mixing concrete - or not?

[CurlyDave]

...but the most important thing is to build up the mix along the post and angle it down and away.

I agree here. Crowning the concrete will greatly increase the life of the post. I prefer wet set, just because I am an engineer and that produces a stronger result. But then, I also buy about 1 bag of Portland cement for every 10-12 bags of fence post mix and add a heaping garden trowel of pure cement to the concrete while I am mixing it.

I have seen the no-mix method done & it is "good enough" for most purposes. Certainly better than just back-filling with dirt.

If you decide to go that way, crown the concrete (you can still go back & crown the first set, by the way--just add more mixed cement over the top of what you have), and mix the cement for the corner posts and ones that will hold a gate.

 

[DannyD]

With all we have seen Harv do on here with concrete, can anyone truly not go along with every word he says. If he told me to stand on my hands while mixing it, I would believe him.

 

[Builder]

Concrete won't dry the right way if you put it in dry. Concrete cures properly with exothermic action when water is added in the right quantity.
Take the time to do it right and you'll have a better concious over a job well done. Plus if you have cattle or horses banging into them, they'll last longer.

If your posts are wood, dunk the azz-end of 'em in a barrel of wood preservative for a while, then bury 'em.