u/Zanahoria2

I'm using straw mulch this year, and Im not sure about how to water the soil under it. Of I water over the straw, it barely makes it to the soil and is uneven throughout the bed. So I move the straw to water directly on the soil, but then it's damaging to the new seedlings just starting to break through the mulch. It takes so much time and care to reapply the mulch afterward in a way that the small plants like green onions and cilantro babies are not crushed. Im also starting to use more liquid fertilizers and soil drenches with beneficial microbes. It feels crazy to waste that by watering it on top of the straw.

I've had similar experiences with wood chip mulch too.

I'm setting up a drip line that will apply to water under the straw in the future. Looking for strategies for my current plants though.

What are y'alls favorite soil compost/manure/amendments from a local supplier? I'm trying to find the best stuff to improve my compacted hydrophobic clay soil. I recently got a bunch of Wes Green's goat manure, and it's alright. I'm not sure yet if I'd want to get it again though. Curious what other stuff people have been happy about.

Are there any particular qualities of a finished spoon that are a give away that this is work from a beginner?