crimzonian

It will get pricey if I fill an entire big container with good potting mix. I have a pile of half-finished compost made up of grass clippings, dead leaves, twigs, banana peels, and some shredded cardboard. Would it be a good idea to mix this into the bottom half of the container with some potting mix and more chopped-up twigs? Like a semi hugelkultur thing. Would the banana plant get bothered by this once it grows down into that mixture later in the year?

edwmax

I wouldn't advise it. decaying compost will rob nitrogen from the growing banana plant as well as harboring fungus bacteria and worms which help to turn the composition into compost. Compost itself will hold too much water which will cause root rot.



If you want to be 'frugal' mix in perlite or course sand (50%) and buy potting soil mix in bulk. I buy 1 yd bulk sacks for $35. That is equal to 27 1cu ft bags of potting soil at $5/bag (+/-). A savings of about $100.

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