My soil building questions and issues. Am I loving my dirt too much!?

[poppycat]

I'm thinking all the sifting might be counter productive. I like having some bigger lumps of organic matter in the soil. It helps retain water and as it breaks down it releases nutrients. I only sift my compost if I'm trying to get something out (like pine cones or needles).

I also agree with digitS about hand watering. I think using the drip system will give you a better read on how well your soil is holding water.