Hey MGoo if u can find it at ur local hydro store, try some big city hydro mix from sanctuary soil, it's a soiless mix designed to act as soil, 4 different kinds /cuts of coco, red wood bark , perlite, and lava rock. I was a soil guy for years and got tired of inconsistent soil so I switched to coco for probably 4to 5 years, I like the speed of coco ( like hydro) but the look flavor and me heart is really with soil so I switched back, well kinda the BCity is the best of both worlds and you will never have that issue with soil not absorbing water when to dry, u gota be careful with wetting agents cause they can cause your soil to stay to damp between waterings which could potently cause lazy roots or root rot.
Also u for sure want ur soil to dry out between watering cause as its drying oxygen is able to be absorbed into the soil which ur roots really need.