Bulbs
By Mobee
Armagh Ireland, Ireland
Hi all
Hi all
have planted bulbs early September in pots and have noticed greenish growth on top of soil is this normal sorry if question sounds silly not all pots have this Thanks!!!
- 1 Oct, 2009
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Answers
Sounds like an algal or moss growth which comes when the surface is wet - not puddled, but drawing up moisture from the soil beneath.
As Moon Grower said, you can put grit over the surface to cut out the light which will stop moss and algae. I also find it helps to break up the surface with a trowl too, to reduce the capilliary action of the soil.
But be aware of the underlying problem - the soil is wet, so keep an eye on it, especailly in the cold weather as this can kill some bulbs.
And when you have this green growth on the surface, it can be deceitful, making it look as if it doesn't need watering but while it dries out it may stay greenish and suddenly is too dry - so keep an eye on it.
2 Oct, 2009
Why is the soil in the pots so wet? Is there drainage in the pots? Have you got them standing in a tray or something?
2 Oct, 2009
Thank you all for your advice pots have drainage and are standing on patio will try the grit and will break soil up a bit:~))))
3 Oct, 2009
Mobee have you got the pots raised off the patio on feet? Otherwise it is difficult for excess water to drain away.
5 Oct, 2009
Gosh no Moon grower they are just sitting on patio should i raise them and set them on something.....
5 Oct, 2009
Definitely, otherwise when it is wet the pots have no way of draining. If you are using clay pots then you can by little feet for in the garden centre. If they are in bigger containers use bricks or pieces of wood to lift up. a space of an inch or more is good.
6 Oct, 2009
Raising them in this way also has the useful side effect of dissuading beasties from climbing inside the bottom of the pot (like ants!)
6 Oct, 2009
Yup
6 Oct, 2009
Thanks Bamboo & Moon grower have bought some little feet of Ebay but will use some bricks until they come :~))
6 Oct, 2009
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Sounds like the pots are wet and that you've got moss or liverwort growing on them. Did you put grit on the top when you planted them? Oh and it isn't a silly question.
2 Oct, 2009