I have had good luck with a bed that was soil/compost that I mixed too heavy. With my soil it took about a quart of vermiculite to the square foot mixed into the top 4-5 inches to loosen it up for drainage. You could have your friend test that in a couple of square foot and see if it helps. You can buy bags of vermiculite at a big box store in the Insulation department very reasonably priced.

Curt#

Top soil is typically low in nutrients. I would have suggested compost, manure, and garden soil mixes whenever he needs to top off the beds in the future. If I were him I would add vermiculite or perlite to help aerate the soil. That will keep it from compacting. Some greenhouses carry large, 4 cubic foot bags of vermiculite...around $20. This is great for raised beds. If he has greenhouses nearby he could call around and see what they have available. The 4 cubic foot bag will be much cheaper than buying lots of small bags. The online store greenhousemegastore.com also sells the large bags with good shipping prices. That's where I bought mine.

Good luck to your friend! It's great that he's found such an interest in gardening!

Here is a link that might be useful: Kim's Garden

I suspect the mix wasn't incorporated into the native soil. Failure to do this sets up a perched water table and poor drainage. Very common mistake and easily fixable when all is harvested.

Dan

What about adding earthworms to the beds to help create the pockets and holes do any of you think that will work?

Thanks to all for helping my new friend. Nothing encourages more gardening like a successful first year. Your guidance will really help my friend toward that end.

Gratefully,
Seedmama