Multi Purpose Compost (MPC) with added John Innes
Peat Free, Organic, Recycled
For sowing, pricking out, potting
- Planting-up containers and planting out shrubs etc
- All-natural nutrients feed plants for at least 6 weeks
- Retains and absorbs moisture
Vital Earth Multi Purpose Compost with John Innes has been developed for a wide range of gardening activities, including seed sowing, potting and planting up containers.
The formulation is 100% natural and sustainable and includes
Vitalizer: an entirely natural, long-lasting growth booster, growing strong healthy plants with minimal feeding. Sterilised (weed-free) soil for extra nutrient buffering/staying power
How to Use Vital Earth MPC with added John Innes Sowing Seeds
- Fill trays or pots with Vital Earth Multi Purpose Organic Compost with added John Innes, level off and firm lightly
- Water thoroughly, using a fine rose on the watering can
- Sow seeds evenly and thinly as per seed packet instructions
- Label / date tray / pot
- Most seeds benefit from:
- thin covering of compost using fine sieve (but none for tiny seeds eg Petunia, Begonia)
- darkness
- warmth: usually 20-30oC
- moisture: use plastic bag/cover or propagator
But there are exceptions (eg lettuce prefers cooler conditions plus light), so check instructions
- At germination, remove bag/cover, keep moist and well lit
Pricking Out Seedlings
- Fill trays or pots with Vital Earth Multi Purpose Organic Compost with added John Innes, level off and firm lightly
- First (seed) leaves should be fully grown (true leaves will be appearing)
- Carefully tease seedlings apart with a dibber (eg a pencil)
- Dib a hole in the compost and gently holding a seedling by a seed leaf, introduce it into the hole to just below its seed leaves; firm in
- Water thoroughly, using a fine rose on the watering can
Striking Cuttings
- Fill trays or pots with Vital Earth Multi Purpose Organic Compost with added John Innes, level off and firm lightly
- Prepare cuttings from healthy non-flowering shoots: make a clean cut just below a leaf joint and strip off leaves from approximately 2 cm of the stem
- Stick cuttings into compost up to 1cm below lowest leaf. Firm in
Water thoroughly, using a fine rose
- Enclose in a plastic bag to maintain humidity and keep in a warm, slightly shaded environment
- When rooted, remove plastic bag and shading. After a week or two, pot up
Hanging Baskets and Other Containers
- Line hanging basket
- Fill basket/container with Vital Earth Multi Purpose Organic Compost with added John Innes and plant up, leaving approximately 1cm (½") for watering, and firming gently to eliminate air spaces
- Water thoroughly and do not allow your basket or container to dry out
- When well-established and flowering heavily, apply Vital Earth Vitalizer Natural Fertiliser to the compost surface and water in
Potting
- Choose a pot large enough to accommodate the root ball and partly fill with Vital Earth Multi Purpose Compost with added John Innes
- Water the plant thoroughly, then remove it from its pot
- Place the root-ball in the new pot and fill around the sides, leaving approx. 1cm (½") for watering, and firming gently to eliminate air spaces
- Water thoroughly
Planting Trees, Roses, Shrubs etc.
- Soak the root ball in a bucket of water until air bubbles no longer appear. Dig a hole approximately twice the width of the root ball
- Mix Vital Earth Multi Purpose Organic Compost with added John Innes and soil 50:50, place the plant centrally in the hole, refill, carefully firm in and water well
- During dry conditions, place a 2cm layer of Vital Earth Multi Purpose Compost with added John Innes in the bottom of the hole and water layer well before planting
- For best results, also use Vitalizer Natural Fertilizer
Watering
To tell when watering is needed, poke the compost surface with a finger. If the surface is soft, watering is not needed. If it is firm, watering is needed soon. As Vital Earth Multi Purpose Organic Compost with added John Innes dries out, natural organic substances (humates) bind the root-ball, making it feel firm. This is a natural harmless effect: in fact, it helps to protect the root-ball during potting on and planting out.
Feeding
We’ve taken care of that for at least six weeks. After that:
Young plants - apply a dilute liquid feed.
Container plants – apply Vital Earth Plant Food and water in.
Suggested Quantities for Vital Earth MPC with added John Innes
|
60 Litres |
Seed Tray |
20 |
Half Tray |
42 |
8cm/3” Pots |
240 |
10cm/4” Pots |
120 |
12cm/5” Pots |
50 |
15cm/6” Pots |
26 |
25cm/10” Pots |
7 |
30cm/12” Pots |
6 |
30cm/12” Baskets |
11 |
36cm/14” Baskets |
6 |
Gardening Advice
- Ideally, use within a year of purchase
-
As with all gardening activities, please wash your hands after use and/or wear gloves
-
Re-seal bag when not in use
-
Store in a dry, frost free place, away from weed-killers and other chemicals
-
To avoid danger of suffocation, please keep this bag away from babies and children
Environmental Benefits
Peat Free, Organic, Recycled and Sustainable. All ingredients are British sourced, natural with no added chemicals.
PLEASE NOTE:
This product is not suitable for ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Heathers and most Acers. Use Vital Earth Ericaceous Compost
