Grow Mediums A base level question I've never asked

[SHRED]

On a soil grow indoors do you just pour the soil mix in and not compress it?

I have been compressing about an inch around the edges in my cloth Root Trapper II containers thinking that it would prevent gaps between the sides for better watering distribution and less runoff.

But is this a mistake?

 

[Tejasdirt]

I would not say it's a mistake.
But after the initial water in and watering later the soil will compress on its own
I know many that " press" on the soil after transplant to steady the plant but the watering will make it compress more.
I always kinda mound my soul cuz I know it will compress on its own.
As long as your compressing AND watering in, there shouldn't be a problem.