You could try alfalfa pellets as a great amendment instead of the cotton compost, Jean. It's available at any feed store for about $16 for a 50lb. bag. The school garden never grew better since we've been adding that stuff as our 'give back' amendment.
Only down side to it is it seems to be attracting a bunny to our garden . . the kids think that is really great!
But if you have cats, you won't have any bunny worries.
