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What is the white layer on the compost around my pot plants?

Our Advice:

This is a mould that feeds on fertiliser residue in the compost. It is worse if you water with hard tap water and liquid feed your plants. Remove the top layer of compost and replace it with fresh peat-based. Also standing these pots in saucers and watering from below to keep the surface of the compost drier and discourage the mould.

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