Melcourt SylvaGrow 100% Peat Free Multi Purpose Compost 40Ltr

A unique blend of fine bark, woodfibre (by-products of sustainably managed British forests) and coir (from known, ethically-approved sources). It contains balanced nutrients sufficient for the first 4 - 6 weeks of growth. This growing medium is based on one widely used throughout the UK by professional growers and is suitable for a wide range of uses around the garden. Melcourt SylvaGrow Multi-purpose contains no peat or green waste compost.

• Superb quality, 100% peat-free compost as used by professionals
• Suitable for a wide range of garden applications including potting-on, planting out and as a growing bag
• RHS endorsed
• Audited by the Responsible Sourcing Scheme
• Suitable for vegans

Seed Sowing:
• Fill a seed tray evenly with SylvaGrow, tapping gently to settle
• Lightly water with a fine rose
• Sow the seeds carefully, according to the packet instructions, cover with more SylvaGrow to a depth as directed
• Cover the seed tray with glass or polythene and put in a warm place out of direct sunlight
• Remove the cover when the seeds have germinated and ensure the SylvaGrow is kept evenly moist at all times
• Prick out as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle
NB For very small seeds such as Begonia or Impatiens, sieve the SylvaGrow before use to remove the larger particles, which can otherwise impede seedling development.

Pricking Out
• When the seedlings are large enough to handle, gently tease them out of the growing medium using a dibber or pencil, taking care to handle only by the leaves.
• Fill a suitable pot with fresh SylvaGrow®, use a dibber to make a hole and place the seedling in it, tapping the pot to settle the mix around the roots
• Water gently but thoroughly
• After four to six weeks, regularly apply a liquid feed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, at the time of pricking out, incorporate slow-release fertilizer granules according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Potting on, containers, tubs, troughs, hanging baskets and house plants
• First, ensure that the plant to be potted on has been well-watered. If it is dry, immerse the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour
• Fill the pot, tub or other container with SylvaGrow Multi-purpose
• Make a hole large enough to accommodate the item to be potted and insert it, taking care that the growing medium is at about the same height on the stem as previously
• Gently firm the SylvaGrow around the plant, water thoroughly
• Ensure that the SylvaGrow is kept moist but not over-wet, at all times. Hanging baskets have a particularly high water requirement and may need watering every day in warm weather
• After four to six weeks, regularly apply a liquid feed, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, at the time of potting incorporate slow-release fertilizer granules according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Cuttings
• Ensure the mother plant is well-watered before taking cuttings
• Fill a deep seed tray or pot with SylvaGrow® and make a suitable hole with a dibber or pencil
• Prepare the stem or root cuttings according to type, ensuring that they are not allowed to dry out between cutting and inserting. Dip in hormone rooting powder/liquid if using
• Insert the cutting and gently firm the medium around it
• Stem cuttings need to be in a moist environment out of direct sunlight until they have rooted so either place in a cold frame, a covered propagator or cover with polythene, using supports to prevent the polythene from touching the cuttings. Root cuttings can be placed in a cold frame or sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and can benefit from a thin layer of grit on the growing medium surface
• Once the cuttings are well-rooted they can be potted on according to the instructions above
Raised Beds
SylvaGrow Multi-purpose can be used as part of a raised bed medium for vegetable and strawberry growing. Simply mix 1 part SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose thoroughly with 3 to 4 parts loam or garden soil to gain a valuable addition of organic matter and nutrients.
Remember to supplementary feed as instructed above in ‘Potting On’ as vegetables are heavy feeders and will respond well.
Planting Out
SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose can be used as a planting medium for roses, shrubs, trees, herbaceous perennials and bedding plants in order to add valuable organic matter and nutrients. Simply blend at 1 part to 4 parts of the back-fill soil. Always ensure that the plant is watered to capacity before planting out and if necessary, immerse the roots in a bucket of water for half an hour prior to planting. Ensure that the planting pit is well-integrated with the wider soil with no smeared
sides or other impediments to root exploration beyond the planting hole.
Lime-hating, ericaceous plants
SylvaGrow Multi-purpose is not suitable for raising lime-hating, ericaceous plants
in containers.  For these we recommend SylvaGrow Ericaceous although it can be used as a planting out medium for an ericaceous soil at rates of 1 part SylvaGrow® to 4 parts acidic soil.

We are a family run, independent Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant combined. We are proud to offer the very best gardening, home and outdoor living products alongside delicious, fresh, locally produced food and drink.

Awarded 'Best Garden Centre in the UK in 2018 & 2021 you can rest assured that we offer excellent products, plants and customer service.

Learn more about us and our story on the 'About Us' page.

Collect your order in-store, have it delivered to your door, or choose a convenient InPost Locker!

We aim to dispatch orders as quickly as possible using trusted couriers.

Your Questions Answered...

What are the delivery options and prices?

We offer Standard (3-5 working days) and Express (1-2 working days) delivery for a small additional charge.

- Postable items (e.g., seed packets, gift cards) - £2.95 via Royal Mail.
- Smaller, lighter items - £4.95 – £6.95.
- Larger, heavier, and fragile items - £9.95 – £19.95.
- Pallet deliveries (e.g., furniture) - from £69.95 (see kerbside pallet delivery details below).

The exact delivery charge is calculated at checkout based on your selected items.

New! Deliver to InPost Locker

Instead of home delivery, choose to collect your parcel from an InPost Locker near you.

- Delivery rates: £3.95 or £4.95 depending on item size.
- How it works: Choose InPost after completing your order. You'll receive a notification when your parcel is ready to collect.
- Collection options: Scan the QR code or open the locker remotely via the InPost app. If collecting from a shop, show your QR code to the staff.
- Collection time: You have 3 days to pick up your parcel. InPost will send a reminder 24 hours before expiry.
- Tracking: Track your parcel via the InPost app or the tracking link in your confirmation email.

Can someone else pick up my parcel?

Yes! Share your QR code or collection code (sent via email) along with your mobile number, and they can collect it for you.

Do I need ID to collect from an InPost Locker?

No, just scan the QR code in the app or your email. For InPost Shop collections, show the QR code to the staff.

Any more questions?

Visit InPost’s [help page](#) for more details or check their blog for tips and updates.

How do I track my delivery?

Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive an email with tracking details.

Who delivers my order?

Depending on size and weight, orders are delivered by Royal Mail, Evri, or Parcelforce. Furniture and large items arrive via kerbside pallet delivery.

What is kerbside pallet delivery?

Large items like furniture are delivered on a pallet using a heavy goods vehicle. The pallet is placed at the nearest safe kerbside location. The driver cannot move it across uneven ground or remove the items from the pallet.

We can arrange a delivery date that suits you. If access for large vehicles is difficult, please let us know in advance.

What should I do if my order arrives damaged?

If your order is damaged in transit, email us a photo and your order number within 24 hours so we can resolve the issue.

Do you deliver to Northern Ireland?

Yes, though some larger or heavier items may incur a surcharge. Unfortunately, we cannot ship plants to Northern Ireland at this time.

Do any UK areas have a delivery surcharge?

Additional delivery charges may apply for:
- Channel Islands
- Northern Ireland
- Scottish Highlands & Islands
- Isle of Man & Isle of Wight
- Scilly Isles

What is the warranty on my purchase?

All products come with a manufacturer’s warranty (typically 12 months unless stated otherwise). Faulty items within the warranty period may be repaired or replaced subject to the manufacturer’s terms.

Still have questions?

Contact us via our [enquiry form](#), call 01497 847055, or email shoponline@oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.

How do I return an item?

If a purchase is no longer required you are able to return the goods within 28 days of delivery for a full refund in accordance with our refunds policy set out in Clause 10 of our Terms & Conditions. We will refund any money received from you using the same method originally used by you to pay for your purchase. Please make sure that you include the sales order or invoice with your return.

When returning items to us, please ensure that any and all original packaging, instructions, tags etc are included as supplied to you. We recommend using a recorded/insured service to return your order. The Old Railway Garden Centre cannot be held responsible for returned items lost or damaged in transit to us.