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DIY potting soil for Auriculas

freshwatermodelsrZHHJNkjfreshwatermodelsrZHHJNkj Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I am in Rochester NY USA and watch Gardener's World on Britbox.  Seeing Auriculas on GW convinced me I want to have some in pots for our garden.  I have so far been unable to find John Innes #2 potting compost or John Innes base fertilizer in the USA.  I have found how to make a suitable substitute using the base fertilizer.  Can anyone suggest what I might use as a substitute for the John Innes base fertilizer  OR suggest a substitute for Innes #2 ?   Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    You can find the formulations online, for instance: https://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/soil/john_innes/john_innes.php

    Don't think alpine auriculas need that heavy a compost though, they appreciate sharp drainage so need a lot of vermiculite. Have a look at the recommendations of auricula specialists on what works best. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    edited October 2020
    I grow auriculas, and have used the info here https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-auriculas/ successfully.

    Their formula of 1 part grit to 3 parts soil based compost works well for me.  I feed with liquid seaweed feed every couple of weeks from March to June, so wouldn’t worry too much about what fertiliser is in the compost.

    Good luck ... they are beautiful little things


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Gorgeous @chicky :)
    Do you keep yours in a shadier spot to keep them cool? I often think I should grow them as we have ideal conditions. 

    Vermiculite or Perlite would be a good substitute if you can't get decent sized grit @freshwatermodelsrZHHJNkj, and can be added to any loam based medium to help plants stay well drained. That's important for what is essentially an alpine plant. You could use your own garden soil [sieved if necessary]  if it's suitable too. You would then feed appropriately as @chicky says  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    Mine stay in a shady spot from May to October, then go in an unheated greenhouse (basically to keep them dry) from November to March.  Then they go on display in April - used to be on an old decorating ladder .....but Mr C made me a full blown auricula theatre for Christmas last year ....so in 2021 we will be dead posh 🤣


  • freshwatermodelsrZHHJNkjfreshwatermodelsrZHHJNkj Posts: 3
    amancalledgeorge said:
    You can find the formulations online, for instance: https://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/soil/john_innes/john_innes.php


    I found those formulas but they all specify John Innes "Base Fertilizer" which I don't have access to.  If I knew the Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium contents I could look for something similar. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Can you not buy straightforward topsoil where you are @freshwatermodelsrZHHJNkj?
    Mixed with grit or an alternative, is all you'd need for them. 
    The food can then be added as already described for the main growing season.

    Good ol' Mr C @chicky. He can turn his hand to almost anything  ;)
    I'd need something quite decent to keep them drier- over winter especially. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • freshwatermodelsrZHHJNkjfreshwatermodelsrZHHJNkj Posts: 3
    John Innes #2 potting compost and others, you can see the formulas  here  https://www.proctorsnpk.com/t/HowToMakeYourOwn and after a lot of looking on line I found that the "John Innes Base fertilizer" is just 5-7.2-10 NPK fertilizer.  I can't find that odd formulation of fertilizer but assume 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 will suffice.  
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