What to do with old soil

Hi

Every time I dispose of an old plant which has been in a pot, there is a lot of old soil which looks light brown and dry in texture. When I pot or plant new plants I use fresh compost so inevitably the pile of old soil grows which in turn attracts the cats who use it as a toilet. I am not sure what to do with this growing mound of old soil? I have a small area for planting (raised beds around three sides of a square lawn) so space is an issue. Would it be worth buying a composter and mixing this old soil with the kitchen remains etc? Or mixing it with the compost I buy?

Many thanks for your advice

Matthew

 

hi

use on any borders or yes add to compost but dont mix with fresh its called fresh for a reason

 

Just dig a hole and bury it.

Seriously I just use it as a top dressing around shrubs or perennials.

 

As said just spread it over any open soil, though mixing it into a composter with your raw kitchen waste / peelings etc will make great compost for your garden plants and established pot plants.
Just remember to add water to the compost bin if adding such dry matter.

 

I empty mine in a bucket and when I dig my clay soil, mix it in. Any organic matter is an improvement for the clay. I also empty any remains of shop bought compost, manure, gravel and sand into the bucket. Anything goes

The mixture is also good in the bottom of large containers for less demanding plants, a handful of slow release fertiliser added if needed.

 

I just tip mine on top of the borders. If space is an issue just be aware that adding kitchen remains will eventually just give you greater bulk to get rid of.