Although home-made garden compost is useful as a soil additive it is very unlikely that it will meet all of your needs, either in terms of quantity or quality. Commercially supplied composts are made from precise combinations of materials and the quality and effectiveness of these is always the same. In addition, it’s always available in easy-to-handle sized bags!

Here at Clifton Nurseries we stock the Melcourt range of composts and soil improvers – a range that is totally peat-free, holds a Royal Warrant for His Majesty The King, and is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Multi-Purpose Compost

SylvaGrow® Multi-Purpose compost is a growing medium used for a wide range of purposes including sowing seeds, repotting plants, hanging baskets and containers and as a general soil improver. It contains balanced nutrients to encourage the growth and development of all plants for an initial period of 4 to 6 weeks, after which you need to provide extra feeding. Containing no peat or green waste, multi-purpose compost is very good value for money as it can be used in so many different ways.

SylvaGrow® Multi-Purpose with added John Innes is a mix of peat-free compost along with sterilised loam and sand which results in the compost having better drainage, holding its structure better and providing more stability for longer term planting. It’s particularly useful for pricking out seedlings, for planting up in containers and for many other uses. Like the ‘straight’ Multi-purpose compost you will need to provide extra feeding after 4 to 6 weeks.

Ericaceous Compost

SylvaGrow® Ericaceous compost is a peat-free specialised compost for acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas, camellia, pieris and blueberries. Ideal for containers or for planting into the ground, as with the multi-purpose compost you’ll need to feed your acid-loving plants (with ericaceous plant food) after 4 to 6 weeks.

Organic Compost

SylvaGrow® Organic compost is a general peat-free multi-purpose compost comprising organic materials and containing organic fertilisers, suitable for a wide range of uses. You will need to provide extra feeding after 3 to 4 weeks.

Farmyard Manure

SylvaGrow® Farmyard is a peat-free rich soil improver and source of organic matter for adding nutrients, improving fertility and soil structure, and enhancing water-holding capacity. Ideal for applying to all soils and can be dug in or used as a surface mulch. As a general rule of thumb, apply about a 5 to 10cm layer.

Topsoil

Topsoil™ Blended Loam is a carefully manufactured, high-quality soil, consisting of sandy loam and organic matter processed from peat and chemical free materials. It is ideal for making new beds and borders, or as a base for lawns where the natural soil is poor or non-existent. Due to its weight, topsoil is only sold in small bags.

Bark Mulch

Ornamental Bark Mulch™ is a decorative-quality peat-free garden bark mulch processed from sustainably produced British pine, Douglas Fir and larch bark. Bark mulch, applied on the surface of the soil, provides many benefits including; keeping plant roots warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing water loss and discouraging weeds, as well as improving the appearance of a bed. Spread the mulch to a depth of about 10 to 15cm.

Pine Mini Chips™ is a stylish peat-free mulch comprising smaller, neater chips, so is particularly suited for smaller beds and borders or tubs, pots, window boxes and roof gardens. Being naturally acidic it’s also ideal for mulching around acid-loving plants. Spread the mulch to a depth of about 10 to 15cm.