Find out more about why you should buy peat-free compost. Is it true that I can catch Legionnaires' disease from compost? Use compost in a well-ventilated place; keep the greenhouse or potting shed door open and avoid breathing in dust. Remove the cover when the seeds have germinated and ensure the SylvaGrow is kept evenly moist at all times Sciarid flies are attracted to organic matter so they can find their way into bags of compost, typically that have been stored open for a while. Flies in compost are adept at even getting through the tiny air holes in bags.

Fill a suitable pot with fresh SylvaGrow®, use a dibber to make a hole and place the seedling in it, tapping the pot to settle the mix around the rootsLoam is currently in short supply and the soil-based material used appears to be highly variable and not necessarily consistent with what is commonly understood to be a medium loam. There is no legally binding standards for John Innes potting media ingredients.

Raised Beds SylvaGrow with added JI can be used as part of a raised bed medium for vegetable and strawberry growing. Simply mix 1 part SylvaGrow with added JI thoroughly with 3 to 4 parts loam or garden soil to gain a valuable addition of organic matter and nutrients. Remember to supplementary feed as instructed above in ‘Potting On’ as vegetables are heavy feeders and will respond well. Remove the cover when the seeds have germinated and ensure the SylvaGrow Organic is kept evenly moist at all times Formulated to optimise plant growth by providing the right conditions to suit the plant at a particular stage in its life, or for certain types of plants such as orchids, cacti or ericaceous plants. Raised Beds SylvaGrow John Innes No.2 can be used as part of a raised bed medium for vegetable and strawberry growing. Simply mix one part SylvaGrow John Innes No.2 thoroughly with two to three parts loam or garden soil to gain a valuable addition of organic matter, sterilized loam and nutrients. Remember to supplementary feed as instructed above in ‘Potting On’ as vegetables are heavy feeders and will respond well.

We also test grow bags - see our round-up of the best grow bags. What are the different types of compost? Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines, courgettes, chilli peppers and strawberries Using well-established young plants, • First, ensure that the plants to be potted have been well-watered. • Make holes large enough to accommodate the items to be potted, insert the plants and firm gently around the stem. • Water thoroughly. Take care always to avoid wetting the crowns and fruit of strawberries as this can promote disease. • Ensure that the Planter is kept evenly moist but not over-wet, at all • times. • As the first flowers appear, commence liquid feeding. If using a conventional fertilizer (non-organic) apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually around every 10 -1 4 days). • If you wish to maintain the organic status of the crop, choose an organic liquid feed (preferably a Soil Association approved product). Commence feeding at three weeks after potting or when the first flowers appear if this comes first. Apply feed at every other watering, increasing to every watering once the plant is cropping. Used throughout the UK by professional growers and Melcourt SylvaGrow® is suitable for a wide range of uses around the garden. It contains no peat or green waste compost. Stem cuttings need to be in a moist environment out of direct sunlight until they have rooted so either place in a cold frame, a covered propagator or cover with polythene, using supports to prevent the polythene from touching the cuttings. Root cuttings can be placed in a cold frame or sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and can benefit from a thin layer of grit on the growing medium surface

Specific-use composts tend to be more expensive than multipurpose composts, but in some cases it's worth paying a little more. In fact, our testing shows really variable results for both cheap and expensive compost. The only way to really know what you're getting is to look at our results. Things to look for when buying compost Raised Beds The contents of the SylvaGrow Planter can be used as part of a raised bed medium for • vegetable and strawberry growing either before or after it has been used. Simply mix 1 part SylvaGrow Planter thoroughly with 3 to 4 parts loam or garden soil to gain a valuable addition of organic matter and nutrients. Remember to supplementary feed as vegetables are heavy feeders and will respond well. One thing that has been noted (although I doubt has been a factor in this) is that some gardeners are now recommending a submerging of trays for watering. This has never been a method I have used as a commercial nurseryman and is not recommended by manufacturers (certainly not us). Over time, salt can build up in growing mediums as base fertiliser degrade, so a thorough traditional overhead water will flush those and effectively reset the balance. Submerging simple puts everything int solution throughout the growing medium and might do more damage. Place the Planter in a sheltered, sunny, frost-free position, either outside or in a greenhouse. IMPORTANT – Pierce drainage holes down both sides of the Planter just above ground level.

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All three tests are carried out by an expert at a horticultural institute, and the compost for seeds and young plants test takes place in a temperature and humidity-controlled greenhouse. The composts for containers are tested outside once the nights are frost-free. The results are compiled by an independent assessor who's an expert in compost and plant health. Superb-quality 100% peat-free compost as used by professionals. Perfect for a wide range of garden applications including potting-on, containers, planting out and as a growing bag.