@supernanny - I've only used miracle-Gro crystals, but I'm sure all brands do the same job.
@blairs - I've never had a problem with the method I use, just give it a good stir and a mix - its evenly distributed. I don't think its any more messier then any other gardening job.
Adding retentive crystals to compost - use which ever method suits you most, wet or dry.
I've found little difference between makes of crysals, but like others before me, I have found it far better to soak crystals before adding to compost to prevent overspill. Just mix well, (a bit like the rubbing in stage of making pastry or crumble!). This is also a good time to mix in a granular, slow release plant food. Youv'e then got a good potting compost to last the whole season.
Must admit that I have stopped using it altogether, I was not impressed with it. I preferred my method of lifting the basket slightly from underneath, heavy OK, not, water - as someone else has said. If we get some twice a day watering weather we will all be delighted, at present it is more like never doing it at all, and anyway it is too dark for the flowers to come anyway. Fed upness.
Lots of advice on here about the crystals. I think its a trial and error way for us all and to usewhatever way suits you best after trying a few.
Personally I would never wet them before adding to compost - far too messy!! as for adding slow release fertiliser I also do this and it makes a great potting compost - done in a large batch can save lots of time for future potting up, just keep it well sealed so it doesnt dry out - Weather still dreary and dark in Leeds, we are all fed up too...roll on the sunshine then we can all sit in our little havens of garden and enjoy it.......happy gardening everyone xxx
Thanks again for all the great advice, much better than asking in garden centres where it depends on who you ask as to whether you get the correct advice!
Looking forward to the weekend, supposed to be sunny in Oxfordshire so plan to spend most of it in my little garden. Happy weekend everyone!
Slugs like to rest in them during the day...suppose it is a good spot to try and catch them, but also a source of problems. For pots and baskets that dry out too quickly I think they are great. I did put spent compost with the gel in it into a border and the damn stuff has not degraded, kind of stuck with patches of wet gel in the border.
I use old compost bags (tough, black and 'free' ) to line terracotta pots and hanging baskets to reduce water loss. Just remember to put a few tiny holes in it to allow for some drainage and prevent water logging when it rains.
Posts
@lucy3 - then you should be ok.
@supernanny - I've only used miracle-Gro crystals, but I'm sure all brands do the same job.
@blairs - I've never had a problem with the method I use, just give it a good stir and a mix - its evenly distributed. I don't think its any more messier then any other gardening job.
Adding retentive crystals to compost - use which ever method suits you most, wet or dry.
I've found little difference between makes of crysals, but like others before me, I have found it far better to soak crystals before adding to compost to prevent overspill. Just mix well, (a bit like the rubbing in stage of making pastry or crumble!). This is also a good time to mix in a granular, slow release plant food. Youv'e then got a good potting compost to last the whole season.
Must admit that I have stopped using it altogether, I was not impressed with it. I preferred my method of lifting the basket slightly from underneath, heavy OK, not, water - as someone else has said. If we get some twice a day watering weather we will all be delighted, at present it is more like never doing it at all, and anyway it is too dark for the flowers to come anyway. Fed upness.
Lots of advice on here about the crystals. I think its a trial and error way for us all and to usewhatever way suits you best after trying a few.
Personally I would never wet them before adding to compost - far too messy!! as for adding slow release fertiliser I also do this and it makes a great potting compost - done in a large batch can save lots of time for future potting up, just keep it well sealed so it doesnt dry out - Weather still dreary and dark in Leeds, we are all fed up too...roll on the sunshine then we can all sit in our little havens of garden and enjoy it.......happy gardening everyone xxx
Thanks again for all the great advice, much better than asking in garden centres where it depends on who you ask as to whether you get the correct advice!
Looking forward to the weekend, supposed to be sunny in Oxfordshire so plan to spend most of it in my little garden. Happy weekend everyone!
You're welcome
Slugs like to rest in them during the day...suppose it is a good spot to try and catch them, but also a source of problems. For pots and baskets that dry out too quickly I think they are great. I did put spent compost with the gel in it into a border and the damn stuff has not degraded, kind of stuck with patches of wet gel in the border.
I use old compost bags (tough, black and 'free' ) to line terracotta pots and hanging baskets to reduce water loss. Just remember to put a few tiny holes in it to allow for some drainage and prevent water logging when it rains.
So much useful advice, many thanks to you all.
If anyone is in the Thames water area, they are giving away 2 packets of the crystals to each customer free