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Peat free compost in pots - has anyone found a way of making it leak free too?

PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
edited March 2022 in Problem solving
I've been using peat free compost in pots and containers for a while and have noticed that when the compost gets saturated after rain, it leaks a sediment.  This doesn't happen when other compost has been used.  Despite carefully using crocks over the drainage hole and sometimes an extra layer of grit it still leaks. 

Have you noticed this or is it just a feature of the peat free compost brand I have used? If so, have you found a way of preventing it?  Saucers are not really an option because they soon get filled up after rain.  I've read somewhere that weed suppressing membrane or coffee filters might work but I wonder if these might cause other problems.

Any thoughts welcomed!

Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded Not sure there is an answer to this, I have the same problem . I guess what ever you do any excess water will escape.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you @GardenerSuze, I wonder whether a layer of gauze over the crocks and grit might trap the sediment?  I shouldn't be so fussy about my paving!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded  I totally understand that you don't want to mark your pavers. Years ago a friend had a Whichford Pot and I seem to recall there was a small piece if metal gauze in the bottom to cover the hole. I believe it came with the pot maybe they could tell you if it works? 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded Just seen a thread on here, fine mesh to cover plant pot drainage holes. Available from the dreaded Amazon. I would still try Whichford if anyone knows they will.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I seem to recall someone on here saying they put  j-cloth or similar in the bottom of pots to stop the compost washing out with the surplus water. Possibly worth a try.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I don’t think mesh would stop water leaking out? Is the water itself staining the pavers? 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've used wipes in the base of pots, and bits of landscape fabric, but I don't really have any sitting on paving, so I don't know if it would make a difference.
    I put it over the crocks as described. It's particularly useful in big pots where you might have other stuff in the bottom to part fill it, instead of all soil/compost. Stops the soil falling through. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    We have some old round placemats made of wool felt I’m considering nicking for the base of pots to slow down/retain water for potted shrubs and roses. For plants that need really free-draining conditions that may retain too much - for those you could try putting the pot feet in a plant saucer to catch the leaching staining your paving but hopefully still allow the plant pot to drain. Or the dish cloth thing.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If the pot only has a central hole, maybe a small saucer that'll fit in between the plant feet under the pot? You'd have to be careful not to water so much that it overflowed, and keep checking it and emptying it in wet weather.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited March 2022
    Thank you all very much for your replies, that's very helpful.  I'll certainly try the mesh @GardenerSuze, and J-cloths are worth a try @JennyJ.  It's not water seeping out that's the problem @debs64, it's the brown sediment that comes with it.  I'm intrigued to know why peat free compost creates this problem - perhaps they include gravy browning in the mix to make it look convincing!  Thank you for your tip too @Fairygirl.  I'm interested to know whether your wool mats work @Nollie. Lots of options to try now when the pots need replanting! 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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