Using compost again

[Hollie the Wollie]

I read on another thread here (that I now can't find) that you can not use the compost that was in containers for growing veg again.

I am going to be making a flower bed in the back garden later in the year and would like to use the compost in the veg containers to fill this with (and probably mix with more compost (new)). Do you think this will be ok?

[fromthecrowsnest]

I've just planted pak choi plants in the potato barrel after adding some blood, fish and bone fertilizer. Should be cutting in November.

Your container compost will be OK, as long as no nasties affected the previous crop.

[plantmark]

I planted Runner Beans this year in previously used compost and they are great. I reuse mine often. Last year experimented by taking two identical containers and reusing the previous years compost in one and added slow release fertilizer granules, and replaced with new in the other. I planted Begonias and I could not see any difference between them. This year I have resused all of my basket compost adding small amounts of Lime, Chalk and slow release fertilizer granules and they are superb. The only thing to watch for in my experience is Vine Weevil which do appear sometimes.

I also used previously used compost this year to top up a raised bed and I have grown Runner Beans and Cucumbers in that.

I wouldn't use any new compost in a flower bed, as long as you top dress with fertilizer. I use pelleted chicken manure on my beds.

[Little tom]

I agree - Flowers don't require nutrients as much as vegetables do so they'll be fine even in a soil that's already been used - with the help of fertilisers. Some flowers (I'm thinking nasturtiums) flower even better if not fed at all, couldn't be easier :-)

I think that tomatoes & potatoes are famous for being hungry plants so that's when it is most important to prepare the soil with a top up a fresh compost/manure/green manure. I haven't tested this myself yet but I remember a thread about that - is it the one you're after?

only one season???

Cheerio,
Tom