[dustcartkev]

hi all, I have been told by everyone on my allotment that you cant and should not grow in just compost, that is just great after filling all my raised beds with just compost as the company we do a lot of work for gave me 6 ton, so have I made a big boo boo, please help, as I am not a happy bunny now. ?

[JayG]

The thousands of people who grow their plants in ordinary multi-purpose are growing in 'just compost', albeit with added nutrients!

It's not the ideal permanent growing medium because it consists only of organic matter and therefore has no mineral content (clay, silt, sand), so ultimately it will disappear completely if not regularly topped up, and will also need feeding from time to time.

It won't suit everything equally, but neither does the soil that many people have to work with.

[dustcartkev]

so if I top up from time to time and feed will that be ok, what should I feed with, many thanks.

[JayG]

Depends on what the compost was made from, whether it's been stored uncovered outdoors for a long time and lost nutrients, and what you are hoping to grow.

In general, leafy crops need a fertiliser with more nitrogen, flowering crops more potassium - all crops need phosphorus, but root crops in particular.

See how you go on - being fresh compost you might not need anything this year, but a sprinkling of dried chicken poo or Growmore won't hurt - a liquid feed of your choice can be handy if you think plants need a quick boost.

[dustcartkev]

thank you very much for that, I feel a bit better now, its just that when you are on your allotment and you have all the older guys telling you that you have totally screwed up you sort of give up a little bit, cheers again. 

[JayG]

Whatever the basic soil type at your allotment, the old timers you mention will probably have spent years trying to get it into 'perfect' condition - some of them have possibly never tried growing crops in just compost and may well consider it to be a form of 'cheating'!   

[dugless]

I grow my onions in 3" of compost they seem to like it  the advantage is it is easy to pull the weeds out.

I dig it in when they are finished.

[Steveharford]

Me too. With the addition of sand and BFB. They do have a bit of a job standing upright sometimes though. But a very good method.

[dustcartkev]

thank you all for your kind help and advice, feel much more happy now.