John Innes compost no 2 is a popular potting compost used by gardeners in the UK. But if you’re new to gardening, you may find yourself asking – what exactly is John Innes compost? And why is no 2 so popular?
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll demystify John Innes compost no 2 and explain everything you need to know to start using this compost in your garden.
What is John Innes Compost?
John Innes compost was first developed in the 1930s by John Innes, a scientist working at the John Innes Horticultural Institution in the UK. He developed a range of standardized potting composts that provided plants with the perfect balance of nutrients and soil structure.
The John Innes range includes numbered composts from 1 to 3, with each number indicating the strength of nutrients. No 1 is low in nutrients for seedlings, no 2 is mid-range for potting on young plants, and no 3 is a rich mix for mature plants.
The original John Innes composts use a base of loam (topsoil) and peat to provide structure, along with added nutrients like superphosphate hoof and horn and limestone. Modern versions use reduced peat and may include coir as a peat alternative.
Why Use John Innes No 2 Compost?
John Innes no 2 is considered the ideal all-round compost for a wide range of plants. Here are some of its key benefits:
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Balanced nutrients – No 2 has a mid-range level of nutrients tailored for actively growing young plants. This stimulates healthy growth without overfeeding plants.
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Excellent structure – The loam and peat/coir base provides the right balance of drainage and moisture retention. This prevents compaction or waterlogging.
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Widely available – As a popular standard compost, John Innes no 2 is easy to source from garden centers and online shops. It’s a reliable choice.
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Trusted formula – The consistent John Innes formula has been trusted by gardeners for generations. You can be confident it provides ideal growing conditions.
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Reduced peat options – Most brands now offer no 2 compost with reduced peat content for a lower environmental impact.
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Versatile uses – No 2 can be used for sowing seeds, potting on seedlings, repotting houseplants, and containers.
Thanks to this winning combination of nutrients, structure and versatility, John Innes no 2 is regarded as a fool-proof choice for nurturing healthy plants.
How to Use John Innes No 2 Compost
Using John Innes no 2 compost is straightforward. Here are some tips:
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For seeds and seedlings, mix equal parts compost and perlite to create free-draining potting mix.
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When potting on young plants, use compost mixed with 20-30% perlite or vermiculite to aid drainage.
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For containers and houseplants, use pure John Innes no 2 compost for moisture retention.
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As a soil conditioner in beds and borders, mix 1 part compost with 2 parts existing soil.
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Always water plants thoroughly after repotting in John Innes compost. This helps it settle around roots.
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Top up compost levels each season as it naturally decomposes. Old compost can be dug into beds.
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Store unused compost in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from pesticides and chemicals.
Follow the instructions on packaging for detailed usage guidelines. With a quality compost like John Innes no 2, healthy plant growth is virtually guaranteed!
What to Look for When Buying John Innes No 2
With John Innes no 2 compost readily available, you can easily buy it bagged or in bulk. Here’s what to look for:
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Reputable brand – Trusted makers like Westland, The Compost Shop and Gardeco offer consistent quality.
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Soil Association certified – This independent certification verifies sustainable practices.
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Reduced peat options – Look for compost blends with at least 50% peat alternatives like coir.
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Quality ingredients – Sphagnum moss peat, loam, grit sand, limestone, and fertilizers should all be included.
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pH of 6.0-6.5 – This slightly acidic pH suits most plants. Avoid compost outside of this optimal range.
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Chunky texture – Good compost is loose and open, not compacted. There should be visible fibrous peat/coir pieces.
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** Pleasant earthy smell** – A musty ammonia-like smell indicates poor quality.
Buying from reputable suppliers ensures you get genuine John Innes no 2 compost made to the correct specifications for healthy plant growth.
Making Your Own John Innes Style Compost
You can also easily make a homemade compost modeled on the John Innes formula. Here’s a simple recipe:
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3 parts loam – Use good quality topsoil, screening out debris.
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2 parts peat or coir – Use a sustainable peat alternative if possible.
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2 parts sharp sand or grit – Adds crucial drainage.
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1 part limestone – Balances pH.
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1 handful base fertilizer – E.g. hoof and horn, seaweed meal, chicken manure pellets.
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1 handful superphosphate
Simply mix the dry ingredients until well combined. Then add water gradually until moist but not wet. Use this DIY compost in place of shop-bought John Innes no 2.
Troubleshooting John Innes No 2 Compost Problems
John Innes no 2 compost is formulated for optimal results, but issues can occasionally occur:
Poor drainage/waterlogging – Mix in more sand or grit to improve drainage.
Nutrient deficiency – Add a balanced organic fertilizer to nourish plants.
Compaction – Loosen and aerate compacted compost before reusing.
pH imbalance – Test pH and add limestone to raise, or sulphur to lower.
Mold/fungus gnats – Remove affected areas and replace compost to remedy infestations.
With some minor troubleshooting, John Innes compost can get your plants thriving again.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Innes No 2
Is John Innes no 2 suitable for all plants?
It’s suitable for a wide range, but ericaceous/acid-loving plants like azaleas may prefer an ericaceous formula.
Should I fertilize as well as using John Innes compost?
Yes, the nutrients in the compost will last around 6-8 weeks before a liquid fertilizer is needed.
Can I use John Innes no 2 compost for sowing seeds?
It’s a bit rich for tiny seedlings – no 1 or seed compost is better. Use no 2 for potting on larger seedlings.
Is John Innes compost organic?
It’s not certified organic as it contains some synthetic mineral fertilizers. But it avoids stronger chemical inputs.
Is John Innes no 2 peat free?
Traditional John Innes uses peat. But most brands now offer reduced peat/coir versions with at least 50% alternatives.
Get Growing with John Innes No 2 Compost!
Now you know all about trusted John Innes no 2 compost and how to use it for thriving garden plants.
With its balanced nutrients, excellent structure and versatile applications, John Innes no 2 really is a gardener’s best friend!
Source a quality brand, or easily make your own. Then get potting and growing with this time-tested compost. Let us know how your plants thrive in John Innes no 2 compost!
Are John Innes composts peat free?[image id=”150377″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none”] Using peat-free John Innes compost to fill a pot
The traditional recipe for John Innes composts uses peat, although there are now some that are made using peat substitutes.
What are the different types of John Innes composts?[image id=”150381″ size=”landscape_thumbnail” align=”none”] Top-dressing a potted shrub with John Innes compost
There are three types of John Innes potting compost: John Innes No 1, John Innes No 2, and John Innes No 3. These numbers refer to the varying levels of fertilizer included in the mix, to suit different uses. There’s also John Innes compost for seed and cuttings, as well as an ericaceous compost which is lime-free and suitable for acid-loving (lime-hating) plants including blueberry, rhododendron, azalea, camellia, and pieris.
John Innes No 1 is designed for pricking out or potting on young seedlings or rooted cuttings. It contains a low, carefully balanced amount of fertilizer to give enough for growth but avoid scorching the delicate young roots.
John Innes No 2 contains moderate levels of fertilizer and is used for potting on plants at the next stage of growth, and most vegetables.
John Innes No 3 contains the highest levels of fertilizer and is suitable for mature plants growing in pots, such as shrubs, small trees, perennials, and conifers.