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Difference between potting mix and compost

Please advise if there is a big difference

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Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889

    potting mix and potting compost are the same.

    Garden compost is a different thing altogether and is mainly used as a soil conditioner.

    Devon.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    However, there are several different types of potting mix/compost.

    Some are soil-less, e.g. what is known as Multi Purpose Compost.  Some of these contain peat and some have coir and other materials replacing the peat.

    The others are loam or soil-based potting mix/composts and are based on the John Innes formula. 

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=952 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • NoviceHerbsNoviceHerbs Posts: 126

    so the multi compost and john innes no 3 are effectively potting mix

  • NoviceHerbsNoviceHerbs Posts: 126

    Althought potting mix stand alone products seem to be richer in nutrients such as miracle gro potting mix

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146
    NoviceHerbs says:

    so the multi compost and john innes no 3 are effectively potting mix

    See original post

     Yes, you've got it.image

    But JI No 3 is for large plants that will stay in the containers for a year or more - like container grown fruit trees, roses etc.  I use JI No 2 for other plants e.g. herbs.

    I don't like using Miracle Grow - to me it's a bit like feeding plants on steroids - I prefer to use organic  fertilisers, but that's just my personal preference. 

    Last edited: 23 April 2017 16:31:50


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • NoviceHerbsNoviceHerbs Posts: 126

    Dove I think your right ,  Can you suggest some fertilizers for me i have gro sure but i am sure it like miracle gro

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    I've posted on your fertiliser thread. image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • NoviceHerbsNoviceHerbs Posts: 126

    sorry dove but seemed to link up in the end

  • NoviceHerbsNoviceHerbs Posts: 126

    Have you ever used  Worm castings , rock dust , organic seaweed liquid

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    I do use seaweed liquid as a foliar feed, spraying it onto shrubs.  

    If we had enough worm casts here I might gather some to use for small seeds, but really - you'd need so many it'd be ridiculous trying to gather them.  The soil here is fine - no need for rock dust.   

    I hope it doesn't sound rude, but I think you really need to stop reading about it and start doing it ... learn by observation and experience ... it's the only way to learn image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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