John Innes No.3 Compost 25L

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After hundreds of trials, Lawrence and Newell arrived at their two standardised composts. These formulae were published in 1938, and they became known as "John Innes composts" in the horticultural trade. [2] The potting mixes are used to grow different types of plants depending on their nutrient requirements. [1] The institution made the formulae generally available, but never manufactured the composts for sale nor benefited financially from their production. [3] Original formulae [ edit ]

No. 2 contains moderate nutrient levels, and is used for growing established plants and most vegetables. [1] The base soil is amended with: John Innes No.3 is the perfect choice for most mature plants including heavy feeding vegetables, salad plants, foliage and flowering plants, shrubs and containerised trees. A. John Innes No 3 Mature Plant Compost does not contain any organic elements so shouldn’t be attractive to animalsThe formulae contain loam, peat, sand, and fertiliser in varying ratios for specific purposes. These composts are used to grow seedlings for planting out, as well as long-lived plants which remain in containers. [1] History [ edit ] The formulae for John Innes composts were first developed over 50 years ago and have been trusted and used by gardeners ever since. Each John Innes compost is based on a specific mix of loam, peat and grit plus a carefully balanced recipe of added plant nutrients. Although any good multipurpose compost is suitable, soil-based John Innes composts are easier to manage in terms of watering and feeding. John Innes No 3 is recommended for most lilies. If it appears too dense add 20 per cent by volume each of horticultural grit and peat-free multi-purpose compost or leaf mould to improve drainage. A recently developed product that is suitable for use with ericaceous or ‘lime-hating’ plants. Peat-based or peat-free media with ‘added John Innes’ Some lilies, such as the Asiatic hybrids, root from the base of the bulb only. Others, including L. formosanum, L. lancifolium and L. longiflorum, produce roots not just from the base of the bulb but also from the stem just above the bulb – these lilies may need a deeper container.

Plant basal-rooting lilies (or those whose habit is unknown) at a depth equal to the height of the bulb. Plant stem-rooting lilies at a depth roughly two-and-a-half times the height of the bulb. Sand - The coarse sand or grit is used as a physical conditioner to allow excess water to drain from the compost and thus prevent water-logging. It also helps to provide stability for larger plants. The seedling mix is used to sow seeds and to grow young plants and cuttings until they are ready to be planted out. [4] To speed up flowering (i.e. force the bulbs) move plants to conditions of 18-21ºC (64-68ºF) when shoots appear. After flowering Approved by the John Innes Manufacturers Association, Levington Peat Free John Innes No.3 is ideal for final potting of plants. It has been specially developed, with a unique combination of 14 vital minerals for maintaining plants growth and health. Use straight from the bag, it's as easy as that. When filling or potting, firm lightly. Keep the compost moist and do not let it dry out. Do not leave plants standing in water. Storing Levington Peat Free John Innes No.3 from one year to another may result in the fertiliser ratios becoming unbalanced. Before repotting, water plants well and allow to drain. Put fresh Levington Peat Free John Innes No.3 compost in the bottom of a new pot. Turn the old plant upside down and tap the pot sharply to release. Place the plant in the middle of the new pot and add more compost, firming lightly around the root-ball. Leave a space of at least 1cm below the pot rim to allow adequate space for watering. Water the plant well. Perfect for repotting mature plants. Repotting is best done in the spring when plants are actively growing.There are four original formulae; one seedling mix and three potting mixes. The potting mixes have identical soil components and differ only in nutrient levels. [4] Seedling mix [ edit ] A. John Innes No 3 Mature Plant Compost is great for use with larger houseplants. For any other job choose a compost that is more specific to your requirements—for example Westland Houseplant Potting Mix.

Loam 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. As an alternative to using the original seedling mix, a special mix is sometimes used to root cuttings. The mix contains no added fertiliser or amendments, only the soil component: No. 1 contains the lowest level of nutrients, and is used for potting on young cuttings or seedlings. [1] The base soil is amended with: Potting on Trees and shrubs in containers, tubs and troughs and most long-term mature plant containers Raised Beds SylvaGrow John Innes No.3 can be used as part of a raised bed medium for vegetable and strawberry growing. Simply mix one part SylvaGrow John Innes No.3 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.

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Fertilser - The compound fertiliser in John Innes Compost provides a wide spectrum of plant nutrients needed for balanced growth, including :- Nitrogen (for top growth Phosphates - for root growth) - Potash (for flowering and fruiting & Trace Elements for optimal growth, colour and flavor. Re-pot in autumn when the foliage dies down, or transfer bulbs to the garden. In larger containers, lilies can be grown on for a second season in the same pot, but ensure that the top 5cm (2in)of compost is replaced with fresh compost with some added fertiliser or well rotted manure. Overwintering This mix contains double the amount of nutrient in John Innes No 1 to suit established plants. It is suitablefor most houseplants and vegetable plants in containers. Ideally keepcontainers in a cool but frost-free, airy place with strong light, such as a well-ventilated cold greenhouse or frame.

Peat - Sphagnum Moss Peat in the John Innes Compost increases the total porosity and improves both the aeration and the water-retaining capacity. Peat decomposes slowly into humus. Some lilies are lime-haters (e.g. L. auratum and L. speciosum), and should be potted into pure ericaceous compost. John Innes ericaceous compost is recommended. Unwanted Food or Drink Products - Once supply conditions are broken, there are a number of factors outside of our control that can affect the quality of a product. Therefore perishable goods such as food and drink cannot be returned. John Innes compost is a set of four soil-based formulae for growing media, developed at the former John Innes Horticultural Institution (JIHI), now the John Innes Centre, in the 1930s and released into the public domain. Loam - Loam is the most important ingredient in all John Innes compost, supplying the main body of the compost. The loam supplies the nutrition needed for the base of the plant, which helps to absorb and release plant nutrients as required. The loam also contains micro-elements and organic matter, which provides a slow release of Nitrogen to the plant.For reasons of hygiene and safety, personal grooming products, cosmetics or items of intimate clothing cannot be returned. The bulbs should be planted with their basal plate (which has hair-like roots hanging down from it) facing downwards, and the pointed tip of the bulb scales pointing upwards. Compost