Should I change the compost in my pots every year.
+3
I often remove the top layer of compost in my pots and any roots from last year's blooms with satisfactory results. I have lots of containers as my garden is slabbed. It's a costly business to empty every container. But as I don't drive I also have a problem transporting big bags of compost as well as getting rid of the old compost as putting it in the garden Recycling Bin (which I pay for) isn't allowed.
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I reuse mine. I clean it up, like you do removing roots, etc, add a little fresh potting mix and it's good to go. The main problem is transferring diseases from last year's plants to this year's thru the soil. You have to decide if it's worth the risk!
Hi Jean,
I reuse mine as well - as long as none of my plants have had a disease last year. I put it all into a large container, clean out all the roots and anything else that doesn't belong there. Then add a small bag of fresh compost or potting soil and mix it all together. Wishing you the best.
Always reuse soil from previous year. Do mostly container gardening. To save on completely filling up the container with compost/soil add packing peanuts or broken terra cotta pots in the bottom. Refresh the soil at the top and you're good to go. If you're using them for veggies, replace more soil.
I agree with Linda, clean out all the dead, look through the dirt well to see if there are any bugs or eggs in there, get them out, then throw some new in and mix all together. I usually cover my pots with a black garbage bag in the winter months.
If you're growing annuals, use more phosphate for more blooms (or higher middle number).