So I have been using this mixture for my soil grows. 3.5 parts peat 1 part top soil 1 part steer poo 1/2 part of perlite or so to get drainage right. Iv had bad times with it getting hard and repeling water and not very fluffy once its dried a few times. I was thinking of substituting the top soil with coco but Im just not sure. Im open to anything I just don't want to spring for sunshine mixes. Advice?
Break the surface up with a fork when it gets hard. I think adding a lot more pearlite will help, or hydroton on soil surface.
Buy a bag of soiless mix , they come in a bunch of different kinds but for the most part it's usually perlite sphagnum moss and sometimes coco coir , soiless mix will never fail you
Like i said most soiless mixes are the same go to your local grow store and ask for a bag they'll know exactly what your talking about . I think the topsoil is the problem too. The brand I got now is called canna co co I think. Make sure you get soiless mix not a soil mix . It won't fail u promise!