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Firming compost.

CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
in Problem solving
Hi, Just been watching a few gardeners world episodes and I noticed that when Monty is potting up plants or seeds or pricking out seedlings and potting them up, he adds the compost, waters but doesn't ever firm it? He leaves it loose. Is there a reason he doesn't firm them and is this better to allow the roots to grow easier? Thanks image

Posts

  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
    Ah I'm definitely going to try this the next time I sow seeds etc



    Verdun why is John Innes different and does need to be firmed?
  • Steve 309Steve 309 Posts: 2,753

    John Innes composts are soil/loam-based rather than peat- or coir-based like most 'multi-purpose' ones.  It'll be something to do with the particle size, and ensuring good contact between roots and medium;  for seeds you want to leave gaps for the little rootlets to get through.

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039

    One of the best ways to ensure a compost with a nice open texture, for better root growth, is to add perlite to the compost.

    I have done a small trial of this, and it certainly seemed to produce better root systems. 

    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Two great minds think alike, I don't think so!!!!!!
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • CraighBCraighB Posts: 758
    Thanks for clearing that up everyone. And here was me firming them quite hard as well! I did wonder why a couple of he seedlings seemed to have problems getting their root down through the top of the compost. I do use perlite though And will definitely try leaving it more loose next time!
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