Coolings Garden Centre - Kent

When you first walk out into Coolings’ compost area it can be a little daunting seeing all the different types available. Multi-purpose compost is a good example. We have our own Coolings’ Professional Potting Compost which we use on our Nursery to grow all our bedding and patio plants, Levington Multi-Purpose Compost, Levington Container & Hanging Basket Compost, J Arthur Bowers Multi-Purpose Compost with added John Innes, Miracle-Gro All Purpose Growing Compost and so on. Each one has its own use and has a slightly different recipe to produce the best results.

They all contain enough feed so that you do not have to start feeding for about six weeks. So what are the differences? Most quality composts contain a wetting agent which acts like a sponge when the compost has become very dry. This helps the water to soak throughout the compost and not just run out of the bottom of the pot. In addition, hanging basket composts contain a water retaining agent which holds onto water and releases it slowly to help prevent drying out. This means the compost can hold up to 50% more water without becoming waterlogged.

If you are planting a larger shrub in a pot and are concerned that Multi-Purpose Compost is too light in weight then try the J. Arthur Bowers Multi-Purpose Compost with added John Innes which contains loam (soil). This adds weight to the compost so your pot is less likely to blow over. Just be careful when lifting the bag - as this could be heavy. So what do I use for my acid loving plants like Acers, Camellias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons? Although a normal multi-purpose is slightly acidic it is not enough for these plants, so look out for Levington Ericaceous Compost or the Miracle-Gro Ericaceous Compost. Remember that they will have enough acid feed for the first 6 weeks and then will need feeding with an ericaceous feed like Miracle-Gro Ericaceous Food.

Not everyone wants to use a peat based compost and so we have peat free composts available. The most popular is the New Horizon Organic & Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost. This has always done very well in Which? magazine reports and is the market leader for peat free composts.

Grow bags have always been popular for growing tomatoes and have now been developed for growing vegetables in as well.

Still confused? Then why not come along and talk to one of our staff who will be more than happy to advise you regarding your particular needs. Or you could look at some of our other articles online.

Stop press, available this spring our own Coolings’ Professional Compost in 35 litre bags.