Question
Is it best to replace the soil in outdoor pots, hanging baskets and planter boxes every year when replanting annuals?

Answer
Hi Mary,  I usually replace the soil every other year, but I amend it the second year by removing the soil from the pot, adding 1/3 finely ground pine bark, blending and loosening it well and then replacing it.  I always use a potting soil with a water holding polymer added to it and I add a little more in year two also.  This really helps plants (especially hanging baskets) from drying out on really hot or windy days. Jim