I used to dig in the previous years' wood mulch but I don't mulch with wood chips anymore - just shredded leaves. While I've disliked the look of perlite in garden soil, I did add some to a section where I experimented with carrots this year. 'Danvers Half-Long' got to 5 inches long.
Speaking of forking (and I know I'm waaay OT), has anyone seen a very narrow turning fork? With all of my established perennials and shrubs, I could sure use one.