt=perlite&UserSearch=perlite&productId=1036853&rpp=48
and also on the bags I've seen there too

That's probably the dumbest thing I have ever heard of who adds ferts to a neutral substance? This is why people always over fertilize with mg

Agree there, but tbh I can't complain too much about MG. Had good results using the potting mix for my 1st ever grow this year. Just looking to get more organic and more hands on for my new plants.

Sorry to butcher that but go to "Growing Hot Peppers" forum and check this thread out. It's invaluable.