Marianne's Response

Do I have air pockets and tunnels in my new raised bed?

Healthy Garden Soil in 4 steps, air pockets

Hello, I have a new raised bed that is 12” deep. I filled it with garden soil from a local bulk supplier. It was more sandy than ideal but appeared to be decent soil. I have started noticing when I check for soil dampness I stick my finger in and find a hole inches under the soil. They are air pockets and tunnels about 1 inch in diameter and at least a few inches long. I have tried digging up these tunnels, they go nowhere, do not go to the surface, and no signs of any animals. But they are everywhere and I am constantly finding them and trying to fill them in. I don’t want to compact down my soil but I also can’t have big air pockets around my roots. Any idea what is happening and how to fix it?
Thanks

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Posted by Tamara OToole on June 27, 2022

Marianne's Response

Sounds like just the earth settling and the air pockets if they are not from animals are normal. You can water well and the soil will settle over time or use your hands to firmly press the soil down. When you do add plants just firm the soil around the roots and they should be fine. My next question is are you sure there are no voles or field mice exploring the soft soil? You may want to set up a mouse trap just to be sure. Keep growing,  Marianne Binetti

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