You're wondering why no-one has answered a question that was never asked? In detail, why do think your own compost isn't good enough? Mine is....
I don't know if anyone is familiar with this trick, but it's widely used in cactus and Bonsai circles to retain moisture. It's the addition of a certain, but very cheap and basic cat litter to the compost mix.
Just out of curiosity @Mi@MikeOxgreen , what sort of cat litter is it, and how much do you add? We have the clay granule type for the grumpy-old-man-cat's tray, own-brand of whatever supermarket we've been to (except Lidl's - theirs is kind of heavier and doesn't seem to absorb as well as others - sorry folks if that's TMI).
You'll have to do some research in Bonsai and Cactus World as my knowledge is not strong and i've had a bag of it for years. I just threw it in the conversation as a possibility and for others to follow up and try out. But from what I remember Tescos dust free was good. IIRC it's in a white bag with purple writing. There will be others and I think it's dust free and non-clumping you need. You'll maybe come across terms like Diatomite and Moler clay on the way....
Thanks McRazz, but i still think the issue is wetability of the growing compost and a moisture boundary between potting compost and final soil. And the time it takes for the new roots to grow into the surrounding soil.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
You'll have to do some research in Bonsai and Cactus World as my knowledge is not strong and i've had a bag of it for years. I just threw it in the conversation as a possibility and for others to follow up and try out. But from what I remember Tescos dust free was good. IIRC it's in a white bag with purple writing. There will be others and I think it's dust free and non-clumping you need. You'll maybe come across terms like Diatomite and Moler clay on the way....
Thanks, I'll have a look. Maybe it does a similar job as perlite.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
Thanks McRazz, but i still think the issue is wetability of the growing compost and a moisture boundary between potting compost and final soil. And the time it takes for the new roots to grow into the surrounding soil.
Not that peat-based compost is perfect for longer term small-pot plants. It tends to compact. I make a 50% vermiculite blend. Or did. For plants needing better drainage I mix equal parts JINo3/peat-free compost/small grit or perlite. The latter seems to work for DIY bonzai. Of course it would be much better just to buy it ready-made.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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But from what I remember Tescos dust free was good. IIRC it's in a white bag with purple writing.
There will be others and I think it's dust free and non-clumping you need.
You'll maybe come across terms like Diatomite and Moler clay on the way....
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
The issue was that I just wanted to rant and to read other sympathisers' rants. No need for a question.
The thread seems to be developing now.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
I used to buy sedge peat from Somerset. Is that banned as well?
It was OK for mulching but nowhere near as good as Spagnum for potplants or seeds.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
Thanks, I'll have a look. Maybe it does a similar job as perlite.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."