J. Arthur Bower’s John Innes No. 2 Compost

Why Use

J. Arthur Bower’s John Innes are traditional, superior quality soil-based composts. John Innes composts have been widely used by gardeners for over 60 years and are valued for their consistently good performance. J. Arthur Bower’s John Innes No. 2 compost has a nutrient level ideally matched to the needs of most houseplants and vegetables being re-potted into medium sized containers.

Quality Ingredients

• 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. The loam in J. Arthur Bower’s John Innes is screened and sterilised to avoid any soil-borne diseases and insects
• The sphagnum moss peat in John Innes compost improves both the aeration and water-retaining capacity, which enables the compost to make maximum use of the nutrients and trace elements in fertilisers.
• Lime-free grit sand is included to allow excess water to drain from the compost and so prevent waterlogging. It also adds weight and provides stability for pot grown plants.
• Ground horticultural-grade limestone is added to give the compost the pH most plants prefer. For lime-hating plants choose John Innes Ericaceous instead
• The compound fertiliser in John Innes provides the wide spectrum of plant nutrients needed for healthy growth. These include nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphates for root development, potash for flowering and fruiting and trace elements for colour and flavour

 

Potting-on Plants

• Before re-potting, remove any moss or lichen that may have formed on the old compost, water plant well and allow to drain
• Put fresh compost in the bottom of a new pot
• Turn the old plant upside down and tap 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
• Feed with a liquid plant food after 2 or 3 months, or earlier if the container becomes well filled with roots

Watering

• Keep compost moist, never allow to dry out
• Water carefully using a watering can with a fine rose
• Do not overfeed

 

Helpful Tips

Do:

• Give your plants fresh, moist air, good light and an even, warm temperature
• Make sure your containers are clean and free-draining
• Close the bag of compost after use to keep it moist and prevent contamination
• Use John Innes Ericaceous for lime-hating subjects such as Azaleas, Heathers and Rhododendrons
• Wear gloves when using this product
• Wash hands after use and before eating, drinking or smoking

Don’t:

• Expose plants to too much direct sunlight, fumes, draughts, hot air and sudden changes or extremes of temperature
• Dry out or over-water your compost – keep it just moist
• Store your John Innes compost from one season to another as the nutrient content may become unbalanced
• Use in an enclosed space to avoid breathing in dust

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will my pets or wildlife be attracted to this product?

A. John Innes No 2 Potting On Compost does not contain any organic elements so shouldn’t be attractive to animals

Q. Can I use this compost for my houseplants?

A. John Innes No 2 will be perfect for potting on seedlings and young plants and for repotting houseplants. You could also consider using our Westland Houseplant potting mix

For any questions or advice, please contact our technical advice line on 01480 443789 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm) or email [email protected]