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

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  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    edited March 2022
    I've got the same problem in a wall planter - the rainwater leaches through it and leaves a  horrible green stain all down our pale Bath stone blocks. I changed the compost but still have the same problem. It must be due to the high green/bark content of peat free.
    Haven't noticed it so much from the pots onto pale paving however but that might be due to only using J.I No. 3 in big pots.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • puschkiniapuschkinia Posts: 229
    I have no suggestion about the pots (though mine leak too) - just wanted to say that those are beautiful patio tiles you have!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That's very kind of you @puschkinia, thank you.  They're due a spring clean soon!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    @Lizzie27, I'd be concerned about that green staining on that beautiful Bath stone too - I've visited a few times!  I've noticed that J.I No 3 doesn't cause the same problem.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    Old wool sweater pieces?  An old wool sock?  Piece of an old cotton dish towel or wash rag?  Or a bit of plastic window mesh screen fabric (quite common and sold by the yard from shops in the US, but maybe not the UK)?  I've used coffee filters or kitchen paper towel for a summer planting.  
    Utah, USA.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited March 2022
    Old socks are good too @Blue Onion. I've used them as well  :D
    Any fabric would do. It's just acting as a basic filter to allow excess water through, but retain the soil mix.
    In hot, dry areas, I think it [socks and wool jumpers] would also help to retain moisture a bit longer, especially if you used a thicker layer. It would make life easier re maintaining potted plants through summer.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Time to get into production with those old socks - I can see you appearing on Dragon's Den with that idea @Fairygirl!  Lots of options to try now.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    I will report back on the felt mat experiment, assuming I’m allowed to nick them, OH is quite protective of ‘stuff’, useless or otherwise! Perhaps one or two will just mysteriously disappear 🤔 
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Thank you @Blue Onion, lots of good ideas there!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    @Plantminded - I recently bought a new thingy for the shower, instead of my usual sponge. It's essentially some towelling tied round the middle with some cord, in a ball sort of shape.
    It's a heap of sh*te, so when I came out the shower earlier, I took the cord off  [it'll do for tying something in] and unravelled the towel. It's about 6 inches wide and a couple of feet long. I cut it in half.
    I think you can guess what it's getting used for  :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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