How often do you change the compoat in pots?

milann

I grow a few tomatoes, corgettes, herbs and potatoes in pots. In previous years I have bought new compost, until last year when I mixed soil from beds and new compost together to try and stop pots drying out.

I'm finding this is costing a bomb though and it seems a waste to throw old compost in my bin for compost collection (I'm too short on space for my own composter)

SO basically I wondered how long people keep their compost? Is it a false economy to try and get several years from them as the goodness has been taken - or is there some little secret to keep the compost fertile?

Thanks

[Deleted User]

I re-used most of my compost this year but made sure it was for a different group ie tomato went to cabbages or flowers. This compost is now old and will go onto the compost heap or spread on flower beds. I am growing tomatoes etc this year and will have to buy new compost or growbags. It adds up if you also buy the grown plants. I don`t skimp on new compost but I grow tomatoes from seed

shykins

every year we empty our pots out, mix new cmpost with the old and add some feed pellets or powder. mix it all together and re-fill the pots.

we dont seem to have any problems with growing things so it must be working lol

hth