Improving Drainage in Heavy Raised Bed Soil with Pine Bark and Other Amendments

A raised bed that received lots of mushroom compost three years ago has become heavy and dark, draining poorly. The gardener grows tomatoes and wants to lighten the soil.

Best Amendment: Finely Ground Pine Bark

Sold as "soil conditioner," pine bark creates large pore spaces. Spread 2 inches over the bed and till or turn it into the top 6–8 inches.

Alternatives

If pine bark isn't available, use cotton burr compost, leaf mold, or any coarse organic amendment. The goal is to create a granular structure that lets water percolate while holding nutrients.