Hi team!
We have a newly built home and are wanting to start a cactus garden
The current soil is muddy & compacted - we need to build it up, what soil, sand, product would you suggest?
Succulents and cactii need very well drained soils - but they don't have very deep roots so I'd suggest getting your local landscape supplies business to deliver you a truck load of very sandy - even gritty top soil. Though its worth spreading some gypsum on top of the existing soil first before you spread the new topsoil on top. This will help any clay in the soil to break down and improve that lower level of drainage.
When you plant - dig each planting hole deep and add more sandy soil to it before firming in the plant.