Compost better then soil for potting plants?

Hi I have few plants to be put in new pots. Is
Miracle-Gro
Levington
Verve john innes
any good to use. people told me to keep away from Miracle gro said it bad stuff to use.I dont have time to make my own compost.
plants i am repoting are shrubs and conifer and ornanental plants. I am going to buy a acer plant but not to sure what they like.
Thanks
Here link to b and q
http://search.diy.com/search#?p=Q&s...35867&method=and&isort=score&view=grid&srt=12




I not to sure I dont have time to make my own compost.

 

Hiya Dave.

I wouldn't think you'd go far wrong using John Innes. For potting on, No3 would be best, I'd say.

 

Welcome to GC, DaveUK

I'm also a "newbie" to the wonders of gardening; but, my gardening philosophy only goes as far as: it will either live, or die Thus, all "newbies" get the "generalised fertiliser treatment.

Best you listen to Freddy then

 

The acer might prefer ericaceous compost, ie. lime free.

 

Good point that Pete, thanks for reminding

 

I'd go for the John Innes No 3 out of your selection. The B&Q (Verve is their own brand name) general purpose compost would be cheaper. I mix John Innes No 3 into general purpose compost (about half and half) for pots. You could also mix a bit of manure in there as well. As Pete said, the Acer would prefer ericaceous compost