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Bulb Lasagne

mchuamchua Posts: 210
Hello, so I’m going to have a go at layering some bulbs this year for the first time.  I’ve picked tulips, iris and crocus. 

I want to mix MPC with grit, but I’m not sure of the ratio. Does 1:4 sound about right? Going by volume not weight.

Thanks 🙏 
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Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    1:4 MPC to grit sounds a bit heavy on the grit. 2:1 would be my choice although you can probably get away with even less grit, probably. I have actually struggled with my pots drying out too much over the past few years, rather than being too wet!
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd use lots of grit if you're having tulips, especially if you're in a wet area.
    They hate being wet. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Getting the pot off the ground is probably very helpful.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Definitely @Loxley :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mchuamchua Posts: 210
    Loxley said:
    1:4 MPC to grit sounds a bit heavy on the grit. 2:1 would be my choice although you can probably get away with even less grit, probably. I have actually struggled with my pots drying out too much over the past few years, rather than being too wet!
    Sorry I just re-read my post thinking it was clear. I meant 1 part grit to 4 parts compost. But your 2:1 is compost:grit, or the other way round?

    Thanks btw. 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Yep, I meant 2:1 MPC to grit. I thought you meant 4:1 MPC to grit, that's just the order I read them in the original post. I would up the grit quantity a bit, personally.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd say 2 parts compost to 1 grit would be fine, but I also have to keep mine [tulips] sheltered even with that sort of mix. 
    The climate you have is the defining factor.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • mchuamchua Posts: 210
    Thanks a lot guys. I’ll set up some pot feet as suggested too. 
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    I've never used grit for planting bulbs in pots I've never seen it necessary , I just have a few crocks from blocking the drainage holes , no harm in having add insurance of using grit of course .  Getting the pot off the ground seems more important . I do use sharp sand / grit or grit sand for bulbs going in the ground.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Are you planting late then?
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