I’ll have to remember to add vermiculite to the soil next year. Thanks. I have only been in Texas for 4 years so it has been gardening by trial and error every year.
The Mel’s mix is equal parts by volume of compost, vermiculite, and peat moss. It drains really well. When the weather gets dry it really needs to be mulched to help with retaining moisture.
Our mix is about 6 inches deep, and we add to it each year. So these are our primary Spring beds. Regular amended soil for the summer doesn’t dry out quite as fast. That’s why the Vermiculite and mulch is so important for the Mel’s Mix.