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What to do with tired soil

CallagraceCallagrace Posts: 5
in Problem solving
Every year I have extra soil from pots that I’m not entirely sure what to do with. I currently have a pile where I dump all tired soil but at this rate I’ll have a mountain. What do other people do? 

Also, in my flower beds if I’m adding good soil/compost every couple years how do you prevent mounding? Do you remove the top layer or just let it compact down? 

Thanks! 
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  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited January 2021
    I chuck old compost from pots etc on the beds (usually spread it around shrubs).
     When I add compost etc (usually as mulch unless I'm digging over an area for new planting) I just leave it to settle down. I don't notice any long-term mounding.
    PS I just noticed it's your first post, so welcome to the forum :)
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • CallagraceCallagrace Posts: 5
    @pansyface so it’s primarily purchased at the moment. Good quality compost and potting soils. Primarily Coast of Maine. 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I usually empty my pots on to an old plastic sheet, get rid of any rubbish and then spread the compost over the flower beds to settle in over Winter.  Usually by the beginning of Spring the level of soil has dropped, but l appreciate your query about the level. As someone who is rubbish at getting levels right, l rely on my OH to do it 😳. 
    I'm sure there's someone on here who can give you some tips about level. I look forward to reading those as well.
    How big is the pile at the moment?  If possible l'd suggest getting it on the beds ASAP, weather permitting. 
  • CallagraceCallagrace Posts: 5
    @JennyJ thanks first post had to figure out how to even respond to these comments! 
    Do you worry about enriching the soil around your perennials or shrubs once they are established or just let them run their course? 
    My soil is really sandy and acidic so I have to give it a lot of love when I initially plant stuff. I’ve heard that nutrients leeches from sandy soil quickly and outside of liquid feeds I’m not sure what the best options are. 
  • KiliKili Posts: 1,104
    edited January 2021
    I use mine again and again for pots. Just before use at the start of the season I tip all the pot compost out on to my drive rummage through for any old roots and then sprinkle with fish blood and bone (FBB). Turn this over with a shovel so its all well mixed then use it for the pots again. Maybe mix it with a small amount of new compost for a boost.

    Or you can sieve it and use it for seed sowing as you don't want a very fertile medium for sowing.
    If I have too much over as others have said it makes a good mulch especially as you said you have sandy soil it would be ideal for that along with plenty of manure.

    Doing this has certainly cut down on my purchase of compost which I hope is helping the environment.

    And welcome to the forums  :)

    'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.

    George Bernard Shaw'

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Callagrace said:
    @JennyJ thanks first post had to figure out how to even respond to these comments! 
    Do you worry about enriching the soil around your perennials or shrubs once they are established or just let them run their course? 
    My soil is really sandy and acidic so I have to give it a lot of love when I initially plant stuff. I’ve heard that nutrients leeches from sandy soil quickly and outside of liquid feeds I’m not sure what the best options are. 

    I have poor sandy soil as well - it's like beach sand with loads of pebbles below the top 6" or so where it's not been improved, eg if I take out a shrub that was already there when we moved here. I'm not terribly diligent about mulching but even so, years of haphazardly adding old compost from pots as well as the new stuff from the compost heap has greatly improved its texture and moisture retention (it still drains pretty freely though).
    For feeding I generally mix in a bit of bone meal or blood, fish and bone when I put in a new plant as well as forking in some compost-bin compost (I use BFB for spring/summer planting, bonemeal for autumn/winter because things don't need the fast-acting nitrogen then). I also give everything a sprinkling of chicken poo pellets in spring and maybe again later in summer if I think about it. But really, I'm not too worried about enrichment. What really helps is to try to choose mostly plants that prefer (or at least tolerate) well-drained and not too rich soil.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • CallagraceCallagrace Posts: 5
    @philippasmith2 it’s probably due to lack of experience but I wasn’t sure if it was ok to add to a compost pile. Sounds like between that and just sprinkling it around existing beds this should suffice.
  • CallagraceCallagrace Posts: 5
    @Kili @JennyJ I think I am going to have to invest in bone meal, fish, etc. it’s not something they talk about much here in the states, but I always hear it mentioned on gardeners world. I am hoping to become more eco friendly and start making my own compost but baby steps! Thanks for the feedback 
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    I do a mix of all the above depends on what has been in it. If you have any larger planters to fill then reusing old compost is ideal for the base & top up with fresh,  most plants have fine feeding roots that stay in the top few inches of soil.
    AB Still learning

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I spread spent potting compost on beds where it improves the structure but not fertility.   No point composting it as it's already a product of that process but it will certainly improve the texture and quality of soil.   

    I wouldn't use it for sowing seeds in pots or trays as it won't be as sterile as commercial potting composts and may well contain pathogens harmful to teeny seedlings.

    Adding BF &B will aid fertility but so will adding well-rotted manure and garden compost made from garden and kitchen waste. 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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