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Post by debbiem on Apr 26, 2007 9:22:55 GMT 1
I'm quite embarrassed to ask this but I don't know the answer so here goes; OH bought me two big bags of compost the other day, one multi-purpose and the other acid. I've almost used up the multi-purpose but haven't even opened the acid yet so there's loads left. The burning question - is it OK to used the acid compost for troughs/ hanging basket/tubs for annuals? I mean the usual kind of annuals available in the GC right now - Nasturtiums, French Marigolds, Lobelia, Petunias, annual Geraniums, dwarf Sweet Peas, Begonias etc etc, as long as the plants get fed enough?
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Post by Sleepy on Apr 26, 2007 9:26:17 GMT 1
No. I don't think that most plants will do well in acid (ericaceous) media. That stuff is for acid loving plants such as azaleas, rhodadendrons, pieris, etc. If you use it in place of normal compost your hanging baskets will look sickly, and your beds and borders will suffer.
IMO
But you have no reason to be embarrassed to ask. That's the main purpose of these boards - well, that and to provide an alternative entertainment to to 'ladies wot lunch' between their morning and afternoon naps. ;D
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Post by debbiem on Apr 26, 2007 9:32:28 GMT 1
Thanks Sleepy - I've got some heather in a flower bed with some Saxifrage,Violas and Forget-Me-Nots, Chives and Bluebells dotted between them and those plants are doing OK, hence the question, but I did think planting out the annuals in acid compost would be pushing my luck.  |
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Post by debbiem on Apr 26, 2007 9:33:07 GMT 1
Ooooo, just read the second half.........
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Post by Sleepy on Apr 26, 2007 9:35:53 GMT 1
Thanks Sleepy - I've got some heather in a flower bed with some Saxifrage,Violas and Forget-Me-Nots, Chives and Bluebells dotted between them and those plants are doing OK, hence the question, but I did think planting out the annuals in acid compost would be pushing my luck. Yes, the plants you mentioned are heath or woodland plants where the soil tends towards the acidic - dooesn't it? |
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Post by Sleepy on Apr 26, 2007 9:36:36 GMT 1
Ooooo, just read the second half......... And I love each and every one of them ;D |
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Post by debbiem on Apr 26, 2007 12:03:22 GMT 1
Thanks Sleepy - I've got some heather in a flower bed with some Saxifrage,Violas and Forget-Me-Nots, Chives and Bluebells dotted between them and those plants are doing OK, hence the question, but I did think planting out the annuals in acid compost would be pushing my luck. Yes, the plants you mentioned are heath or woodland plants where the soil tends towards the acidic - dooesn't it? Of course they are, silly me, that explains that one then! Love your siganture Sleepy, even though a little understated.  |
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Post by sweetleaf on Apr 26, 2007 12:08:30 GMT 1
But you have no reason to be embarrassed to ask. That's the main purpose of these boards - well, that and to provide an alternative entertainment to to 'ladies wot lunch' between their morning and afternoon naps. ;D Humph!  |
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Post by plocket on Apr 26, 2007 12:36:23 GMT 1
He's so cheeky sometimes I wonder why we put up with it!!! How big is the bag Debbie? You could always use it in pots for some azaleas or other acid-loving plants. And your heathers would appreciate some too. I wouldn't use it for annuals though. |
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Post by debbiem on Apr 26, 2007 16:25:33 GMT 1
It's 75 litres - I'll reserve it for the acid-lovers. Thanks! |
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Post by mickthecactus on Apr 26, 2007 16:34:33 GMT 1
Cacti do well in it.
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Post by debbiem on Apr 26, 2007 16:50:54 GMT 1
Really? That is GREAT! I've got some that have been overwintering in the bathroom and they need repotting. Thanks Mick!  |
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Post by maggyd on Apr 26, 2007 18:39:34 GMT 1
I think it costs moe than ordinary multi purpose Mrs B so I wouldnt waste it.  |
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Post by mickthecactus on Apr 27, 2007 9:15:21 GMT 1
water with tap water though Debbie to balance out the acidity a little.
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Post by debbiem on Apr 27, 2007 11:18:22 GMT 1
Ok I will, that's excellent, thanks! |
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