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Post by floweringcherry on Sept 13, 2008 23:01:21 GMT 1
Has anyone tried using a loam based compost in their baskets? I think I might do so next year as it doesn't dry out as quickly as multi purpose compost. Loam based compost is much heavier, so make sure your brackets are secure  I tend to use Multi Purpose but add water retaining granules and slow release feed. |
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Post by madonplants on Sept 13, 2008 23:23:27 GMT 1
Has anyone tried using a loam based compost in their baskets? I think I might do so next year as it doesn't dry out as quickly as multi purpose compost. Loam based compost is much heavier, so make sure your brackets are secure I tend to use Multi Purpose but add water retaining granules and slow release feed. I was going to say the same thing, might be a bit heavy. My problem seems to be the birds. I need to sort out a liner, that they don't want for nesting material!!  |
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Post by madonplants on Sept 15, 2008 22:40:47 GMT 1
Jennifer and I were only thinking about those rustic type ones, at the weekend. Much as I love seeing the sparrows nicking bits off, I hate having to patch things up, using moss! I always leave little twigs about in nice neat piles, at the right time of the year, but they want whatever my liner is made of as well!
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 16, 2008 8:46:39 GMT 1
I used loam based this year for hanging sweet peas. It was OK but seemed to become like concrete and the sweet peas didn't do that well. Mind you, that could have been the weather.
Also, some of the hanging baskets were really too small and needed constant watering. Shan't use them next year.
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Post by madonplants on Sept 16, 2008 12:57:48 GMT 1
I think I'm going to try using loam based compost next year, nothing ventured nothing gained as the saying goes. Could you experiment with the compost? |
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Post by Biggles on Sept 26, 2008 21:47:23 GMT 1
I used loam based this year for hanging sweet peas. It was OK but seemed to become like concrete and the sweet peas didn't do that well. Mind you, that could have been the weather. Also, some of the hanging baskets were really too small and needed constant watering. Shan't use them next year. Like Mick I used Loam based compost this year and was very diappointed-Mine became like concrete- and they were very difficult to water (which didn't seep though) but ran off the top of the basket. I used the Rustic type of basket this year-but much prefer the Wire type basket where plants could be inserted in the sides-and filled the basket out making them more attractive- |
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Post by mickthecactus on Sept 27, 2008 21:26:11 GMT 1
The witch, can you get Westland? It's a mix of peat based and John Innes. I use it for all the cacti etc.
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Post by elsie on Sept 29, 2008 19:36:52 GMT 1
I use multipurpose compost with water retaining granules and slow release food in my baskets Whenver I have used JI I have found it turns into concrete too  |
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Post by madonplants on Sept 29, 2008 21:46:33 GMT 1
I must admit, this was my first time using peat free this year in my fuschia hanging basket and tbh, I've not been impressed with it's staying power. The flowers have not been as good as they were last year, when using Levingtons M/P with added JI. Feeding wise, is just aquarium water, seaweed extract and organic tomato fertiliser, same as last year. I know compost only contains nutrients for (upto) 6 weeks, but even so, my basket hasn't done as well.
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Post by elsie on Sept 30, 2008 7:01:05 GMT 1
Perhaps a mix of JI and multi purpose is the way forward. sounds good to me |
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Post by madonplants on Sept 30, 2008 9:49:37 GMT 1
I must admit, this was my first time using peat free this year in my fuschia hanging basket and tbh, I've not been impressed with it's staying power. The flowers have not been as good as they were last year, when using Levingtons M/P with added JI. Feeding wise, is just aquarium water, seaweed extract and organic tomato fertiliser, same as last year. I know compost only contains nutrients for (upto) 6 weeks, but even so, my basket hasn't done as well. So far I've not been impressed with the peat free compost I've tried either Keith. It's not just me then! |
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