peeps throw the word compost and mulch around meaning a myriad of different things ...

so plz define what you mean by compost ..

and i would not throw soil around.. for fear that the crown of the plant may end up too deep ...

and what do you mean compacted .. do you mean they are recently planted.. and the soil settled and the plant sank??? ... if so;. you might want to replant it ...

more facts and definitions please ...

ken

by compacted I mean Hard Clayish soil. Looks like it has been physically tamped. COMPOST that I have is organic soil (top soil, compost, and sand). I just want to break up the soil and add about 2" of fresh organic soil to it (worked in).

how old is the plant.. how long in place.. and what problem is the plant having.. that you are trying to fix ...

i guess on some level.. i dont fix whats not broken .. or create an actual problem fixing something that isnt broken ...

imo.. peony is not something you disturb.. without a reason .. if it was just about anything else in the perennial world.. i might dig it up .. and replant it .. and be done with it ...

i wish you luck in whatever you decide to do .. peace out ...

ken

Agree with Ken.

And, as this is posted in the Soil Forum: the sand you mention as being a constituent of your “organic soil” is not organic.

This may disqualify your soil from being entitled to the designation “organic” from the OSCB.

To be sure, you will need to check with them.

Additional opinions available here:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/peonies?view=2

I really did not think "ORGANIC SOIL" was certified organic....I think it is only called organic because it has compost in it. I read that "Organic soil is a soil that is created by the decomposition of plant and animal materials to create a nutrient and mineral rich mini-ecosystem with microorganisms that feed and breathe life back into the soil. Or, to put it another way, organic soil is how soil exists in nature. Before chemicals were added." I suppose that something natural (without chemicals) is "organic" (although not certified organic)

Thanks everyone! I won't disturb the soil but I will add an inch of the amended soil and mulch.

Peonies aren't supposed to like mulch, I always heard, but googling just brought up differing opinions.