Aloha and thanks for checking out my thread. I haven't posted an introduction yet but I will after I can get some pics. The reason for this thread is my difficulties in growing in straight compost.
I started an aquaponics system late last year and it is motoring along. A few weeks back I expanded into some wicking beds and one raised bed so far.
The first two wicking beds were made from eighteen gallon totes. The first one was filled with a mix of potting soil I bought by the bag at the local HW store. That container has two tomato plants in it that seem to be doing fine. I made another container just like it but this time I filled it with compost I bought by the yard. This container also has two tomato plants inside but these two plants have grown considerably slower than the other container.
Lastly, I made a raised bed (10 feet x 2 feet x 1 foot) which I also filled with the same compost I bought by the yard. I planted the raised bed with seeds of pole beans, carrots, turnips and radish. The beans have sprouted and appeared to be doing well but now they are turning yellow and starting to die. The turnips only partially sprouted and are making very slow progress. The radish seems to be doing okay so far.
It should be known that when I picked up the truckload of compost the material was still hot and steaming in the middle. Even when I was shoveling the compost from the bed of the truck, the inner areas were still warm. It is my fear that this compost wasn't ready for planting and is not bio-available for my seedlings to the degree to keep them healthy. Also, water retention might be an issue as I've read that compost can offer too much drainage. I've checked the soil under the surface and it always feels mildly moist to the touch.
I've supplemented the compost beds/containers with EM1A, blood and bone meal hoping that might help the plants along.
Anyway, thanks for reading my post. I'll appreciate any help you might offer. Aloha.
