Seed and potting composts and other growing media
Introduction
An organic growing medium - seed, potting, or multipurpose compost - has, as its main ingredient, biologically active material, such as composted plant wastes. Seed compost should be low in nutrients. Other mixes should provide plants with nutrients for as long as possible, to limit the need for liquid feeding.
Guidelines
Seeds, plants, growing media & containers | Composts and other growing media
Best organic practice - the first choice
- Make your own growing media using bulky organic ingredients from those listed in the Soil Care section.
See also:
- Our factsheet Potting composts: make your own
Seeds, plants, growing media & containers | Composts and other growing media
Acceptable organic practice
- Organic fertilisers, including animal products, as ingredients of growing media.
See also:
- Guidelines on Organic fertilisers
- Commercially available growing media, with an accredited organic symbol, or wording, from an approved organic certification organisation. [FACT SHEET IN preparation now]
- Commercially available growing media containing suitable materials listed in the Soil Care section of these guidelines.
See also:
- Guidelines on Commercial recycled plant wastes
- Guidelines on Commercial recycled animal wastes
Seeds, plants, growing media & containers | Composts and other growing media
Acceptable, but not for regular use
- Coarse grade seaweed meal for moisture retention; horticultural sand and grit; vermiculite and perlite; coir - as ingredients in home-made growing media
Seeds, plants, growing media & containers | Composts and other growing media
Never acceptable in an organic garden
- Growing media containing materials not approved in these guidelines, including non -organic fertilisers and peat
- Peat, other than recycled/ reclaimed peat
Top of pageAll content © Garden Organic | Registered Charity No 298104
Garden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA).
We are not responsible for the content of external web sites.
Garden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA).
We are not responsible for the content of external web sites.
Supported by
Bookmark this page on: