Re: The Innes potting mixes.
The John Innes Seed Compost consists of :
two parts good sterilised loam,
one part peat and
one part coarse sand (all parts by bulk).
Add to each bushel* of this mixture
1 1/2 oz. superphosphate of lime and
3/4 oz. ground chalk.
John Innes Potting Composts consists of:
seven parts fibrous loam,
three parts peat and
two parts coarse silver sand (all parts by bulk),
with the addition of fertiliser:
4 oz. John Innes Base and
3/4 oz. ground chalk or limestone per bushel.
The John Innes Base is composed of:
two parts hoof and horn meal,
two parts superphosphate of lime and
one part sulphate of potash (all parts by weight)
The total mixture is known as John Innes Potting Compost No. 1.
Some plants, particularly at the second or third potting, need a stronger
compost than this, and should be given John Innes potting compost No. 2,
which simply indicates that double the quantity of fertiliser (8 oz. base
and 1 1/2 oz. chalk) is used per bushel. The even stronger John Innes
potting compost No. 3 contains three times the amount of fertiliser per
bushel.
* A bushel is an archaic British measure. It is a box 10 inches by 10 inches
by 22 inches.
I do not have any American alternatives.
This makes me feel far too old!
Graham in the Algarve, Portugal
---- Graham Payne ---- dpsgkp@mail.telepac.pt ----
