What should i fill my new planters with (compost, stones, topsoil?)
scott13
Posts: 3
Good morning , I'm building some planting boxes along the fence at the back of my garden. I'm hoping to get this finished at the weekend but would like some advise from you experts about what I should fill it with ?
My plan is at the moment , to finishing the boarding of the boxes and then use some black mem brain around the inside and then fill it with compost .
I'm now wondering , as they are quite deep , do I need to use 'just' compost in there ? I'm thinking that it might be quite expensive to fill just using compost bought from B & Q. Should I maybe quarter fill with stones or topsoil before topping up with compost ?
Also , as a second question , I live near a mushroom factory that sells mushroom compost pretty cheap , can I buy some bags of this too and mix it with a standard multi compost from B&Q ?
The pots are for my partner , she is wanting to plant flowers and plants whilst I'm hoping to claim a bit of it to grow something like a tomato plant
Last edited: 15 June 2016 11:50:03
Posts
Hi Scott - it really depends what you want to grow in them. For long term planting - ie shrubs, perennials etc, you'd want a mix of soil and compost, and probably some grit mixed in if it's for things that like good drainage- especially if you have high rainfall. For temporary planting , ie your tomatoes or annuals, you'd get away with compost.
You could always have one of each, or even put a couple of divisions in the boxes so that you can have more variety. I've done that with raised beds I made here. I have one section which has planting that needs more moisture, and the others have a lighter, more free draining mix.
As long as you remember which bit is which!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Agree with Fairygirl, I usually add John Innes no. 3 for perennials and well rotted horse manure. However, my planter isn't as big as yours but I found some good deals at garden centres for compost containing no. 3. Sprinkle some fish blood and bones in there too/slow release feed.