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Compost shortage

David FitzcharlesDavid Fitzcharles Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hi

I wasn’t able to buy compost before the lockdown, and my homemade compost isn’t quite ready. What can I do to improve compost now for my tomato plants that need repotting into bigger pots?


Thanks
David

Posts

  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 11,999
    If you can't buy any online, I would try sieving some of your home made compost and then mix it with some garden soil adding some horticultural grit or sand if you have any.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,182
    People are selling compost on Ebay. Prices vary!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 54,358
    Hexagon said:
    Sue the governnment.
     :/ 

    I think if you simply use garden soil, with some additional drainage if needed, that will be fine, and add your homemade stuff when ready, if it's required. They won't need much sustenance at the moment anyway, just a consistent watering regime.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AshleyDawsonAshleyDawson Posts: 4
    Hi I have the same problem. I have got 2 bulk bags of soil improver being delivered next week, some rotted down turf, blood, fish & bone and a bit of homemade compost, unfortunately my leaf mould not quite ready unless I dig right down to the bottom of the pile. Do you think I could make my own mix for my greenhouse toms, peppers etc?
  • FireFire Posts: 18,138
    Wickes do home delivery. About £4 for a 60 litre bag. Free delivery over £50 or so.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,544
    Yep @Fire I went for a click and collect order at Wickes and they had plenty of stock. Got a few very expensive bags previously from Marshalls (should have known better...but we live and learn). 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,565
    Check round your local nurseries, a lot are doing delivery. Better to support them than the big box stores.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,247
    If you’re using supermarkets or farm shops, a lot of them are selling compost.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • FireFire Posts: 18,138
    Wickes are the cheapest (by bag) that I have found from a national operator offering delivery but the quality isn't great. Their manure is better as it's just manure. That said, last year my delivery was saturated with uric acid and I had to store it for six months before use. But still, for £4, it was good.

    I think compost bags themselves are as useful. So strong, great for storing gravel, homemade compost, great for giving and swapping plants, small trees, trips to the dump etc. Def'ly hold on to them or give them gardening friends.
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