Question
Hi James,
We just enlarged a planter (for bamboo) with castle wall blocks. Since my local landscaper was out of the black humus I usually use I bought his bulk "potting mix" which he said would be find for a planter.  It has 20% worm castings, 20% mushroom [?something?], 20 % chicken manure and the rest a local soil blend.  It is very fine (with some chunks) and will NOT absorb water!  I already placed it in the bed.  I tried misting it, misting with sun-heated hose water, forceful 'showering'. The only thing I can think of to break the surface tension is hot water from my water heater, but am afraid of harming the many rhizomes.  Do you have suggestions?  I don't want them to dry out - which they will do overnight if I can't get them dampened.

Answer
Hi Berry, Here are a couple of options...
1.  Till coarse bark into the top 4-6" of soil.  I'd add about 2" on top and then till it in.  You might consider adding a water holding polymer also (Soil Moist).
2.  Fertilome makes a product called Aque-Duct.  It's basically a soil detergent, which prevents soil particles from sticking together, thus improving drainage.
3.  Use a post hole digger to dig a series of 12" deep holes.  Insert a 12" piece of perforated pipe.  Fill the pipe with coarse gravel to create a well that you can fill with water.  I'd want them about 3' apart.  Jim