I also have 4 tomatoes in pots and used the same mix in 3, the 4th I used black gold potting soil. The difference between them is outstanding, in that the black gold one is twice the size and full of dark green leaves. I should note they all are registering about the same on the water meter, however the soil in cedar grove ones seems very compact vs. black gold one. Perhaps it's more of a soil density, thus lack of oxygen than inadequate drainage? I'm sure there could be other factors, influencing them like available nutrients as well, but I did add organic fertilizer to all 4 of them prior to planting.

On a side note, I have many cuts on my hands from working the cedar grove soil which is full of glass bits and plastic.

If I were to start over, I would have added much more organic matter to the soil at the start and other things to improve drainage/density.

Anyone else have similar experiences with this soil or recommendations for what I can do to improve drainage mid season, or at least before fall plantings.

Thanks,

Ryan

As to the tomatoes, garden mix - a soil/compost combo - is not a great medium for container culture. It doesn't surprise me at all that the Black Gold tomato is looking so much better. Faster drainage and better aeration, the primary requirements, together with water and fertilizer, for growing in containers.

Blame your neighbors for your cut hands :-) If folks would follow the rules about yard waste recycling and put in only those items that are accepted recyclables, this would not be a problem. Much of this stuff does go through a sorter (tour the plant one day if you can - fascinating!!) but not all gets caught and eliminated.

We have had a wetter than normal spring, at least in my area of Puget Sound. (average ytd is 18.9" and we're at 24.5") I have watered nothing other than a few container plantings. I would expect these beds to dry out substantially if we could go a few days/a week without rain :-)