UK compost
What compost for ginkgo 'autumn gold' in the UK?
Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
More about ginkgo 'autumn gold' in the UK
Which compost ginkgo 'autumn gold' needs
For ginkgo 'autumn gold' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Grows in a wide range of soils, loam, clay, sand, acidic or alkaline, provided drainage is reasonable. It tolerates compacted urban soils and pollution well, which is why it is a favoured street tree. Avoid permanently waterlogged sites.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows ginkgo 'autumn gold' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the ginkgo 'autumn gold' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for ginkgo 'autumn gold' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Grows in a wide range of soils, loam, clay, sand, acidic or alkaline, provided drainage is reasonable. It tolerates compacted urban soils and pollution well, which is why it is a favoured street tree. Avoid permanently waterlogged sites. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for ginkgo 'autumn gold'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for ginkgo 'autumn gold' and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow ginkgo 'autumn gold' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does ginkgo 'autumn gold' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — ginkgo 'autumn gold' must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does ginkgo 'autumn gold' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Deep, free-draining loam; highly adaptable. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More ginkgo 'autumn gold' care
See the full ginkgo 'autumn gold' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.