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Peat free compost - anyone else having variable results?

debbie3umJtmYGdebbie3umJtmYG Posts: 9
in Plants
Peat free compost - generally having reasonable results but having a problem with a few plants.
For example: Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer’ are fine in Sylvagrow Peat Free but Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherokee Sunset’ seem not to like it - much slower growing & often fail after transplanting.
Anyone else come across this &/or any suggestions as to why?
Many thanks
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Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I think we have agreed so far that some customisation is necessary to make those composts work for your plants and local conditions, the addition of some top soil and manure alongside some grit seems to be the way. It all depends if more richness is needed or a more open texture, all easily solvable. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • debbie3umJtmYGdebbie3umJtmYG Posts: 9
    Hadn’t thought of adding manure
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Have a look at this recent thread for some ideas @debbie3umJtmYG
    https://forum.gardenersworld.com/discussion/1062800/peat-free-compost-disappointment/p1
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Yes there are umpteen threads on this spanning several seasons.  As mentioned some amendment seems to be required.  There is a feature on the Beechgrove garden  series from last year where the head gardener gives good advice, on what to mix in when.
    AB Still learning

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    debbie3umJtmYG said:
    Peat free compost - generally having reasonable results but having a problem with a few plants.
    For example: Rudbeckia hirta ‘Indian Summer’ are fine in Sylvagrow Peat Free but Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherokee Sunset’ seem not to like it - much slower growing & often fail after transplanting.
    Anyone else come across this &/or any suggestions as to why?
    Many thanks
    That's curious as they are two similar varieties of the same species, which you would assume have identical cultural needs. Perhaps one is simply a weaker strain? Cherokee Sunset looks more 'highly bred'.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I don't think it is a compost issue, the plants involved are almost identical cultivars. Perhaps it is the seeds, or just bad luck.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • debbie3umJtmYGdebbie3umJtmYG Posts: 9
    It’s happened over the past 3 years
  • debbie3umJtmYGdebbie3umJtmYG Posts: 9
    Allotment Boy said:
    Yes there are umpteen threads on this spanning several seasons.  As mentioned some amendment seems to be required.  There is a feature on the Beechgrove garden  series from last year where the head gardener gives good advice, on what to mix in when.
    Yeah I’m sure there are lots of threads on this subject but time moves on and folk could have new answers
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    It just doesn't sound logical that it is a compost issue. Why would 2 almost identical plants behave differently due to the compost?+
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • debbie3umJtmYGdebbie3umJtmYG Posts: 9
    Good question - but the same thing has happened over the past 3 years.
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