[pepsi100]

Afternoon everyone
Just cleaned out my containers with the old mix
I just used compost last year, but I have been recommended to add one or the other of Perlite or Vermiculite
I know one helps with drainage and the other holds water
I'll be growing my tomato plants in pots again this year
But which is best for tomato's ?
Last years  pot mix will be dug in for my beetroot seeds
The birds got to the young plants so had to put mesh over them

[Subversive_plot]

If your weather leaves the compost too soggy, I would go with the perlite.

However, if the compost drains too freely, go with the vermiculite.  Vermiculite also tends to increase cation exchange capacity a bit, which is usually a good thing.

I sympathize with your bird problem and young plants.  I am always amazed at how quickly our wildlife picks up on beds being prepared for seeds.  Squirrels left holes half a foot deep in my carrot bed after planting this spring.

[pepsi100]

Last year was a bit of a record breaker, we watered the tomato's every day and fed them weekly
So I was thinking of something to hold water and any feed in there a bit longer
We did get a great crop of tomato's
No idea what weather we will have this summer though
We have just the one squirrel, but I think he dig holes just for the helluva of it
But as its on the lawn, we just pop a daffodil bulb in there
I dont mind the sparrows, it the flying rats (pigeons) that I dont like, they just pull the seedlings out and leave them