Compost Alternatives

beverleycrone

Hi. I can't get hold of any compost at the moment . We have some  rotted moss (one year) , top soil and some organic chicken manure feed for the grass.  Does anyone have any thoughts on what I can use instead? I am growing veg in a raised bed. Many thanks. 

Fairygirl

Hi @beverleycrone Not sure how beneficial the moss would be to be honest.
If you have top soil and chicken manure, they would certainly be fine for most things.
It would be worth checking if the manure is unsuitable for certain veg though. Not all veg [carrots for instance] will do well with too much food.
I think many of us are just having to adapt and experiment just now 

beverleycrone

Thanks so much. 

Philip Goodall

Hi. Like others I've plenty of tomato plants ready to plant in containers but very little shop bought compost due to the lock down. I do have home made compost which I usually use for mulch. Could I use it for my tomatoes?

Smudgerii

Wilko had plenty of stock earlier in the week.

Fairygirl

That's fine @Smudgerii - if, you have one near you and you aren't self isolating. However, it would be considered a completely unnecessary journey going there to buy compost.

Hi @Philip Goodall - home made compost has less nutrition, but it would be fine for now I think. I'm assuming the plants aren't very big? You could add some garden soil if it's suitable. People often overfeed tomatoes anyway, so it will be interesting to see if people find their toms in better health this year.
We'll all be adapting and compromising, so you  won't be alone 

charlotte955

Hi, you could always mix Natural Grower Soil Conditioner in to some soil. It makes a great basis for planting seeds and plants. It slowly releases nutrients so you are feeding your plants at the same time as improving your soil structure. It also helps to retain moisture, so ideal for grow bags, hanging baskets and vegetable beds through a dry summer. It’s a plant-based product and organic, so you know there aren’t any chemicals in it. Their website has 15% off until the end of May with next day delivery! Worth a try.

Fairygirl

I really hope that isn't an advert @charlotte955

They have to be paid for on this forum. Details are at the bottom of the page  

charlotte955

Hi @Fairygirl not an advert, just a great product that I like talking about (maybe I should apply for a sales job with them!). With the current situation stopping us all going to the garden centres to find solutions, and as finding things to buy online is proving tricky, I thought I would suggest it. I am new to garden forums, so maybe went in to too much detail about it....I will be a bit less enthusiastic going forwards 😁

Zoomer44

I managed to get some compost after checking out with friends where they were doing their food shops and if there was any compost left in stores. Aldi, Lidl and Asda had some left near me but limited stock. I got some from Lidl when I did my food shop although their stock was very low, you could only buy three small bags and that was last week. 

You could try ringing or contacting stores on line and do your food shop accordingly.     

Smudgerii

Fairygirl said:

That's fine @Smudgerii - if, you have one near you and you aren't self isolating. However, it would be considered a completely unnecessary journey going there to buy compost.

@Fairygirl  Yes it’s fine when you live near one, maybe they do.  And maybe, just maybe, they are not self isolating...

They could even be visiting a local Wilko for some essentials, they do sell them, and whilst there they may feel inclined to purchase compost.

Obviously this is all just maybes and possibly a little too optimistic for some.