Which brand of John Innes?

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CactusNovice
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Which brand of John Innes?

Post by CactusNovice »

Hi, what is the current "good" brand of John Innes to buy for cactus use? I've been reading that the quality of mix differs year on year so posts recommending one brand from a few years ago may not be valid anymore.

For example on the B and Q website the reviews for the westland john innes no 2 stuff are not great but in the past people on this forum have recommended it.

Which is currently the good stuff?
Thanks.
Nick_G
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by Nick_G »

I'm using the Westland from B&Q at the moment and I'm very happy with it.
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Diane
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by Diane »

I use Westland, it used to be excellent, but not as good as it used to be. Best of a bad bunch, really.
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Herts Mike
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by Herts Mike »

Too dense now. You need to mix it with something else.
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by Darren S »

Keith Singleton's , if you can get it where you are.
Darren nr Lancaster UK. Growing Conophytum, Lobivia, Sulcorebutia, bulbs etc.
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by Nick_G »

Herts Mike wrote: Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:17 pm Too dense now. You need to mix it with something else.
We must get different batches Mike, for me it's as good as anything else I've used over the last 50 years. I only use it for seed raising and caudiciforms though.
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Keith L
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by Keith L »

I use to be pleased with Westland but the last lot I got was totally different. Seems to me that there is composted green waste instead of the peat - but there is no mention of reduced peat on the pack.

I've since bought some Arthur Bowers which I believe is from the same company which is in 25 litre rather than 35 packs for the Westland and that is the same as it used to be but for how long as i suspect they both come from the same manufacturing plant.
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by Al Laius »

This is the best one I’ve found in recent times. I think they’re based in Cheshire.
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el48tel
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by el48tel »

My local garden centre cum nursery has .... Growmoor.

Doesn't seem to contain plastic bags .. twigs ... potatoes
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
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ChrisR
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Re: Which brand of John Innes?

Post by ChrisR »

I had bad results with Westland and Levington. I asked on here and Suzanne Mace recommended Clover. The difference has been amazing.
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