Soil question

So I've about figured out most of my questions, but I've got a few before I get my soil ready. It's really hard to go to nurseries and ask people how to grow tomatoes and be told "well you won't need that because you can't grow seeds at this time" and blah blah because asking the real question outright is sketchy. So I've been told that our soil here is very clay like, but they keep telling me to mix the potting soil with the dirt here 50/50, but he said the ph of our soil is around 8 so I don't want to do that. So what should I do for my soil? I figure I was going to mix 50/50 with FF and promix happy frog with perlite, mulch, earthworm castings, and lime. Is that good? I'm not sure where to buy the soil tho and for how much. But what about if the roots of my plants go deeper than my 3 foot deep soil mixture and hit the shitty clay natural soil? I have absolutely no growing experience at all lol I got a lot answered through this site tho, it's great!

Edit: tips are greatly appreciated. All I've done since I joined is ask questions but when I get a good foundation on how this is done and know wtf is going on I totally plan on actually helping out the community, not just leeching off of people

You mix in some dolomite lime or some gypsum with your mix it will help the soil ph and breakdown the clay over time. You might want to add some kelp and alfalfa meal also. good luck. keepem green

Does that mean I should mix the FF and promix with my soil 50/50 or ditch the regular soil and only use FF and promix?

Look at my mix might cost you less and the ingredients will last a couple of seasons. dirrtyd

Will do! Ok so... I won't be mixing potting soil with the ground soil then with your mix?

pro mix you can find anywhere.

if you go to fox farm website they have a little tool that will show you the closest retailer that carries thier products.

i wouldnt even fuck with the pro mix but it is a nice filler if your on a budget, if not use 100% ocean forest and add in some garden lime and 4 lbs of Espoma garden tone per bag. not sure how many plants your planing on growing but the combo is around 25 bucks if you want to ammend the soil with some nice organic ferts. if you plan on using chem ferts dont bother with the garden tone.

I agree-- just mix-in the Promix.... you can add some "Happy Frog Fruit n Flower" nutrients in there or some Espoma Bloom-tone (available at EVERY Garden center-- Walmart, Kmart etc...) follow the directions on the bag... then when you see them starting to bloom in late July, Top-dress the soil around the plant with more of the granular nutes and rub it into the soil..

This allows you to ALMOST never feed them..
When you DO feed- go light, and if you can get organics, or "Tea's" go with those.....

I'm planning on growing 10 seeds outside, so about how many bags of whatever would I need? How much more expensive would it be to go 100% FF than mixing it with promix? I really don't want to break the bank, but I also want my plants to turn out badass so ill spend the extra cash if its worth it. If y'all were to grow 10 seeds outside, what would be your shopping list? lol