Flowers don't grow like they used to

[whiffey]

Has anyone noticed this ? If I go back say 5 years, I would plant out loads of bedding plants and they would grow like mad. Over the last couple of years though, I've planted salvias, antirrhinums, dahlias, etc, and they just sit there and do nothing. I'm sure it's not the fertility of the soil. I use so much good quality compost when planting out that the flower beds are now several inches higher than the lawn and must be more compost than original soil. This year I have set out my usual plants, and 3 weeks later, despite hot weather, careful watering, pelleted chicken manure - they have barely grown at all.

[carrust]

Are you planting the same plants in the same position each year? Also, some plants don't like a fertile soil. I've got snap dragons growing very well in a wall !

[RATTER15]

Maybe you should check the PH values of your soil and find out if you are planting the right plants, all this manure etc will not be suitable for all plants!!

[fine,thanks]

magpies !

[RATTER15]

fine thanks!!! language please!!