rockm

Peat is an iffy soil ingredient and has been dropped by most folks that make alot of their own soil. It is very difficult to wet--as you have noticed as it floats aways. It stays too wet when you get that chore done. It is also extremely difficult to re-wet if it dries out, which can lead to some very bad problems--the top layer of a peat based soil can actually become an solid umbrella that sheds water in the summer when the sun cooks it.

Do not substitute turface or other fired clay particles for peat. You should already have those in the mix. Substitute another organic ingredient for the peat.. Composted pine bark mulch is more porous, less likely to become a solid mass and is less expensive. It's sold in bulk as "clay buster" or clay soil amendment at stores like Home Depot. Check the ingredients on the bag...