Hi Tui, what is the difference between compost and potting mix? It seems both are pretty similar. Could potting mix be used in the garden? What is the benefit of Tui Enrich Controlled Release Fertiliser? I am a little bit confused. Thanks.

Hi Kevin, compost is organic plant material that has been broken down over a period of time by heat and microbal activity to form a soft crumbly soil. Compost is used to enrich the soil and adds valuable organic matter as well as supplying nutrients to the soil and ultimately plants, it also helps improve soil structure. It is best dug into the existing soil and not recommended for use in pots and containers because it is continually breaking down and as it does this, it compacts down starving plants of air pore space and eventually waterlogs the plant in the pot. Tui Compost, has gypsum and blood and bone added.

Potting mix is made from organic plant based material sourced from New Zealand pine, a by-product of the forestry industry. Bark can also be mixed with other growing mediums such as coir, peat and pumice to create a potting mix that is suitable for growing plants in pots or as a planting mix in the garden. A balance of nutrients are added to the base material to help plants grow, such as a controlled release fertiliser that feeds plants for up to 6 months, trace elements, seaweed extract and a wetting agent. compost does not contain additional fertilisers added. Potting mix or garden mix can be used in the garden or in pots and containers.

Controlled release fertilisers are small fertiliser prills with a soy-based water permeable coating that slowly releases nutrients over a period of time, they need warmth and moisture for the nutrients to release, there is less chance of plant roots burning when using a controlled release fertiliser. Tui Enrich Controlled Release fertilisers are a 3 in 1 blend of controlled release fertiliser, Novatec slow release fertiliser and a blend of soil microbes to help improve soil structure. Most controlled release fertilisers have similar application rates, the fertiliser NPK ratio on the pack will be different depending upon plants specific growing requirements. NPK  is the ratio of fertiliser contained in the prills. N = nitrogen for leaf growth; P = phosphorous for root, stem and seed development; K = potassium for flowering, fruiting and plant resistance to pests and disease.