By Broadhaven
United Kingdom
Hello
We have got some very good homemade compost that has a very fine texture. Could I use that successfully for plug plants and baskets and tubs ?
Thank you
- 20 Mar, 2020
Answers
in principle yes but one word of caution, unless it was a 'hot' compost process you may have weed seeds present. So I perhaps would use it in tubs or on the borders as a top dressing, where it will be easier to weed.
[Voice of experience!]
20 Mar, 2020
Agree with Seaburngirl - if you turned your compost twice a week so that it got hot enough, then yes, you can use it in pots. If you didn't (like most of us) it may contain not only weed seeds but also other pathogens - that's fine on open soil, but not contained in pots.
20 Mar, 2020
Broadhaven did you see my PM?
20 Mar, 2020
One way to sterilize your compost and get rid of all seeds and pathogens, bugs, eggs, etc is to bake it in the oven for 20 minutes at 350F. Then let It cool down naturally. I know it sounds strange but this is how it's done in industry. It will be ready to go.
21 Mar, 2020
My compost bin won't fit in the oven Bathgate. Only joking!!!
21 Mar, 2020
Many thanks for all your replies. The comment about baking it made me giggle.
I will use some of it mixed with my usual brand of compost for my tubs and the rest I will use for the garden as top dressing.
21 Mar, 2020
Nature has a way of keeping things in balance outside. But if you want to use the compost for houseplants. I'd bake it first. Then your houseplants will be OK and you won't have to spray spray those chemicals everywhere.
21 Mar, 2020
I would say in general yes, you can use it for plug plants. Now the types of plants in question makes a difference. Most succulents like a rocky,gritty chunky type of soil with quick drainage. For Schlumbergera, Hoya, Aloe or Kalanchoe you would mix it with course sand, vermiculite and bark for a loose chunky mix.
20 Mar, 2020