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Soil based compost
Outdoor girl
Posts: 286
I understand that if I want to keep a tree or shrub in a pot permanently, then I must use soil based compost. I'm not sure what this is...soil and potting compost? Does anyone have any experience of this and can you advise me?
The plants I want to pot are Acer and myrtle. I have a hibiscus in a pot too and it's suffering. Thank you.
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John Innes compost is soil based. This explains the different mixes.
http://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/soil/john_innes/john_innes.php
Whatever compost you choose to use, you will have to feed the plant after about six weeks because by then it will have used up the feed in the compost.
For an Acer you need ericaceous compst mixed with John Innes no3. For the myrtle JI No3. Ceres is half right with the six weeks thing. If you add Fish blood and bone when your'e planting them that should see them through the year. Each year after planting you need to renew the top 2 inches of compost and feed again. Any slow release fertilzer will do, bonemeal or FB&B. Just make sure they're well watered, pots dry out quickly, a weekly drench is all they need.
Thank you for the explanations. I now know why the hibiscus is suffering...no food.