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Compost
Specialist composts are designed to provide some plants the exact conditions they need to thrive. 
Some examples of acid-loving plants are rhododendrons, camellias and blueberries which need ericaceous compost; this gives them an ideal blend of compost and nutrients for healthy growth.
John Innes composts have been developed especially for use by gardeners for over 60 years, providing consistently reliable results.
Modern Container and Basket composts typically contain additional nutrients for longer lasting flowers and may need up to 50% less watering compared with standard multi-purpose composts.
Multi-purpose compost is a generally suitable for a wide variety of uses. It may be used for seed-sowing, growing cuttings and potting-on. Additionally it may be used in containers and hanging baskets.
Reduced peat and peat-free composts are readily available in most garden centres. These contain essential nutrients for getting garden plants, fruit and vegetables ready for the season(s) ahead.
Home-made garden compost is naturally slightly acidic in nature, rich in soil bacteria and organisms and so is ideal for your garden – and it’s free!
Soil Improvers
Compost added to any soil will improve its water-retaining capacity, soil structure and enhance drainage.
Manure offers an entirely organic, peat-free method of adding fertility to garden soil, improving crop health and subsequent yield. It enriches nutrient-leached soils and is a naturally organic material.
Top-soil may be added to bulk out existing soils in containers, beds, borders and raised beds in the garden. Providing it is sterile, top-soil can be used as a base for laying a new lawn.
Mulches
Garden mulch may be made of bark, stones, gravel, slate, glass, or pelleted rubber aggregates. It is used to retain moisture, prevent evaporation and improve the aesthetic appearance of the bed or border.
Bark is both decorative and environmentally ‘green’. It retains moisture effectively and suppresses weed growth well. Over time it will degrade into the soil adding to overall soil structure, air and water retention.
Play graded bark is perfect for children’s areas, cushioning minor falls and preventing injuries.
A mulch layer in a bed or border should be a minimum of 3-4” (7-10 cm) deep in order to provide good, even coverage and basic weed control.
Sands and Grits
Horticultural grits should be added to potting mixtures and composts when seed-sowing, or transplanting seedlings and for top-dressing lawns to improve drainage.
Potting grit aids drainage, particularly in heavy soils.
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