Topic: Using old compost

[caroline7758]

I needed to get my sweet peas sown today, but ran out of new compost. As I had cleared the toms and aubs out of the greenhouse (and was a bit annoyed at how much compost I'd used to get five aubergines from five plants!) I decided to re-use some of the compost for the rest of my sweet peas. What problems might this cause?

Also, I read recently a suggestion to sow winter salads in growbags after removing toms. Should I be adding any feed?

[shirlton]

I always sow mine in a John Innes no 1 type compost. They don't need feeding but you do want a good strong root system. You can try them in old compost they will probably do ok, Its just that I do it like my old mentor (bless him he's been dead for about 10 years) taught me because he grew the best sweet peas I have ever seen.

[caroline7758]

As the seeds are the progeny of the seeds you sent me, Iprobably should do as you have. Will get some proper stuff for the rest!

[Tee Gee]

When I am faced with an abundance of 'used potting compost' I riddle/sieve it to remove old roots etc then add Chempak potting base fertiliser as seen here.

http://www.chempak.co.uk/product6.html

Certainly the cheapest way!

[Georgie]

For an even cheaper alternative to bought seed compost - and an organic one - use either pure leaf mould or equal parts loam and leaf mould, assuming you can lay your hands on some.  :)

G x

[shirlton]

We have followed your advice Tee Gee and riddled the old basket and container compost for putting in the carrot trenches.

[saddad]

Great for carrots... doesn't even need feeding..  :)