A layer of, er, something on top here?

[UTH]

As is obvious, I'm clueless in the world of growing stuff.
I've planted Clematis here, but I have a feeling the earth/mud/whatever I've used to create the bed isn't exactly the best. It's what we left over from the patio overhaul.

Would it be wise to put a layer of "something" on the top of all of this? I live very near a garden centre.....I'm guessing maybe a big bag or two of compost? Or is there anything specific for this job? Or don't bother at all?

[geeks]

If stuff is growing and you are watering it then its generally fine I reckon. I am not the gardener of the house, Mrs geeks is and I go where she points me but I do know if it grows, then its fine

[LR90]

Yes. It’s called mulching. Well worth doing if the soil is poor quality.

Compost, leaf mould, manure etc. They all do basically the same thing, which is to nourish the soil, improve its structure, suppress weeds and keep the roots moist.

Spread a good layer - 3-4 inches thick - while keeping it away from the stems.

[UTH]

geeks said:

If stuff is growing and you are watering it then its generally fine I reckon. I am not the gardener of the house, Mrs geeks is and I go where she points me but I do know if it grows, then its fine

Well they've only been in there a few days.....but I guess they haven't died so maybe all is ok?

[UTH]

LR90 said:

Yes. It’s called mulching. Well worth doing if the soil is poor quality.

Compost, leaf mould, manure etc. They all do basically the same thing, which is to nourish the soil, improve its structure, suppress weeds and keep the roots moist.

Spread a good layer - 3-4 inches thick - while keeping it away from the stems.

Ok so you think I should go and buy something from the garden centre?

Issue is I can't put 3-4 inches of it as then it'll go above concrete base of the fence and will sit against the wood which I'm guessing isn't great for longevity of the fence?

[LR90]

UTH said:

Ok so you think I should go and buy something from the garden centre?

Issue is I can't put 3-4 inches of it as then it'll go above concrete base of the fence and will sit against the wood which I'm guessing isn't great for longevity of the fence?

You don't have to. I personally think it's a good idea for the sake of the cost of a couple of bags of compost. It should help your clematis out, especially if, like you say, the soil they're planted in isn't great.

3-4 inches is optimal, but you could do less and still get some benefit. The compost (unlike topsoil) will sink down over time too, so you could feasibly top the compost every year to continue nourishing the clematis.

That's what I do, but like I say, it's not essential by any means.

[UTH]

LR90 said:

UTH said:

Ok so you think I should go and buy something from the garden centre?

Issue is I can't put 3-4 inches of it as then it'll go above concrete base of the fence and will sit against the wood which I'm guessing isn't great for longevity of the fence?

You don't have to. I personally think it's a good idea for the sake of the cost of a couple of bags of compost. It should help your clematis out, especially if, like you say, the soil they're planted in isn't great.

3-4 inches is optimal, but you could do less and still get some benefit. The compost (unlike topsoil) will sink down over time too, so you could feasibly top the compost every year to continue nourishing the clematis.

That's what I do, but like I say, it's not essential by any means.

Ok good stuff, I think I'll def get a bag or two then, and actually a little cover over those water pipes will be helpful because at the moment some of the tiny holes are spraying water onto the fence, so maybe a light covering will stop that happening.

[Simpo Two]

UTH said:

As is obvious, I'm clueless in the world of growing stuff.
I've planted Clematis here, but I have a feeling the earth/mud/whatever I've used to create the bed isn't exactly the best. It's what we left over from the patio overhaul.

Would it be wise to put a layer of "something" on the top of all of this? I live very near a garden centre.....I'm guessing maybe a big bag or two of compost? Or is there anything specific for this job? Or don't bother at all?

The time to add compost is really when you're planting it - mix some into the soil as you prepare the hole. That way the nutrients are where the roots are, not 6" above. Mulch IMHO is for suppressing weeds and reducing water loss by evaporation - a bin liner will do that.

The main thing now is to keep it watered as the weather warms up, as the roots need to get established. Just keep an eye on it

[Flooble]

I seem to remember we had a special Clematis feed that we used. Might be worth getting some of that and targeting it directly towards the roots.