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Best compost/soil combination for Acers?

greenlovegreenlove Posts: 164
in Plants
Decided to repot some of my younger acers that i have just bought into bigger pots to give them room to grow. I believe they do like acidic soil? If so anyhting in particular that you recommend? Maybe a mixture of top soil, gravel and a particular compost? Somethign that woul dencourage growth.

Posts

  • yorkshireroseyorkshirerose Posts: 574
    Use Ericaceous compost for the best results, and water with rain water if possible.
    In Spring work in a slow release fertiliser which is formulated for plants which prefer acidic conditions. Visit your local Garden Centre for advice - a good one will have knowledgeable staff who are able to advise you.
    A gardener's work is never at an end  - (John Evelyn 1620-1706)
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They are happy in neutral to acidic soil, but in pots long term, compost isn't enough, so a mix of soil and compost, and some grit to aid drainage. 
    They like a good supply of water, but they won't appreciate poor drainage, so that's just as important as the soil.
    Make sure you aren't moving them into too large a pot. Ideally, move them into something only an inch or two bigger each time. 
    B,F&Bone is fine in spring as a slow release food. They really need nothing more. If you don't have a decent water supply [ie - soft water]  collect rainwater for them. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • greenlovegreenlove Posts: 164
    edited July 2020
    Perfect, thank you guys. I will mix ericaceous compost (might get some of that John Innes stuff) with topsoil and gravel and have a couple of bottles full of the slow releasse stuff too. We are blessed with soft water as well.
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