J Arthur Bowers is a traditional loam-based compost with limestone & sand. The fine-textured and low nutrient formula is ideally matched to the needs of germinating seeds and rooting cuttings.
- Perfect for germinating seeds
- Nutrient rich
- Fine texture
Sizes available
- 25 litre
- Product Details
- How to Use
- Tips & Advice
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 Seed compost has a special low nutrient level ideally matched to the needs of germinating seeds and rooting cuttings.
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.
How to Use
Seed Sowing
- Fill the seed tray or pot and firm gently to just below the rim
- Water with a fine rose then sow seeds thinly and evenly
- Leave small seeds uncovered but cover larger seeds thinly and water again
- Cover the tray or pot with glass or clear plastic and shade with newspaper
- Keep in a warm shaded place until seeds germinate
- Remove covering immediately, move into a lighter position and water as necessary. Be careful never to saturate the soil
Rooting Cuttings
- Fill the seed tray or pot and firm gently to just below the rim
- Water with a fine rose then sow seeds thinly and evenly
- Leave small seeds uncovered but cover larger seeds thinly and water again
- Cover the tray or pot with glass or clear plastic and shade with newspaper
- Keep in a warm shaded place until seeds germinate
- Remove covering immediately, move into a lighter position and water as necessary. Be careful never to saturate the soil
- Fill the pot and insert cuttings, spaced so that the leaves do not touch
- Gently firm the compost around the cuttings
- Water in using a fine rose
- To maintain humidity fit a plastic bag or dome cover over the pot or place in a propagation unit
- Keep in a warm well-lit place, out of direct sunlight
- Water when the cover looks dry or if cuttings wilt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will my pets or wildlife be attracted to this product?
A. J Arthur Bower’s John Innes Seed Sowing Compost does not contain any organic elements so shouldn’t be attractive to animals.
Q. Can I use this compost for my houseplants?
A. J. Arthur Bower’s John Innes Seed Sowing Compost is perfect for raising seeds. For any other job choose a Multi-Purpose compost or one that is specific to your requirements—for example 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]