Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

John Innes no3 soggy compost

CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
in Problem solving
Hi, I've just purchased some John inns number 3 and I potted up some bare root plants and obviously watered the pots afterwards. I noticed that there was lots of water on top of the soil which has taken over 30 minutes to drain but now it has, the soil seems very soggy? Is this right? I thought John Innes was well know for its draining qualities? When I have used multipurpose compost in the past it normally drains very quickly. Thanks Craigh

Posts

  • YviestevieYviestevie Posts: 7,066

    Hi Craigh, I'm no expert but JI No 3 is usually used in containers for plants which are going to remain there such as shrubs and trees, it therefore is a heavier compost and holds more water and nutrients. 

    Hi from Kingswinford in the West Midlands
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    'John Innes' is a formula Craigh - different formulas for different purposes. Are you intending putting the plants into a border soon? If so, I'd just be careful how much water you give them. If you prefer, you could repot with something lighter like a multi purpose. image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
    Well I didn't put a huge amount of water in but the compost was damp anyway but I wanted to make sure it was touching all the roots but there was a couple of cm layer of water on the top.



    So would John Innes no 3 be normally used for then? Could it be used for normal perrenial pot plants?



    And to answer Fairy girl, yes I am intending to put them into a border when we are free from frosts image
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    What is it you have Craigh? I should have asked that first  image

    You should be able to put most bare root stuff out just now unless the ground's really unsuitable.

    As Yvie said - JI 3 is mainly for plants which are in pots long term - like a specimen shrub or tree. 

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

     This may be helpful

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=952

    image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    I think I've assumed Craigh has bought shrubs or hedging Verd. image

    I'd agree - if it's perennials, I'd keep them potted for a while.

    I'm sure he'll let us know what he has  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
    It is kniphofia uvaria that I am planting image



    The thing is my garden is upside down at the moment so I can't plant many things and the moment so I am potting them up for the next few weeks until I can get to everything image
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Pot away Craigh! As I said - I'd somehow assumed you had hedging or shrubs of some kind.image

    Verdun's advice is spot on. Just watch how much water you give 'em and good luck with getting the garden sorted!  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.