Melcourt SylvaGrow Peat Free Multipurpose Compost - 40L

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.

SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose is a unique blend of fine bark, woodfibre (by-products of sustainably managed British forests) and coir (from known, sustainable sources). It contains balanced nutrients sufficient for the first 4-6 weeks of growth.

How to use
Potting on, containers, tubs, troughs, hanging baskets and houseplants
First, ensure that the plant to be potted on has been well-watered. If it is dry, immerse the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour. Fill the pot, tub or other container with SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose. Make a hole large enough to accommodate the item to be potted and insert it, taking care that the growing medium is at about the same height on the stem as previously. Gently firm the SylvaGrow around the plant, water thoroughly. Ensure that the SylvaGrow is kept moist but not over-wet, at all times. Hanging baskets have a particularly high water requirement and may need watering every day in warm weather. After 4-8 weeks, regularly apply a liquid feed, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, at the time of potting incorporate slow-release fertiliser granules according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Seed Sowing
For all but very large seeds such as peas and beans, sieve the SylvaGrow before use to remove the larger particles, which can otherwise impede seedling development. Fill a seed tray evenly with SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose, tapping gently to settle. Lightly water with a fine rose. Sow the seeds carefully, according to the packet instructions, cover with more SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose to a depth as directed. Cover the seed tray with glass or polythene and put in a warm place out of direct sunlight. Remove the cover when the seeds have germinated and ensure the SylvaGrow is kept evenly moist at all times. Prick out as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle.

Pricking Out
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, gently tease them out of the growing medium using a dibber or pencil, taking care to handle only by the leaves. Fill a suitable pot with fresh SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose, use a dibber to make a hole and place the seedling in it, tapping the pot to settle the mix around the roots. Water gently but thoroughly. After 4-6 weeks, regularly apply a liquid feed, following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, at the time of pricking out, incorporate slow-release fertiliser granules according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Cuttings
Ensure the mother plant is well-watered before taking cuttings. Fill a deep seed tray or pot with SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose and make a suitable hole with a dibber or pencil. Prepare the stem or root cuttings according to type, ensuring that they are not allowed to dry out between cutting and inserting. Dip in hormone rooting powder/liquid if using. Insert the cutting and gently firm the medium around it. 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. Once the cuttings are well-rooted they can be potted on according to the instructions above.

Raised Beds
SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose can be used as part of a raised bed medium for vegetable and strawberry growing. Simply mix 1 part SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose 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.

Planting Out
SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose can be used as a planting medium for roses, shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials and bedding plants in order to add valuable organic matter and nutrients. Simply blend at 1 part to 4 parts of the back-fill soil. Always ensure that the plant is watered to capacity before planting out and if necessary, immerse the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting. Ensure that the planting pit is well-integrated with the wider soil with no smeared sides or other impediments ot root exploration beyond the planting hole. 

Lime-hating Ericaceous Plants
SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose is not suitable for raising lime-hating, ericaceous plants in containers. However, SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose can be used as a planting out medium for an ericaceous soil at rates of 1 part SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose to 4 parts acidic soil.