LOW-PEAT, loam-based, seed and potting, John Innes, ericaceous… when selecting which compost to buy, newcomers could be forgiven for balking at this terminology minefield. So let me help you to buy this horticultural essential with confidence!
Experience has taught me that seeds need good-quality compost, and that ericaceous (acid-loving) crops such as blueberries struggle in a non-ericaceous blend. Many other crops (veg in containers, windowboxes and hanging baskets) are happy in multi-purpose compost. Fruit trees, canes and bushes prefer something with a bit more structure, namely a loam-based formula. In my potting shed, I have multi-purpose, ericaceous, seed and loam-based composts. I also have a small bag of grit, slow-release fertiliser, water-retaining granules and vermiculite. If, like me, you’re happy to mix your own blends, that’s all you need.
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