Soil improvers are substrates that improve soil structure and soil fertility
Soil improvers have to be mixed through the upper layer of the garden, in the root zone of the plants, so that plants grow better and are healthier. In this way the soil structure is improved and the fertility of the soil is increased. Soil improvers are not suitable as potting soil.
In addition to that, soil improvers are especially meant to increase the organic matter in the soil. Increasing of the organic matter results in an optimizing of the water balance; the water is retained better, because the soil is more loose (more loose of composition). Additional advantage is that it needs to be watered less and there's also less risk of pests and diseases.
Because of the use of soil improvers, the air balance is also improved. This improvement for its part helps the root development again. A healthy root system contributes to a beautiful plant and beautiful flowers, so that you can enjoy your garden longer!
The main parts of soil improvers are peat products; especially frozen black peat and black peat. Compost is often added.
Frozen black peat and compost contain a high organic matter content. This high organic matter content among others takes care that the soil life is improved. Fertilisers are released, they decay and become available for the plant. Some forms of soil life are essential for the growth of plants and trees. In addition to that, a good soil life avoids certain soil diseases, like root rot.
Recycled potting soil is not made use of in soil improvers with the RHP-quality mark, (for example substrates from horticulture or manure), because of the risk of pathogens. This addition is not allowed.
Garden soil is a substrate that mostly consists of frozen black peat and black peat added with compost. Garden soil with the RHP Consumer quality mark is very suitable for improving and/or supplying the soil. Garden soil often has a fertilising value too. In order to avoid confusion; garden soil should not be used in stead of potting soil. As regards structure, garden soil is absolutely unsuitable as potting soil. Garden soil is not airy and more heavy than potting soil.
Garden compost, the name says it already, is a substrate that mainly consists of compost. The remaining materials could be many. Garden compost is suitable for improving and/or supplying the soil. Garden compost has a higher fertilizing value than garden soil. If the plants need more nutrients, garden compost with the RHP Consumer quality mark could be used.
Frozen black peat is very suitable to mix through the upper layer of the garden, in the root zone of the plants. The soil structure is improved and the fertility of the soil is increased. Frozen black peat consists of frozen black peat.
Frozen black peat with the RHP quality mark could be used for acidophilic plants in particular, for example at heather gardens, because frozen black peat doesn't contain lime.
White peat consists of white peat. White peat with the RHP Consumer quality mark is used in order to for example cover up bulbs. White peat especially contains a low pH (acidity). This low pH takes care that the soil on the bulbs stays airy and lacks weeds.
