Loam is the most important ingredient as it provides a natural reservoir of plant foods, trace elements and contains some organic matter which releases nitrogen slowly to the plant.

Gardeners who wish to formulate their own John Innes materials can use garden soil or better the loam derived from stacking turf upside down until it rots. When prepared correctly and planted in the right conditions, they can produce roots and eventually become independent plants.

John Innes No 1 is suitable for pricking out, and for potting up of young seedlings or rooted cuttings. Peat - Sphagnum Moss Peat in the John Innes Compost increases the total porosity and improves both the aeration and the water-retaining capacity. It is used for pricking out or potting-up young seedlings or rooted cuttings and short-term potting such as for bedding plants or vegetable transplants which will subsequently be planted out. Alternatively, at the time of pricking out, incorporate slow-release fertilizer granules according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Be aware though; currently offered JI composts may differ from the traditional product and some still contain peat. compost has a specially balanced nutrient mix ideally matched to the needs of developing seedlings, young plants and newly rooted cuttings.

Ideal for pricking out seedlings, potting up young plants, rooted cuttings and short term vegetable transplants. Lime-free grit sand is included to allow excess water to drain from the compost and so prevent water-logging. The truck driver/crane operator was super happy and friendly and actually spoke to me and explained what he would do to lift the bags up, over my fence, and onto the truck.

Alternatively, at the time of potting incorporate slow-release fertilizer granules according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This is a richer mixture for final re-potting of gross feeding vegetable plants, and for mature foliage plant.