FAQ's

Find answers to your most common Searles questions.

potting mix

Where can I buy the plants mentioned/featured?

We don’t sell plants. Please ask your friendly local gardening outlet for suitable plants to suit your garden solution and climate.

Where can I buy Searles Garden Products?

Look for your nearest stockist via this link. If your nearest gardening outlet doesn’t stock a particular product you are sourcing, ask the staff to order the product in for you.

I need a plant, pest or disease identified?

Local garden centres are full of expert horticulturalist to help you with your gardening solutions. You can pop down to your local gardening outlet with the plant/disease sample or a picture of it and ask the expert what products/advise they have to answer your question.  Alternatively, you can contact us through the Contact us form. Please include detailed information and picture, if required, about your enquiry. Please do not phone in as identification cannot be achieved over the phone. Alternatively, look through our pests and disease library online to find a Searles solution.


There is mould/fungus growing in my potting mix. Is it a problem?

There are grubs/pests in my potting mix. How can I fix this?

How do I store unused or opened potting mix or compost soil bags correctly?

Why does cow manure and compost sometimes have a strong odour?

Composts and manures are very high in nutrient value and when freshly composted, may emit a strong, sweet earthy aroma. This aroma is natural and over time naturally decreases as it matures.

Here at Searles, all of our composts are high in nutrient content and can have that distinctive aroma from time to time, especially when the product is not being stored or matured enough for the smell to decrease before sold. Earthy, manure aromas are not an indicator of performance and Searles products are fully composted, meeting our rigorist testing standards for high nutrient content and exceptional product performance. All batches are tested before being packaged and available for the market. When using compost in the garden, we always recommend blending one-half compost to existing soil for the best result.

Can I mix 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into potting mix?

No.

Don’t let the soil-like structure fool you, this “dig-in” version of 5 IN 1 Fertiliser is a super-rich organic FERTILISER, designed to be mixed in garden bed soils to provide essential nutrients for strong growth. It is not recommended to be planted straight into, or to be used in pot planting, or mixed with potting mix. This product is designed for use in your garden or on your lawn.

Searles have scientifically developed a full range of specialty potting mixes for just about any type of plant, providing water efficiency technology and long-term feeding, designed specifically for pot life.

[Link to specialty mix page]

Why shouldn’t I plant directly into 5 in 1 Organic Fertiliser?

Supercharged with organic goodness, our 5 IN 1 Fertiliser is a potently rich organic composted FERTILISER blend, designed to be mixed in garden bed soils to provide essential nutrients for strong growth. It is not recommended to be planted straight into, or to be used in pot planting, or mixed with potting mix. This product is designed for use in your garden or on your lawn. Planting straight into this fertiliser may burn the plants roots.

How do I calculate lawn chemical usage and coverage?

Everyone sprays at different rates per square metre. This is quantified by testing and seeing how much water it takes you to cover 15sqm, this is called calibration.  Some apply the water heavier than others, but we don’t want to apply excessive chemical. Look for an area 3m x5m (similar to a carport area) and with just water, see how many litres it takes you to wet the entire area.  It varies from person to person, AND from watering can to spray unit. If it takes one watering can to wet the area fully, then mix the chemical in one watering can (let’s say 50ml). If it takes two watering cans then put 25ml in each full watering can, that equals 50m for the 15sqm. If it is a spray unit and it has taken you 3 litres to cover the 15sqm then you add the 50ml to 3lt or if it takes you 5lt to cover the 15sqm then add the 50ml of chemical to 5lt.  Note the results so you do not have to recalibrate every time you spray.

Water is pooling on top of my pots. Why and how do I fix this?

Ever wondered why your plants still look wilted no matter how much you water your plants and the water pools on top of the soil and runs away without soaking into the soil? This is because you have soil "dry-out". View our

'Why Is My Soil Always Dry And Repels Water?' Article

Fungal gnats, why are they in my pots and how do I solve this?

If the product directions do not mention the pest or disease then it is not register to control it.

We recommend only using the product on plants that are mentioned on the label. This is to ensure the effectiveness of product and safe handling and use for the safety of plants, animals, humans and environment.

Searles herbicide, pesticide & miticides are all tested and approved through the Government regulatory authority, APVMA. APVMA regulates agricultural and veterinary chemicals to manage the risks of pests and diseases for the Australian community and to protect Australia’s trade and the health and safety of people, animals and the environment.

Where can I buy the plants mentioned/featured?

We don’t sell plants. Please ask your friendly local gardening outlet for suitable plants to suit your garden solution and climate.

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