I am wondering if I can use anything other than multi-purpose compost to improve drainage in John Innes for my potted roses... Can I use manure for example? Or is it too rich?
Yes you can use manure, I often mix some in if available. I also use pea gravel, and always have a bag handy for mixing in to lighten the mix and add drainage. Most gardeners develop their own preferences I think, using various concoctions.
Yes you can use manure, I often mix some in if available. I also use pea gravel, and always have a bag handy for mixing in to lighten the mix and add drainage. Most gardeners develop their own preferences I think, using various concoctions.
Good to know - thank you @Marlorena! If using pea gravel and manure will I still need multi-purpose or do I just forgo it completely?
You don't have to use it, no, but most people would probably say you get better results if you do.. I never buy one without the other personally, it makes a crumbly mix.
Thanks for comments earlier.. nice photo of Rose de Rescht, it has the most wonderful scent, especially in May.. I find Ghislaine de Feligonde changes colours quite a bit, sometimes pink even..
You don't have to use it, no, but most people would probably say you get better results if you do.. I never buy one without the other personally, it makes a crumbly mix.
Thank you @Marlorena - I'll stick with multi-purpose then and add some manure and pea gravel as well
I grew Young Lycidas as a shrub in a previous garden. It shot out long spindly branches in all directions so was difficult to manage and needed a lot of support. It had huge downward hanging blooms produced freely with an excellent scent. I should think it would do very well as a standard form as this should hopefully play to its strengths. It was also very good on disease resistance.
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Good to know - thank you @Marlorena! If using pea gravel and manure will I still need multi-purpose or do I just forgo it completely?
I find Ghislaine de Feligonde changes colours quite a bit, sometimes pink even..
Some June pics.
Thank you @Marlorena - I'll stick with multi-purpose then and add some manure and pea gravel as well
..thanks Jemula for your input.. seems like Standard form is the way to go with this one..