Question
Larry,
I live in southeast PA (Philadelphia area) and grow vegetables in raised bed gardens.  My double-dug beds started as poor rocky and sandy soil, and have spent many years  amending the soil with organic matter (leaf mulch) by the cubic yard.  In contrast to more current "no dig" concepts, I have developed a sandy loam that now goes down at least 18 inches.  I can pull easily pull dandelions out and get all of the root!  My wife says my soil is "dry and dusty" and is not soil at all.  Despite this, my veggies all appear to be lush and healthy, when I manage to keep their feet wet.  

I am sure that by now you can guess my question.  My beds simply do not retain moisture.  I can dig them quite early in the spring and can usually dig a bed the day after a heavy rain.  During the dry summer months, it is not unusual for me to have to water every day (or more often)- even with heavy mulch.  

It seems that the usual recommendation of "add organic matter" to improve sandy soil is not working for me.  Have I dug too much and too deep.  Is it possible that I have added too much leaf compost.  

What would you recommend that I do at this point.  I assume that you will probably tell me to stop digging so much and so deep.  Is there an amendment that I can or should be adding to correct my water retention problem.  Should I consider adding clay (a sure sign that I am desparate) or topsoil!  Is drip irrigation a likely part of the solution (I am tired of standing in the garden with a watering wand all summer).   

Thanks in advance,
Rich
(Good at digging, less good at gardening)
(My wife is the plantsmen in the family)  

Answer
Hi Rich
It sounds like your soil is a bit to well drained. From your description i guess you have an over abundunce of organic matter. Your problem is just that. good garden soil consists of a mix of 45% clay,35% sand and only 20% organic matter. The organic matter should be the regulator not the soil make up. To corect your problem add regular blended topsoil to the bed and only add 1 inch of leaf mulch yeach year to forify it. your garden will do just fine cut down on your time and save you a little water.
Good Luck  Larry  ;-)