Beginners do not always realize how important soil preparation is, and the azaleas they plant often grow poorly. Get information and supplies for soil testing at your county Extension office. For good results, spend about the same amount of money for organic material as you spend for azalea plants. Organic matter does several important things for the root growth of azaleas. There are several good organic materials.
Peat moss is ideal for azaleas and is probably the best to use.
Ground pine bark is also very good. Leaf mold from the woods and composted leaves are satisfactory. Sawdust is used by a number of Alabama nurserymen. However, using sawdust may rob the soil of its nitrogen supply during the first and second growing seasons. If this happens, the leaves will turn a light yellow.