I’ve never routinely used grit in any of my gardens, including one which was very heavy clay. Nor in pots. It amazes me how much Monty Don uses, goodness knows what the cost must be. I’m sure a lot of it is unnecessary and many gardeners will use it because they see it being used on GW
My lack of use was originally probably due to having limited money although I don’t remember it being so heavily “promoted” when I started out. Having said that I don’t remember my Nanna or Mum using it either, nor does my sister
If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
I have previously mixed grit in when planting tulips, but the grit seemed to act as a sump in some pots, so I don't use it for potted bulbs now. It is quite expensive, so I am happy not to feel compelled to use it.
Sorry to witness the demise of the forum. 😥😥😥😡😡😡I am Spartacus
As someone who regularly has their posts flagged, I had always assumed you were one of the culprits, Knowing that you were petty enough to regularly complain about me, perhaps I was wrong. How do you even go about getting flags removed?
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
I don't see why grit would act as a sump in a pot if the water running through is allowed to freely drain away - ie if there is no saucer used. I can see why gravel or grit would act as a sump in a hole in the ground.
I agree that grit is used a lot now, mostly for growing Med and alpine type plants that weren't so standard some decades ago. I do think some bulbs might rot away if planted in pots with heavy, dense soil in pots, though I have not had that problem. But I'm in the SE. In the west or north it might be a problem with heavier, continuous rainfall.
I suppose the thing I would use grit or perlite most for is cuttings, to increase the success rate, if I was concerned.
I cover seeds in trays with grit, always have, must have seen it when I was learning. I know Carol Klein does it. I also use it liberally in pots with succulents and other plants needing good drainage.
Posts
My lack of use was originally probably due to having limited money although I don’t remember it being so heavily “promoted” when I started out. Having said that I don’t remember my Nanna or Mum using it either, nor does my sister
East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
Pretty sure I know who keeps doing this. All rather pathetic. Maybe @Catherine Mansley could have a look and ask them why?
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
That sentence tells us all we need to know.
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
@LunarSea, my dads bigger than yours.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border