Messed up the compost

joey_2

God I'm so embarrassed.
This yr will be my first attempt at growing anything (have only ever done sunflowers).
So I brought a bag of Miracle-Grow compact compost, tbh I was confused by all the different types as well but anyway I got this.
It said to add 1.2 litres of water and I've gone and added 1.5 litres:(

Is it ruined or will it still be ok? It's not much over what it was supposed to be but I'm so worried now, can't afford anymore was really looking forward to my first attempts at growing and I can't even make up the flippin compost, so annoyed with myself!

arkonite_babe

If you let it sit for a while it should dry out a bit I would think although it will be slower to do so as it's cold.

Someone correct me if Im wrong on this?

joey_2

thanks.
It doesn't seem overly wet though, feels ok to me but I'm not sure I'd know otherwise as I haven't used this compact sort before.

arkonite_babe

If it doesn't feel overly wet and it was only an extra 300 ml you put in, I think you should be ok to go ahead and use it

troll35

Fill your plantpots and stand them on a saucer, any excess water will drain out. You only added 300ml extra and as you have said it's not turned to mud so everything will be fine.

stefejb

Well the title says it all but i have a friend with a car willing to take me shopping tomorrow so what is the best (cheapish) compost to use
TIA
stef

Bluepork

I did a search last week and Homebase was the cheapest at 3 x 80 litre bags for a tenner.

quidsin

Whatever compost you get you can always get horse manure for nothing from your local stables!!! so i suppose cheap compost+ free manure= nice veg?
Just as long as your friend can put up with the smell of manure for a while
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

jennifernil

I would go for a peat based , or a john innes, no 2 , and add some water retaining crystals and slow release fertiliser. If you get peat based then get one with a wetting agent in it. Using very cheap stuff is usually a false economy.
3 x 80 (or 75) litres for £10 is a pretty reasonable price, that is the stuff I use.

pboae

Peat is one of the worst mediums you can use as a 'green' gardener. Peat bogs have been devasted by commercial farming.

There are loads of alternatives available, and any responsible compost producer will clearly state on the packaging if it is peat free.

jennifernil

While peat is often frowned upon, several trials have found that the alternatives just are not as good. And having tried them myself I would have to agree. If you don't want a peat based compost then I would go for John Innes. It has more body and nutrients. The higher the number the more food is in it. For long term containers it is the best choice.