"Dwight Lassiter" wrote in message
...

Peat moss is a pretty economical option (I think you can get a 2
cu.ft. brick of it for a couple of bucks) and will add fluffy-ness to
your slow-draining soil. It's also great at holding water--I think
it's able to retain about 20 times its weight in water. The down-side
it that it also adds a bit of acidity to the soil. Check the plant's
acidity tolerance levels before you do it. However, You can
counter-act the acidity by adding in some lime. I don't know about
how fast it breaks down though.


Well, then I'm good to go with peat moss. I have irrigation water that
is mildly alkaline. Water table is limestone based, which accounts for
that alkalinity. So whatever my planting mix is made of, it eventually
gets somewhat alkaline. Adding acidity is just the ticket.



You can use tree bark ( preferably a fine grade ) to break up that soil
mix. Like Peat, its acidic, but not as much, and decomposes slowly.
10-12 $ a 1/2 yard here.

Some of the Coir and Coco chip products are also a good admendment choice
for small applications. The coir is ~ 3$ a brick ( makes approx 8 liters).