I've recently moved into a new home and received some bulbs (peonies and spider lilies) as a gift. I've never gardened before, so I'm a bit clueless about how to make a good compost mix for these outdoor plants. When potting houseplants, I usually add things like perlite or orchid bark, but I'm wondering if I should do the same for outdoor plants or if I should just stick to using potting compost straight up. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
For outdoor planters, adding water-saving granules to your compost can really help with watering, making it easier to keep your plants hydrated. If you want, you can also mix in some fertilizer granules, although most new compost already comes with some nutrients added. A liquid seaweed fertilizer is a solid all-around option for summer growth too.
It's super important to consider your existing soil type. You can test it with kits from Amazon if you're unsure. Some plants, like your lilies and peonies, might do just fine without much extra enrichment, just a good mulch now and then. If you're potting, a mixture of general compost and a bit of grit will help with drainage. But if you want to plant directly in the ground, let the soil type guide your decision. For instance, if it’s heavy clay, adding grit and leaf mold can be beneficial. Just be mindful of pH levels too!
Oh, my bad! I meant potting, not direct planting in the ground. Thanks for the info!