My personal favorite soil is Black Gold Natural & Organic Potting Soil, but I don't know if that is something that you can get on the East Coast. You are looking for an all organic mix with a crumbly structure--avoid anything that feels muddy when wet--and chunks no bigger than 1/8 inch across. If you are growing members of the squash family--squash, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, gourds, etc.--then you will want to use a large container, at least 2 ft. deep and wide, and add extra sand and perlite to the mix. That's also a good mix for root veggies, especially carrots. Root crops, and those with large seeds--squash, beans, etc.--are best started from seed, directly in their permanent pot. Others, such as tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, will have lower mortality rates if they are started early in smaller pots, in a more sheltered location, or if you buy transplants at the nursery. Be aware that veggies in pots will need more frequent watering and feedingthan those growing in the ground. Don't entirely trust a rainstorm to water your pots, either--check afterwards, to make sure the water got deep enough, and that not too much was deflected by the leaves. Good luck!