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Last post 08-05-2005 10:14 PM by ipt8. 3 replies.
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I have tried 3 or 4 different peat based composts this year, some on offer. The best was the most expensive....I previously usecd John Innes soil based composts but found them very "cleggy" which is not a problem I have had in the past. I am mixing a small amount of horticultural sand with the compost which makes it a much better texture.
I am finding that the multi purpose garden purpose that I have bought this year does not absorb water, will not hold water and shrank after I put it into my pots despite having used water retaining granules in it. Is this anyone else's experience? Have they changed the fomulation of the compost this year, as I have never had this happen in the past. Are there any brands that do not suffer from this problem? Thanks
Was it the same make as you usually use? In the past I have often had this problem. its been so dry this year that it wouldn't surprise me if the water granules dry out too. If the pots are small you could try dunking them in a bucket or something untill all the bubbles go. I try and buy compost with some john innes in it and use JI for big pots that won't be moved as I find that once the soiless ones dry out it is almost impossible to get them wet again. Pippa Greenwood on Gardeners Question time said she always makes her own mix of 50/50 (I think) soiless and john innes.
Once compost dries out it is nearly impossible for it to retain water again. When you go to the garden centre look out for the freshest bags or even ask when there next delivery is due in. Sometimes its been lying around in stacks since last year,compost is not cheap so make sure your getting your moneys worth.