What did you use to fill the post with? Peat moss is highly absorbent and retains that moisture for a long time. I would never add more to a container mix but figure out how to reduce its concentration.

@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) I did 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 compost, 1/3 garden soil with about 3 quarts of perlite. I know everyone said to use Al’s 511 mix but I can’t find pine or fir bark fines anywhere near me for a moderate price. I found numerous websites/videos that said to do the 1/3 mix so I did.

Rebecca, all three of those ingredients (peat moss, compost and garden soil) will hold too much water and not allow for good drainage. That's why you are finding your pots stay wet for too long. Even an inferior grade bagged potting soil - like Miracle Gro - will do a better job that that combo!

Personally, when filling large pots for perennials, I like to mix as much as 50% perlite at the bottom half because this area is what tends to compact for me as the soil breaks down over time. As I move up the pot, I mix in gradually less and less perlite, since my area's dry air tends to evaporate water quickly. I just use whatever potting soil I have on hand - usually Kellog or Miracle Gro. I find that Kellog tends to be more wood chippy than Miracle Gro (mostly peat), so I will mix the two depending on how much water retention I want. I don't use compost or garden soil in pots because they tend to clog up the drainage and and compact very quickly.