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Best John Innes composts
janer2
Posts: 59
In theory this is made to a formula....so does it matter which brand I buy? If so, any recommendations? Thanks.
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Posts
They are not all the same!
I avoid Levington's because it contains a lot of clay. I prefer Wyevale's because it contains a lot of sand, which suits me because I mainly use it for potting succulents.
I suspected they might not be! We dont have a Wyevales particularly close. i need quite a bit to plant various things - an acer, some ferns (was planning to mix with potting grit for these), hearhers, roses, a Fuji cherry....hmm.
This has been mentioned on other threads but yes not all the same as it depends on where they get the base ingredients from. J Arthur Bowers used to be ok for me as is Westlands but I have no particular preferred source. Have bought from GC and DIY outlets usually go on price. For the Acer you may wish to use the ericaceous version not always available in all outlets,
Ok, so then try to assess it when I open it, and see if it looks as it should? Tricky without something to compare it to!
http://www.johninnes.info/members.htm
Does this mean these brands are more reliable, do you think?
The following manufacturers of John Innes Loam-based Composts are registered with JIMA and are authorised to use the JIMA Seal of Approval® to denote that their John Innes Composts are produced in accordance with the JIMA Quality Control Procedures and Specifications.
Full contact details are provided in the table below - just click on the company name to go direct to their website:-
I tend to use the JI as a base and mix in other ingredients eg grit perlite or even MPC extra feed depending on what I'm using it for. You could buy bagged topsoil and make your own mix if you really want but that will vary as well. The old gardeners used loam (from old stacked turfs) leafmould, or sieved garden compost grit, and base dressing feed as required. Monty Don does this , he highlights this in the March GW. Most of us do not have the time or resources.