It takes awhile but Medina Soil Activator works wonders. Other than that all you can do is add copious amounts of composted organic matter. Incorporate leaves, hay, grass clippings etc. It takes time.
That's what the soil activator is. But it doesn't work overnight. Sorry to say this but gardening is not an instant fix project.
I wouldn't say the preferred mix but it is a good mix. Personally I use my own well sifted and thouroughly composted compost with a small amount of mycorrhizae fungi.
This is my first introduction to mycorrhizae fungi and i'd like to give it a try so i will be researching possible vendors
No, you have to buy it either online or at a nursery
The Texas heat is what turns the soil hard in Texas. Clay, when heated turns hard because the heat removes the moisture. When there is enough organic matter in the clay to loosen it up the moisture is absorbed by the organic matter and the soil stays workable. BTW, it is still cool in Texas with the highs in the 80's. If you are of the opinion that this is hot weather I feel as though I must disabuse you of that opinion. You can't judge anything about soil tilth when it is still cool. The soil temps now are in the high 60's and low 70's. In the summer the soil temps will be in the 90's to low 100's and to keep moisture in the soil, soil that is rich in organic matter, you must mulch. The soil will still be workable but dry
I usually water every 7-10 days on a drip system, but my soil has a lot of organic matter in it. And some plants need more water than others so there is no timeline as when to water. You will soon be able to tell a day or two before you need to water a certain type of plant by the way it droops in the mornings.
Rootgrow is a trade name, Chuck.