Coir
Coir is a blend of pith and fibres from the outer husk of a coconut. It is a by-product of coconut harvesting, and would otherwise be wasted. According to Grow Organic, coir:

• adds organic matter.

• Helps improve soil structure.

• Aerates the soil, which is great for the plants roots.

• Improves water holding capacity. Coir has a better water holding capacity than most soil amendments and it can hold seven to ten times its weight.

Composted bark
Composted bark is a by-product of the forestry industry. Bark chips are broken down by composting, and screened to produce a fine material.

Green compost
Green compost is made from plant-based materials that have been broken down thermodynamically (using heat). Green Compost is typically made from household green waste recycling collections.

Growing Media
Growing Media is a material used to support a plant during all stages of its life. It provides a perfect environment for strong, healthy growth. It holds water, nutrients and oxygen, whilst offering support for root structures. As a result, it is often used in commercial growing.

Mulch
Mulch is a material used to provide a functional barrier between the soil surface and plant roots. Although it looks like compost, it’s mainly put on top of the soil surface. Benefits of mulch include:

• Additional protection and insulation of the soil during colder months

• Reduction in water evaporation from the soil’s surface

• Suppression of weeds, which find it harder to break through the surface

• Addition of nutrients to the soil when the mulch naturally starts breaking down.

Peat
Peat is partially decomposed, carbon-rich vegetation and organic matter formed under anaerobic (otherwise known as low-oxygen) and acidic conditions. It is extracted from Peat bogs, before being dried and graded when used in horticulture. Peat has traditionally been used in horticulture and farming, however there are many environmental issues with this.

Peat alternatives
Peat free composts are more complex and typically have at least 4 core ingredients.

Soil Improver/Conditioner
Soil Improver is a material used to increase organic matter, nutrients and water holding capacity of existing soils. It is also used to improve soil structure by adding texture and organic matter. It is a useful addition to soil, however it is not intended to support plant life alone.

Vermicompost
Vermicompost is the product of actively broken down and decomposed vegetable and food waste by worms. Earthworms feed on the organic matter and create nutrient rich compost (otherwise known as worm castings) whilst also reproducing. This creates a natural lifecycle, and allows nature to do the heavy work for us.

Wood fibre
There are a number of types of wood fibre available, mainly heat and pressure treated or mechanically separated from wood chips and bark. These wood chips and bark are processed to form fibres.