preparing new succulent plant bed.

[Barbara L. Peck]

I have a large area that needs to be walked on to plant. I just raised a bed because of bad soil and placed the proper succulent soil in the bed. The soil is very loose and will probably fall a few inches and that is my problem. I want the plants to be about two inches from the top of this 45 foot long by average 7 feet (curvy) to the back wall garden. I will use small rocks to fill in the top 2 inches. My question is how can I compact the soil to a degree where it is the height I want and is still ok enough for my plants. Right now if I walk on it it sinks about 3 inches. I have read that the soil needs to be airy but I need to maintain this bed through the years and need to walk on it. Thanks for any help you can provide me.

 

[DrCase]

You could add shredded mulch, compost, and leaves to build it up level . mix it all up it will settle about right

 

[Logan]

I have a large area that needs to be walked on to plant. I just raised a bed because of bad soil and placed the proper succulent soil in the bed. The soil is very loose and will probably fall a few inches and that is my problem. I want the plants to be about two inches from the top of this 45 foot long by average 7 feet (curvy) to the back wall garden. I will use small rocks to fill in the top 2 inches. My question is how can I compact the soil to a degree where it is the height I want and is still ok enough for my plants. Right now if I walk on it it sinks about 3 inches. I have read that the soil needs to be airy but I need to maintain this bed through the years and need to walk on it. Thanks for any help you can provide me.

Hello and welcome to the GF forums
I think that you need to leave it for a few weeks to let it settle then plant if it's firmed up.