[Offwego]

So we have had no rain in this area since May 8 th and today I transplanted some veg plants into the last bare area on my allotment.
On digging planting holes approximately 4inches deep the soil was dark and moist which can only be testament to the manure, seaweed and spent mushroom compost that I applied there spring 2022 retaining the moisture
Hoping for a good crop of parsnips and swedes out of this area .

[New shoot]

I have found the same on my plot.  Areas that had hm compost mulch applied last year were covered and when uncovered this spring, I found a lot had disappeared into the soil.  Those areas are holding up much better than the rest in this dry spell.

[Goosegirl]

I use mushroom compost as a mulch and it's amazing how fast it disappears into the soil.