SylvaGrow Ericaceous Compost

Melcourt SylvaGrow® Ericaous is a unique blend of fine bark (a by-product of sustainably managed British forests) and coir (from known, ethically-approved sources). It contains balanced nutrients sufficient for the first 4 - 6 weeks of growth. This professional-quality, 100% peat-free ericaceous compost is ideal for growing blueberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, camellias and other lime-hating plants in tubs and containers and for planting out.

Used throughout the UK by professional growers and Melcourt SylvaGrow® is suitable for a wide range of uses around the garden. It contains no peat or green waste compost.

Melcourt SylvaGrow® range is a sustainable growing medium for gardeners who are as passionate about the environment as their gardens.

• Superb quality, 100% peat-free compost as used by professionals
• Sustainable growing medium for lime hating plants
• Suitable for a wide range of garden applications including potting-on, planting out and as a growing bag
• Available in 15L or 40L bags
• RHS Endorsed

How to Use

Potting on, containers, tubs & troughs

• Firstly ensure that the plant to be potted on has been well-watered. If it is dry, immerse the roots in a bucket of water (preferably rainwater) for half an hour
• Fill the pot, tub or other container with SylvaGrow Ericaceous
• Make a hole large enough to accommodate the item to be potted and insert it, taking care that the growing medium is at about the same height on the stem as previously
• Gently firm the SylvaGrow Ericaceous around the plant and water thoroughly
• Ensure that the SylvaGrow Ericaceous is kept moist but not over-wet, at all times
• After four to six weeks, regularly apply a proprietary ericaceous liquid feed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively incorporate slow-release fertilizer granules according to the manufacturer’s instructions, at the time of potting
• For a perfect finishing touch mulch the surface with SylvaBark Pine Bark Flakes or SylvaBark Pine Mini Mulch

Cuttings

• Ensure the mother plant is well-watered before taking cuttings
• Fill a deep seed tray or pot with SylvaGrow Ericaceous and make a suitable hole with a dibber or pencil
• Prepare the stem or root cuttings according to type, ensuring that they are not allowed to dry out between cutting and inserting. Dip in hormone rooting powder/liquid if using
• Insert the cutting and gently firm the medium around it
• Stem cuttings need to be in a moist environment out of direct sunlight until they have rooted so either place in a cold frame, a covered propagator or cover with polythene, using supports to prevent the polythene from touching the cuttings. Root cuttings can be placed in a cold frame or sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and can benefit from a thin layer of grit on the growing medium surface
• Once the cuttings are well-rooted they can be potted on according to the instructions above

Raised Beds

• SylvaGrow Ericaceous can be used as part of a raised bed medium for lime-hating plants
• Simply mix 1 part SylvaGrow Ericaceous thoroughly with 3 to 4 parts acidic garden soil to gain a valuable addition of organic matter and nutrients
• Remember to supplementary feed as instructed above in ‘Potting On’. If the soil used is not acidic, (which is not recommended for best results) use up to 1 part SylvaGrow Ericaceous to 1 part soil and be particularly vigilant regarding supplementary feeding with an appropriate fertilizer for lime-hating plants
• Keep the soil moist at all times particularly during the first year as the plants are becoming established.

Planting Out

• SylvaGrow Ericaceous can be used as a planting medium for lime-hating plants in order to add valuable organic matter and nutrients to acidic soils
• Simply blend at 1 part to 4 parts of the back-fill soil
• Always ensure that the plant is watered to capacity before planting out and if necessary, immerse the roots in a bucket of water (preferably rainwater) for half an hour prior to planting
• Ensure that the planting pit is well-integrated with the wider soil with no smeared sides or other impediments to root exploration beyond the planting hole
• If the soil is not acidic, (which is not recommended for best results) use up to 1 part SylvaGrow Ericaceous to 2 parts soil and be particularly vigilant regarding supplementary feeding with an appropriate fertilizer for lime-hating plants
• Keep the soil moist at all times particularly during the first year as the plants are becoming established.

Cautions

• Use in a ventilated place and avoid breathing in dust.
• Always wear gloves when gardening and wash hands after use.
• Close bag after use to avoid drying out and to prevent contamination.
• Store in cool dry conditions.
• White mould: under certain conditions a white mould may appear on the surface of some of the particles. This is entirely normal and not harmful to humans, plants or pets.