ohn Innes is stocked by virtually every Garden Centre or Garden Products Retailer in the UK.

by Will Tipper Buyers Agent, Electrical Supplies, Real Estate

JIMA represents the leading UK Manufacturers of the traditional loam-based John Innes Composts, who all use the JIMA Seal of Approval® on their packaging. The JIMA Seal of Approval® is a Registered Trade Mark which can be used only by JIMA Members, who all maintain the highest standards of quality assurance.

Look for the John Innes Seal of Approval® on John Innes from the following approved Suppliers. Click on the company name to go to their website:-

The John Innes Manufacturers Association (JIMA) provide a FREE information leaflet on the Benefits of John Innes Loam-based Composts for distribution through Garden Centres and Horticultural Societies. We would be glad to send you a supply for distribution to your Staff, Customers and local Society Members. Please request from the Secretariat.

This page includes useful information for Retailers – click on the subject to go direct to the item:-

“WHAT COMPOST DO I USE?” – That is the question!

In 1992 the Horticultural Trades Association conducted research exercise to find the most common customer queries fielded by Garden Centre Staff? In HTA News, May 1993, they reported that, according to hundreds of HTA Members up and down the Country, the most frequent question asked was:-

“What compost do I use?” – *or a variant upon that theme !

Therefore, before your next Customer asks the same question, may we ask:-

  • Are you and your Staff aware of all the benefits of John Innes Loam-based Composts? 
  • When is a loam-based compost better than a peat-based, or peat-substitute compost? 
  • Can your Customers make an informed choice on which is best for their needs?

STORAGE OF JOHN INNES COMPOSTS

ALL COMPOSTS WHETHER LOAM-BASED OR PEAT-BASED CAN BE SUBJECT TO MAJOR DETRIMENTAL CHANGES IF STORED INCORRECTLY.

Substantial biological and chemical changes can occur in composts after they are manufactured. The most important from the users’ (and the plants’) point of view are the changes in pH (acidity) and salinity.

Under normal conditions there is an initial increase in pH, followed by a gradual decrease as the organic nitrogen is mineralised. These are perfectly normal reactions and occur in all composts, including those made from peat.

However it is desirable that these changes occur as slowly as possible, and to achieve this the following points should be observed during storage:-

  1. The compost must be kept DRY and COOL.
  2. It is best stored INSIDE in cool buildings. Keep away from radiators, heating ducts, light bulbs, etc.
  3. If it is stored outside, AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT and RAIN. Try to site it against a north-facing wall, under a fixed canopy or porch roof.
  4. KEEP DRY by covering with white or light-coloured plastic sheeting; black is not suitable as it causes the compost temperature to rise. If the compost is not covered it will absorb water through the breathing holes.
  5. If the compost is not kept on pallets, ensure that the bottom layer of bags is raised above ground level.
  6. If the compost is re-stacked, ensure that air can circulate within and between the stacks.
  7. Always ROTATE YOUR STOCK – never put new deliveries on top of old stock.

If the above rules are observed the composts will produce the growing results for which they were formulated, and this, in turn, should ensure customer satisfaction.