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Where can I buy a soil for palm tree in London, near Balham?

okeroker Posts: 22
in Problem solving

Please, where can I buy a soil for palm tree in London, near Balham? I mean the proper soil which will include sand and everything what the soil needs. Not just and only some hummus / "vitamins".

I would like to buy it in a local shop in person because if I would buy it on online shop it is so expensive for the postage because it is heavy.

I have windmill palm tree.

Many thanks

Posts

  • okeroker Posts: 22
    edited November 2019
    P.S. I've asked question in Homebase but they did not have it.
  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,704
    Maybe ask at the Palm Centre in Kew.

    https://www.palmcentre.co.uk/other-garden-sundries

    They are very knowledgeable and friendly.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • okeroker Posts: 22
    Yes, I already checked this their website but I did not find it there. But I am not any expert about gardening. So, maybe that's why I did not find it there. And you? If yes, please, can you post here the link about this product? Many thanks.
  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,704
    I’m very far from being an expert on anything.😊

    I just thought if you gave them a call they might be able to suggest something.
    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,128
    I assume you're referring to Trachycarpus fortunei when you quote 'Windmill Palm' ?
    If you're planning on growing it in a pot it won't thrive for many years ; they need plenty of root-space .
    Regarding soil requisites , they're fairly amenable as long as it's not sticky clay ; pH is not particularly important .
    This may help you discover your soil-type .

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,556
    John Innes no. 3 would be ideal; it doesn't have to specific palm tree compost.

    John Innes no. 3 contains sand, loam and nutrients and is better for long term container planting than usual 'multipurpose' compost.
  • okeroker Posts: 22
    OK, I will try John Innes no. 3.
    https://www.homebase.co.uk/westland-john-innes-number-3-mature-plant-compost-35l_p502123

    Yes, Trachycarpus fortunei.

    Yes, a pot, but just for the next one or two years. Then, if I find a place where I can have my music studio, then I'll put it into ground / land.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,735
    edited November 2019
    " Oh!! so they speak French in Balham, but not Latin?"
    Devon.
  • okeroker Posts: 22
    Thanks to everyone! I've bought John Innes no. 3. Let's hope the palm will survive the winter.
    It's a shame they do not have a special soil for palms in London.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,840
    This tree is hardy and does not need special soil to grow well in the UK as longa s it' sshleterd form extremes of wind and frost -  https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/18291/Trachycarpus-fortunei/Details

    The John Innes compost will be fine but the nutrients in any planting medium/compost are only good for about 90 days so you will need to feed it next spring with a dollop of some slow release fertilsier suitable for leafy plants or regular liquid feeds from spring to mid July in between normal waterings.


    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
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