Topic: stupid question about re-using compost

[tartanchick]

Sorry, first stupid question from a very amateur but keen gardener.  Can I re-use compost in the pots in which I grew my tulips  ??? The compost has been in the pots since November and with the tulips now died back I wasn't sure whether to take off the top inch or so and put fresh compost in or chuck and start again.  Thanks

[manicscousers]

Welcome, tartanchick, no such thing as a stupid question..here's mine..are you wanting to grow something in it and take the tulips out ?..

[quizzical1]

Others will probably disagree, but I re-use compost mixed in with fresh stuff and/or composted farmyard manure, and my plants seem to do alright. You will probably need to add extra nutrients sooner than you would with totally fresh compost however. If I don't re-use it though, because I have too much or no need, it goes on the compost heap.

All our "home" grown potatos, in old compost sacks are in re-used compost with added composted farmyard manure, and they are growing really well. It remains to be seen what the yield will be like however.

[tartanchick]

Hi, I'm planning to plant flowers, bedding plants etc. I'm keeping as much ground as possible free for veggie growing so I can move the pots around.  I haven't got a great deal of space. 

[saddad]

We dump the spent compost on our beds to improve the texture/tilth..
 ::)

[amphibian]

I either dig spent compost into my beds, to improve the organic content, or I mix it into my compost heap, where the heat will kill any pathogens.

[manicscousers]

if you're re-growing in the same pots, you may be better with new compost as the nutrients will have been taken by the tulips..unless anyone here has other ideas ?  :)
as everyone says, the spent stuff is good on the beds

[cornykev]

On the beds.  ;D ;D ;D

[davyw1]

I think if you are going to reuse compost you have to take the risk of transmitting disease, the same if you don,t sterilize your plant pots. There is about 6 weeks feed in compost and most plants remain in situ for that length of time so your compost will be exhausted of all goodness.
Now me being a stingy old git i save it, so when i empty all what i have grown in boxes etc, i burn it off Kiln style then it gets riddled to be used as a fine mix for Carrots and parsnips.

[gruesome]

Try mixing compost with those cheap growbags works great for my brassica plants. :)