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Dianthus

MJ56MJ56 Posts: 30
i have some Dianthus in containers and have read a few items advising to top the soil with cow manure, is this vital or could i substitute

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  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,319
    I'm sure cow manure isn't vital.
    The idea is just to refresh some of the soil in the containers to keep the plant healthy and top up the micro-organisms.
    If you have home made compost, that would do, or you can buy bags of rotted manure from most GC's.
    I use both on patches of Mrs Sinkins in my garden, she's just about to come into flower - the scent is lovely
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • MJ56MJ56 Posts: 30
    Thanks for that Pete, I bought them in bloom but can’t remember what variety they are just that they are pink! I’m a novice green person and every time I buy something for patio I think I read too much, maybe I should just leave em alone and hope for the best 😊


  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,699
    These plants are unlikely to appreciate rotted manure. If anything, if they are in containers I would mix a loam-based soil with grit and that’s it. 
  • MJ56MJ56 Posts: 30
    Thank you 🙂
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,199
    Just decent gritty compost is all that's needed for them. An occasional feed is fine, but I wouldn't use manure. 
    If they're going to be in containers long term, just refresh the soil every year and add a slow release food if that suits you better than using a liquid one now and again.
    They're also easy to take cuttings from [pipings] so you can increase your stock and give you even more pleasure  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • MJ56MJ56 Posts: 30
    Thanks Fairygirl the only reason I mentioned cow manure is because I read an article advising it, when you say gritty compost do you mean I need to plant them in that or is there something I can add as I they are already in my pot, sorry to sound ignorant but I really have no clue, I’m just trying to make my patio attractive 🌞
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 52,199
    If they're doing well, I see no reason to do anything.  :)
    They like free draining soil, so if you were planting some new ones, it's a good idea to have some grit mixed in with the soil. A layer of grit as a mulch is also good, as it sets off the plants nicely, and keeps wet soil from sitting against the stems.
    They tend to be ok in pots though - it's more of an issue if you have them in the ground, and the soil's heavy/claggy, especially if you have a lot of rain. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • MJ56MJ56 Posts: 30
    Thanks for that Fairygirl, Melanie
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