Soil mix seems too wet

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bramhallbill Manchester, United Kingdom Apr 05, 2014

I pot on plugs but this year the soil just compacts & is too wet. Some plants are still indoors, some out doors hardening off , some in tubs from previous years....
I had a ratio 6 general Compost 2 Sharp sand 1 Peat 1 Gravel/small stones.....vermiculite pos

Tulips & Iris tubs are quite wet........they have finished or out. Bulbs have n't rotted.....

The patio by the back door has Xmas & Spring bushes & plants,year after year, so they are happy there!!

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WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom Apr 07, 2014

Did you buy ready MADE compost or did you mix your own by adding the different ingredients.

I don't know what 6 general compost is, the best type of compost for small newly germinated seedlings or new cuttings is a special purchased seed mix or a John Innis potting compost you purchase from any garden store.

The only way any compost can become tooooo wet is because there was too much water added either by rain or human watering.
The best way to check IF watering is required is to stick your finger into the soil and if it's dry, then give a little water to seedlings, IF WET, don't water.
Over watering seedlings and small plants is allowing disease to take hold either fungal or mould, these both cause the death of small plants.

For little seedlings, I would not use Vermiculite as this is normally used to help retain air AND moisture to the soil, Grit / gravel is to help drainage.

The reason the plants outside in the GARDEN sil from Christmas and now spring is because they are hardier, the roots are properly formed and are able to withstand a bit more wet from our climate, but plug plants are like little babies, they cant be left in a bath and cant swim in too much water so you need to watch out and change your watering system or routine.
Hope this helps you a little.
Best Regards.
WeeNel.

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bramhallbill Manchester, United Kingdom Apr 07, 2014

I have general compost so I mix the other stuff in. The ratio was 6:2:1 + Vermiculite if there.
I had 3 clematis by mail order 1 had good roots & after a week leaves are on the way but the others 2 & 3 are better.
I try to get stuff to drain in big tubs.....hit & miss really. This week has been WET loads of stuff has shot up. I have some plants & bulbs out that I don't remember last year so a blessing there!!
Cheers Nel

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