Hi.
What's your choice of premium potting mix.
I am still deciding between Debco vs Osmocote for outdoor gardening fruit and flower.
Is there other brand better?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions
What's Your Choice for Premium Potting Mix?
Siasia on 01/11/2021 - 12:29
Last edited 01/11/2021 - 13:28 by 1 other user
Last edited 01/11/2021 - 13:28 by 1 other user
Comments
As long as it meets Australian Standard (AS 3743) with the 5 ticks on the bag I usually go for the cheapest at the time.
I usually buy the Aldi potting mix as it meets these standards, it contains a controlled release fertiliser, and is often on special.
They are a premium potting mix you really can’t go wrong with either ideally you should repot every 2years, and add a citrus fertiliser after 6 months or even a bit earlier.
I had some success with buying the cheapest potting mix, then mix through with an equal amount of compost.
While theoretically anything with AS's premium ticks on the bag should be basically the same, I can tell you that this:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-osmocote-50l-premium-pott…
is not great.
I found this:
https://www.bigw.com.au/product/brunnings-premium-growing-po…
much better - and at a better price.Many years ago I was told always to look for the red tick label on the bag which meets the standards for a premium potting mix. Since then I have only ever bought bags with a red tick. At the time I thought all red tick bags were the same (ie same ingredients, different brand). However, I have learnt the hard way that is not true. I used to purchase the cheapest red tick bag I could find. This happened to be Aldi's Premium Mix. It was dark and rich looking. But after a lot of plant deaths, I realised that the Aldi mix was holding too much moisture and it was very easy to overwater my plants.
I switched to the Osmocote Premium in the orange bag. This was much better for drainage. It didn't seem as dark and rich as the Aldi mix and had more leafy, dry material in it. I don't think I lost a single plant using this mix. What it taught me was that drainage is very important (something the osmocote was good at despite not looking as 'premium' as other mixes. The only thing I didn't like about the Osmocote was that it had a very strong smell and I am sensitive to smells so I stopped using it.
I am currently using Debco Premium Mix. I find it a good balance between the two above. It is rich and dark looking, yet doesn't hold onto all the water like the Aldi one (which is a good thing). I am happy with the Debco so far. It doesn't smell. I have only been using it for 6 months. Plants obviously don't grow much throughout the winter but now the weather is warming they are beginning to thrive in it. They have a good range of specialty mixes as well. The only thing is the Debco is not available at Bunnings. I have to get it special ordered in from a hardware store which takes a while. For now I am happy to keep using the Debco and will get some more soon. Hope this helps. Good luck with your gardening/potting.
Debco is available on Amazon Australia. I have free shipping with Prime so not sure what shipping cost is otherwise. Bought some today.
I have bought some from Amazon before. However, they used Auspost who do not deliver parcels to my address. My P/O to pick it up from is at least twice as far away as my local hardware store. For most people, your suggestion would be much more convenient. Although for me, the hardware store is. The only problem is the blokes there are so old fashioned. When I walk in saying I have a click and collect order they don't have a clue what to do. They all run around asking each other what it means and what to do. I have to sign a hand written piece of paper that they file away. Worth a laugh though!
We use Searles Premium fwiw.