What to do with old compost?

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by jay22, Sep 27, 2016.

  1. jay22

    jay22 Apprentice Gardener

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    I've got a few large pots full of used compost that I don't need anymore for this year, is there anything I can do with it so I can use it for next year? Our local recycling centre charges £2 a bag and I don't fancy paying it lol. The compost is a mix of different multi purpose composts like miracle gro etc. Any ideas what I should do with it?? Thanks
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Use as a mulch around your flower/veg beds over-winter - the worms will love it.
     
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    • Scrungee

      Scrungee Well known for it

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      I have white rot in various locations around my plots, so save any spent compost to mix with mole hill soil, fertilizers, horse manure, 75% off MPC from Wilkos (+ this year, 70% off JAB from Wyevale), etc. to fill raised beds for growing onions and garlic.

      As my soil is heavy clay (and often waterlogged) I also add it to raised beds for growing salad stuff, especially if sowing seeds direct.
       
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      • WeeTam

        WeeTam Total Gardener

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        I just add some chickpoo or seaweed to old compost and reuse it. The way i see it compost arrives with 6 weeks feed in it only and needs fed throughout the season so old compost with added sand and feed seems OK to me ?
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          I use it on the borders and the lawns, or for the very bottom of large pots next year with fresh compost on top.
           
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          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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            Must admit mine usually ends up on the clayey bits of the allotment, helps to break it up.

            I dont re use it, somehow the structure has usually changed, from before it was full of root growth, it tends to lose its water holding capacity.
            Just dont think it's worth bothering with.
             
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            • john558

              john558 Total Gardener

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              I put mine in the compost bin along with all the usual stuff.
               
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              • NigelJ

                NigelJ Total Gardener

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                Some I use to top up and "improve" the raised beds, some ends up mixed with garden soil in the bottom of pots the next year.
                A word of warning though if used in the flower garden avoid using it near rhododendrons, camellias, heathers etc.
                 
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                • Hilary B

                  Hilary B Apprentice Gardener

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                  With having a terraced house back yard with pots only, what can I do with the first few inches of compost that's been scraped out and topped up with new compost as advised to do in Spring each year? Many thanks
                   
                • JWK

                  JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                  You might be able to give it away @Hilary B list it on your local Facebook freebies page. Otherwise in your council green waste bin or take to a dump.
                   
                • Hilary B

                  Hilary B Apprentice Gardener

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                  Thank you! Our council don't see fit to provide green bins to terraced house dwellers (how dare we have plants?!) but will see if I can get someone to give me a lift to the local waste centre
                   
                • Logan

                  Logan Total Gardener

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                  I put it on the garden around the plants.
                   
                • Hilary B

                  Hilary B Apprentice Gardener

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                  Thanks Logan. I don't actually have garden, just more pots!
                   
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                  • Logan

                    Logan Total Gardener

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                    Ah well that's different,
                    as someone has said you can just put a fertilizer in it or just put new compost on the first few inches. The compost in pots does go down so just top it up.
                     
                  • Hilary B

                    Hilary B Apprentice Gardener

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