In the garden cold hardy cacti are not difficult to grow if you keep their basic requirements in mind. First and foremost, cacti require excellent drainage. Secondly, they like alkaline, mineral soils. That is, they need lean soils that have not been amended with lots of sphagnum peat moss or compost. And thirdly, they should be situated to receive full sun, especially during the winter months.
Drainage is critical to the health of a cactus plant's root system.
Planting cacti into water retentive soils like heavy clays and rich loams will result in root rot. Low spots that collect water should also be avoided. Excellent drainage is particularly important during the winter, especially in areas that receive frequent rains or snows. To create a lean, fast draining soil for these raised beds and berms, mix the native soil with one half coarse sand by volume. Working larger rocks into the planting area also adds a pleasing landscape element.