To what extent can I use my compost?

[mrbadexample]

Hello all,

I've been trying to avoid buying any compost, as it's probably the biggest annual expenditure I have in the garden. I'm very pleased with my own:



I've been using it for seeds, and it seems to be ok. Certainly the chillies and peppers seem very happy, maybe the tomatoes a little less so. I usually use it to improve the soil, or plant spuds in - the usual things.

It's now approaching potting on time. So, can I continue to use my compost for the full size pots (flower buckets)? Does it need sieving for mature plants? Do I need to add anything (e.g. sand to improve the structure)? Should I maybe buy some MPC and mix it with mine?

Should I do a little of each and report back with the results? (Don't make me do that, I'm too lazy!)

If I add sand, can I use ordinary builders' sand, such as I bought to make the mortar for my greenhouse base?

Any other tips would be gratefully received.

Cheers,
MBE

[Peas'n'Kews]

Not an expert, but the OH uses our compost (if there is any ready) and mixes it up with some sand and ordinary garden soil. His tom seedlings have been potted on into this mix, and are doing well so far. The main problem, if any, is that you do get weed seedlings coming up too.

I suspect the main thing is having enough NPK -but that's where I don't have enough knowledge!

Good luck!

[Maccabee]

I don't see why you can't use it for your mature plants. I wouldn't bother sieving it mind, sieving enough compost to fill bucket after bucket will get very tiresome very quickly. Having said that, if your seedlings can grow in your compost without showing signs of nutrient burn i'd worry that your compost may not be strong enough on it's own. But better to use it as is and then add fertiliser if necessary as the plants are growing.

In my experience, sand hinders drainage rather than aids, but people still recommend it so maybe it's just me. Do you have any leafmould? This would be better for structure imo, and it's free too.

[mrbadexample]

I don't see why you can't use it for your mature plants. I wouldn't bother sieving it mind, sieving enough compost to fill bucket after bucket will get very tiresome very quickly. Having said that, if your seedlings can grow in your compost without showing signs of nutrient burn i'd worry that your compost may not be strong enough on it's own. But better to use it as is and then add fertiliser if necessary as the plants are growing.

In my experience, sand hinders drainage rather than aids, but people still recommend it so maybe it's just me. Do you have any leafmould? This would be better for structure imo, and it's free too.

Can you tell me more about nutrient burn please? What's that then eh?

My chillies and peppers are looking nice and healthy (one is already flowering)...oh hang on...I might as well take a pic...



although the one at the front looks a little yellow. I'm not convinced the tomatoes are doing quite so well though.

I just assumed that the compost would work as a nutritious substrate, with extra provided by the comfrey tea etc.

No leafmould until next year or the year after - I've started some but it's not ready yet.

[Maccabee]

Can you tell me more about nutrient burn please? What's that then eh?

Sorry. Think if you were to plant your seedlings into 'fresh' manure, all the nitrogen could be damaging to your seedlings. I tried placing a houseplant in some strong compost, with added FBB and pretty quickly the leaves started crinkling and browning at the tips, like they'd been burned.

Your plants look fine though, so not to worry unless they start becoming really pale. You could feed them with a nitrogen feed (wee is good and free). Do you have any pictures of the tomatoes you're worried about?

[mrbadexample]

Do you have any pictures of the tomatoes you're worried about?

Cheers. Not so much worried about them - just not looking quite as good as the chillies. They seem to be taking a bit of time to get going, but they're ok.

[Snadger]

Just substitute home made compost for peat and you have John Innes compost.

Many books mention John Innes composts. What is the formula and how do you make it up? - Gardening - Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph

I actually prefer it to modern stuff. (Must be the Victotian in me!)

[chris]

I just pot everything I can in it, works for me!

[Two_Sheds]

No leafmould until next year or the year after - I've started some but it's not ready yet.

Mix it with some fresh lawn clippings, give it a shake and a water, and it'll be ready a lot quicker

[donnakebab]

I think if you're going to add sand it should be sharp sand...not the orangey builders sand.

[taff]

some sand has a lot fo salt in it, but again, my memeory is pants these days, I can't remember which type is salty....

[taff]

I also forgot to say, nice looking compost mr.bad.....

[mrbadexample]

I also forgot to say, nice looking compost mr.bad.....

Thanks. I had sieved that bit to use for seedlings. The chillies seem to be making faster progress than the tomatoes, but I might have potted on the toms a bit soon.