veg in containers

[mephistopheles68]

hi. what is the best mix of compost for growing veg in tubs. do i use a normal multi purpose mix or combine it with a john innes?

ta

[Hazel at the Hill]

Hi Mephistopholes (that was the answer to one of the clues in the telegraph crossword the other day....) ANYWAYS, welcome to the Vine, and there's loads of peeps here who do container gardening who'll know the best thing to use.

What are you planning to grow?

[piskieinboots]

Hi Mephistopholes (that was the answer to one of the clues in the telegraph crossword the other day....)

What was the question ....

Welcome Mephistopholes
I used to container-grow, still do on some vegs and I tend to use just good old garden centre compost. I'm sure there's a better way and I look forward to someone enlightening us both.

[veg4681]

Welcome to the vine.

I think it depends on the vegetable, some are less demanding than others. I have found that vegetable gardening books specific for container growing gives you details of soil requirements against each vegetable variety.

I have good loamy garden soil so I'm able to use that plus the homemade compost and have good access to animal manure. For me I don't always feel the need to buy specially mixed bought compost.

[Snadger]

hi. what is the best mix of compost for growing veg in tubs. do i use a normal multi purpose mix or combine it with a john innes?

ta

Hi meps and welcome to the vine! There are a lot of variations on the mixture of compost you could use for growing in pots.
John Innes types are more weighty and your pots won't get blown over as easy, also they tend to have fertiliser which releases more slowly over a longer period of time.
Depending on how many pots you intend to plant up, cost can be a big consideration!
Most growers swear by there own mix which could include loam,sand,vermiculite,peat,coir,home made compost,manure,pearlite,old potting compost and numerous other additives!
I personally use a mix of garden loam, sand, coir based potting compost and blood fish and bone meal. Don't ask me the proportions though, I just blag it and mix it until it looks and feels about right!

[Hazel at the Hill]

What was the question ....

something incredibly obscure!!

[shirlthegirl43]

Hello and welcome to the vine.

I grow stuff in multi-purpose compost in containers. However, I bung in some pelleted chicken poop to give them an extra boost (except carrots)

[mephistopheles68]

thanks for the responses. i intend to grow a range of things as i only have space for a few raised beds in the garden

[piskieinboots]

do keep us updated Meph - all experience is good experience

[steelsy]

Play.com (UK) : The Edible Container Garden: Fresh Food from Tiny Spaces : Books - Free Delivery

I purchased this book about container gardening - bloomin marvelous!!

[piskieinboots]

I've got that book also steelsy - tis truly a good read

[veg4681]

Yes I used that book too but I borrowed it from the library and am missing it already. Toward the back of the book, it has useful container growing guidelines against each vegetable and fruit tree/bush which for me is the best bit .