When the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) decided to put its stamp of approval on Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix, the decision was not taken lightly. Product endorsement by AIH carries a responsibility that reflects our commitment as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting environmental outcomes and education through horticulture. Any product receiving AIH endorsement must meet a high standard of credibility, performance and alignment with our values.

Following extensive research and trials undertaken by Evergreen Garden Care Australia at its state-of-the-art research facilities in Richmond, New South Wales, AIH was invited to review the findings and determine whether independent testing across multiple climatic zones would further validate the product’s performance. Given the significance of an AIH endorsement, we believed a broader assessment was essential.

As part of the process, members of AIH Future Voices visited Evergreen Garden Care’s research and trial facilities in Richmond to gain insight into the development and testing procedures behind the product. Providing emerging horticultural professionals with opportunities to learn from industry leaders is central to AIH’s mission, and this experience allowed participants to see first-hand the research and innovation that supports product development in modern horticulture.

To ensure a truly independent assessment, AIH coordinated field trials and analysis across a diverse range of environments, climatic zones and plant species.

Samples of Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix were sent to Mayfield Gardens in Oberon, New South Wales, and TAFE NSW Tamworth where controlled trials were conducted alongside other leading branded potting mixes. Outdoor trials were undertaken in Coffs Harbour, while samples were also sent to Southern Cross University in Lismore for independent analysis.

Further testing extended into South East Queensland where trials included a broad range of subtropical species, leafy edible crops and fruit-bearing plants. In Toowoomba, trials conducted with Peacehaven Botanical Gardens focused on indigenous Australian native species. Collectively, the trial program covered a full range of climatic zones and plant categories, providing a broad cross-section of conditions that reflect the environments experienced by home gardeners and horticultural professionals alike.

Across every location and under every set of trial conditions, Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix consistently delivered outstanding results.

Performance exceeded expectations in terms of plant establishment, growth and overall health across an extensive range of species. The consistency of results across varied environmental conditions was particularly impressive and demonstrated the strength of the product’s research and development foundation.

The findings provided confidence that the product was not only meeting expectations under controlled research conditions, but also performing exceptionally well under real-world growing environments.

For AIH, endorsements are about more than product performance alone. Connecting and supporting emerging horticultural professionals through mentorship, opportunity and community has always been part of who we are. As a leading voice in urban green infrastructure, we also recognise the importance of supporting companies whose values align with our own — organisations committed to research, innovation and developing products that contribute positively to urban horticulture.

Products that support healthier landscapes ultimately contribute to healthier communities and a healthier planet. Through quality research and development, companies can play an important role in shaping environments that people enjoy and benefit from every day.

Following the completion of independent assessments and overwhelmingly positive results, AIH made the decision to formally endorse Scotts Osmocote The Best Potting Mix, with the product scheduled for early release through Bunnings stores nationwide in June 2026.