Is it ok to put old compost on the veg patch?

[Andyste1]

Just started building my first veg patch today, only aabout 4 sq metres at the back of the garden. Don't relish the thought of digging it over as I suspect there will be some rubble down there!

Depending on how deep I can get I may have to resort to potato grow bags instead, and was wondering if it's okay to tip these onto the patch in the autumn (and compost from bedding plant containers)
? The level is a little low so if nothing else it would help this.

[WendyC]

Yes definitely. It will all go towards improving your soil structure.

[seasprout]

Hi Andyste1, welcome to the Vine, and yes, put your old compost onto your veg patch, it'll do your crops the world of good.

[Aberdeenplotter]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Wot he said

[Kirk]

Yes put it on but also you may need something like a couple of bags of manure or similar to add to the mix in the future.

Compost will make the soil more manageable and a better structure. "Better structure" I generally take as easier to dig.

Potato's in containers I generally have a mix of compost and manure, this then gets put on the veg patch at the end.

[Aberdeenplotter]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Wot he said

Ermmmh apparently Seasprout is a gurl. I apologise. Innocent mistook. Honest guv.

[Lisasbolt]

Seaport sounds like a girl, moppet but funny if your name is not in there you mind creates a person

Don't think i need to add by saying yes add

[Paulieb]

Yep, all that^^^.

The only thing I would add is be careful where you tip it as if your potatoes get blight you'll want to avoid putting compost where you'll grow tomatoes the year after.

In reality though it's unlikely to survive in compost over a winter and the benefits will far outweigh the negatives, but still easy to avoid with a bit of thought.

[KevinM67]

Just to add - I'd make sure every little piece of spud is removed before going on the veg plot.

[Paulieb]

Just to add - I'd make sure every little piece of spud is removed before going on the veg plot.

I quite often spot a tiny shoot from a marble sized potato in the spring, where I've previously tipped my spud compost!