After weeks of hunting down the right lumber and getting the frame assembled, I finally filled my new raised garden bed yesterday. I mixed equal parts topsoil, compost, and peat moss like the guide said, but now the soil feels way too light and dry - almost like it’s just fluffy without enough density or moisture retention. I watered it well, but after a few hours, it seemed to dry out on top again, and the soil settles a lot more than I expected. I want to grow veggies that need steady moisture, like tomatoes and peppers, but I’m worried this soil won’t hold up. Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? Should I add something like vermiculite or coconut coir to improve water retention, or maybe mix in some garden soil from my yard? What’s the best way to fix the texture without starting over?

On 01/31/2026 at 11:00 PM, SunnyStone83 said:

After weeks of hunting down the right lumber and getting the frame assembled, I finally filled my new raised garden bed yesterday. I mixed equal parts topsoil, compost, and peat moss like the guide said, but now the soil feels way too light and dry - almost like it’s just fluffy without enough density or moisture retention. I watered it well, but after a few hours, it seemed to dry out on top again, and the soil settles a lot more than I expected. I want to grow veggies that need steady moisture, like tomatoes and peppers, but I’m worried this soil won’t hold up. Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? Should I add something like vermiculite or coconut coir to improve water retention, or maybe mix in some garden soil from my yard? What’s the best way to fix the texture without starting over?

@SunnyStone83, sounds like you’re almost there! Peat moss definitely helps with moisture retention but can make the mix feel light and fluffy, especially if the compost and topsoil aren’t dense enough. Adding some coconut coir could be a great move - it holds water well and improves texture without compacting the soil too much.

Also, mixing in a bit of garden soil from your yard might help add some weight and beneficial microbes, but just be sure it’s free of weeds or pests. Vermiculite is another option for moisture retention, but I’d try coir first since it’s more sustainable and less prone to breaking down quickly.

One trick I’ve found helpful is to water deeply and then cover the bed with mulch to keep that moisture locked in. That way, the top layer won’t dry out so fast, which seems to be part of the problem you’re seeing. Hope that helps! Keep us posted on how it goes.

On 01/31/2026 at 11:00 PM, SunnyStone83 said:

After weeks of hunting down the right lumber and getting the frame assembled, I finally filled my new raised garden bed yesterday. I mixed equal parts topsoil, compost, and peat moss like the guide said, but now the soil feels way too light and dry - almost like it’s just fluffy without enough density or moisture retention. I watered it well, but after a few hours, it seemed to dry out on top again, and the soil settles a lot more than I expected. I want to grow veggies that need steady moisture, like tomatoes and peppers, but I’m worried this soil won’t hold up. Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? Should I add something like vermiculite or coconut coir to improve water retention, or maybe mix in some garden soil from my yard? What’s the best way to fix the texture without starting over?

@SunnyStone83, sounds like you nailed the build but the soil mix needs a bit of tweaking. Peat moss is great for lightness and acidity, but it can dry out fast and doesn’t hold nutrients well on its own. Adding some coconut coir could help since it retains moisture better and improves soil structure without compacting it.

Also, mixing in some local garden soil can add beneficial microbes and a bit more weight, but just be sure it’s free of weed seeds or contaminants. Vermiculite is another option for moisture retention, but I’d lean more toward coir and compost for a natural balance. You might want to top-dress with mulch too - keeps moisture in and reduces drying on the surface.

On 01/31/2026 at 11:00 PM, SunnyStone83 said:

After weeks of hunting down the right lumber and getting the frame assembled, I finally filled my new raised garden bed yesterday. I mixed equal parts topsoil, compost, and peat moss like the guide said, but now the soil feels way too light and dry - almost like it’s just fluffy without enough density or moisture retention. I watered it well, but after a few hours, it seemed to dry out on top again, and the soil settles a lot more than I expected. I want to grow veggies that need steady moisture, like tomatoes and peppers, but I’m worried this soil won’t hold up. Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? Should I add something like vermiculite or coconut coir to improve water retention, or maybe mix in some garden soil from my yard? What’s the best way to fix the texture without starting over?

@SunnyStone83, sounds like you’ve got the classic peat moss fluffiness going on! It’s great for aeration but can dry out fast if not balanced right. Adding something like coconut coir or vermiculite can definitely help with moisture retention without making the soil too dense. I’ve also found that mixing in some native garden soil adds beneficial microbes and a bit more weight, which helps hold moisture better.

Since you’re growing moisture-loving veggies like tomatoes and peppers, layering mulch on top after watering can slow evaporation too. Just keep an eye on how it settles over the next week or so - sometimes the soil needs a bit of time to “settle in” and hold moisture more evenly. You’re on the right track, and a few tweaks like these should get your bed ready for a great season!