[muntjac]

ok folks im mixing all my seed compost for the next few weeks sowing plan . so here is my ingrediants and fertiliser for it if ya  " ORGANIC " you may not wanna use this .its basically the same as the john innes one  
anyways
herew goes

 i use a barrow for this so you use what ya like n just adjust the measurements  to suit yaself
 2 barrows good soil( loam)
1 of peat or coir
and a barrow of sharp builders sand
now 1lb 1/2 of fine ground hoof n horn
and 3/4 lb of lime

if ya want to use a john innes base mix for ya toms n such make it in 1lbs as i do .

2 hoof n horn
2 superphosphate of lime ( phosphoric acid )
1 sulphate of potash
you can then add this to composts for pots etc

the compost mixes are as folows
no 1 j innes is
7 loam
3 peat
2 sand
 number 2
for toms
as above with 1lb lime thrown in

no 3 for peppers  for toms in pots
same as above just double  the lime

[flowerlady]

Why do chillis and toms like so much lime

[DD.]

Why do chillis and toms like so much lime

The answer to that one is .. 'because they do!' :oops:  :oops:

Actually I would imagine that it's to do with the soil conditions in their natural environment. They evolved in that type of soil & that's what they like.

[muntjac]

yups   but please bear in mind these are my mixes for up to 7 barrow loads  of compost  about 10 stone . 140 klbs  in a barrow ... you need to adjust it to your use

[flowerlady]

Why do chillis and toms like so much lime

...I've  been reading  :shock:   ... sorted out my own question  ... it's cos it raises the poil PH and adds calcium which they like!

Hope you concur ... question is now ... what PH do toms ideally like??  6.5 or higher?  :?

Oh and munty ... thank you for posting this thread it's very useful  

[muntjac]

between 5.1/2  n 6.1/2  is ok for toms

[flowerlady]

between 5.1/2  n 6.1/2  is ok for toms

thanks ... seems I will have to go buy lime