I'm in a rocky region with little top soil, zone 5A. I bought the cheapest sheep's manure and potting soil (thin, low nutrition stuff) and plan to mix with my own compost as garden soil is expensive now! I also don't want to pay for vermiculite or perlite. Are cut up tiny sticks a good idea or am I introducing the risk of root rot?

I may just do this for the top 6" of soil for cucumbers that need better drainage

I have access to a fire pit and can roast gently the sticks for 5-10 mins to rid of any fungal bacteria too.