[hermon]

can i use my compost to grow my potatoes in or should i use bought compost (i haven't got enough spare soil) also i am thinking about liming a bed for brocolli and kale just wondering how much to use as it doesn't say on the box and also is it ok for organic growing?

[Aidy]

Yes you could use the compost, there may be a slight risk of disease depending on what went in the heap in the first place but I have had volunteer spuds in mine and they have been fine. Re Lime here is Johns advice.... http://www.allotment-garden.org/fertilizer/garden-lime.php

[Salmo]

Bought compost has fertiliser added and would be better than your own compost. Potatoes need the same nutrition as tomatoes so buy tomato growbags.

[hermon]

fantastic answers thanks! this year i am determined to get things right!

[woodburner]

Bought compost has fertiliser added and would be better than your own compost. Potatoes need the same nutrition as tomatoes so buy tomato growbags.

Surely they need phosphorous rather than potassium?!
Nitrogen for leaves, phosphorous for roots, potassium for flowers and fruit. 

[Salmo]

Why then do potato fertilisers have a ratio of 1N:1P:1.5K?

[woodburner]

Why then do potato fertilisers have a ratio of 1N:1P:1.5K?

Did you miss the confused smiley?

I have been told "Nitrogen for leaves, phosphorous for roots, potassium for flowers and fruit. " since . . . I can't remember when. Probably as a kid asking what was fertilser for.

Tomato feed is high potassium, to help with the flowers and fruiting, but you don't want potatoes to flower or set seed normally, so why is potato fertiliser the same as tomato?
Do tubers count as 'fruit'?