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Choosing the right mix for potted plants may be the difference between good results and great results. Each bag of potting mix contains the right balance of ingredients to supply air, water and nutrients to support healthy plant growth. But not all potting mixes are created equal. Here’s what you need to know.
When choosing the best potting mix for your plants, look for the Australian Standard logo, easily identified by five ticks on the bag, says horticulturist Melissa King of Scotts Osmocote. “The Standard ensures the mix is manufactured to a consistent quality for successful plant growth,” she says. “Among other things, it ensures the mix you are buying is free from pests and weed seeds, is well drained, re-wets easily and has a suitable pH.”
Every bag sold in Bunnings meets the Australian Standard, says Ash Makin, Bunnings garden care buyer. It falls into two grades: red or black ticks. “The black-tick grade is a regular potting mix and does not contain any fertilisers, so you will need to add that separately to keep your plants thriving and healthy,” explains Ash. The red-tick grade, or premium-quality mix, typically contains wetting agents and fertilisers to boost plant growth over a certain period, before you need to supplement.
“General potting mixes are good for growing most plants,” says Ash. “But some groups of plants, like orchids, natives, fruiting trees, cacti and succulents, have specific growth or nutritional requirements and will grow better in a specialist potting medium.”
Orchids, cacti and succulents need exceptionally good drainage. “Most orchids are epiphytes, so they naturally grow on trees or rocks with lots of air flowing around the roots,” says Melissa. “Therefore, a quality orchid mix is very coarse and airy.” Cacti and succulent potting mix is formulated with coarse grains to allow free drainage.
If growing fruit or vegetables, Melissa recommends buying mixes specifically made for them. “These have added goodies to bring out the best in your kitchen garden,” she says. While you can use a regular mix, these specially formulated mixes contain supplements to support healthy growth. “Vegetable and herb mixes are boosted with iron and calcium to encourage lush, deep-green leaves and assist in the prevention of common problems such as blossom end rot,” says Melissa.
You will also find a potting mix for acid-loving flowering plants like azaleas, gardenias and camellias that perform best in lower pH conditions. Natives like banksias and grevilleas need a low-phosphorous mix.
Seed-raising and propagating mixes are made up of fine-grade composted bark with added perlite or coir peat. This allows for better contact with the seed, creating ideal conditions for germination. While you can sow directly into a general potting mix, these contain larger particles and air pockets that may impact your gardening and growing success.
Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix.
Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
Find the perfect pot and potting mix in the garden section.
Photo Credit: Getty Images, John Downs
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
