soil-media Soil Question

[skealo]

I've just put in 4 new raised bed garden boxes and filled it with a landscapers garden blend dirt.


Its thick, clumpy and doesn't drain well. Since I've spent a fair amount already....

Whats the cheapest way to loosen this soil up? I've got 4 7x3 raised beds to loosen.

 

[boutros]

My guess would be a lot of composted material, maybe some sorta composted forestry products. Or maybe some liquid gypsum- not sure if that would make your soil too acidic though. Hard for me to say, as I live in alkaline land.

 

[patrick]

If the goal is to improve soil aggregation, increase porosity and permeability, and improve aeration and drainage then fibrous amendments like peat, wood chips, tree bark or straw are most effective in this situation. Perlite works well too.

 

[skealo]

Thanks for the ideas, I'm gonna price some stuff out.

 

[AlabamaJack]

Skealo...do you have a recycle center near you...one where they make their own compost?...shouldn't be that expensive if you haul it yourself...

this is the place I get my "dirt" from...

http://www.silvercreekmaterials.com/

 

[POTAWIE]

I'd add some peat, perlite and/or compost or organic material as mentioned above.