It has been discussed a lot about the soil used for containers , I have a different question .

There is a patch on our property that was used for Azelias, it has peat moss about 1.5 ft deep. The problem with this in California that it is always super dry and very few plants can grow there . I would like to replace the moss with the real soil that is fertile and good for plants in a long run.

Would you remove all the peat from the area, about 10x10 ft? Or it is ok to leave some?
How to choose the soil for the dry climate ? The natural local soil is quite sandy, I am sure I can find better.
Would you make a mound assuming some settling in the future or make the surface flat? How much settling I should expect ( this probably depends on the kind of soil used )?
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Did you ever see this movie?

watching it now, thanks

I have to say peat moss is good,for areas,that you can water when you need too. Peat moss when dried out will not retain water when water is available for it. I would,remove it & re place it with black cow and potting soil not garden soil. My thinking is use something that retains water and easily absorbs water easily. Peat doesn't absorb water when dry.
Just what i would do. Good luck.
PS. I WOULD ALSO COUNTER SINK PLANT SO WATER WILL BOWL UP AND COLLET WATER LIKE A POT.
Richie
LOUISIANA

Interesting , that's what the guys brought last year to fill a hole and I thought it was too much sand. It was basically sand and manure and a bit of something else. So you recommend the same. Yes, lots of mulch on top is the plan

Hi,
I would remove all the peatmoss if you know that it is a problem.
Pure manure would not be my choice.
I would use 100% of black dirt from the nurseries, or 50% and 50 % of whatever ( local dirt + former peatmoss + manure).
If you have compost somewhere or old branches, or if you need to trim a tree on your property, put all that "garbage" at the bottom of the hole
and then fill with the dirt from the nurseries ...
That's what I do .