For a good value compost, that will help give young plants a boost, this J. Arthur Bowers Multi-Purpose Compost offers two bags at a reasonable price and provides all the nutrients plants need for their first 4-6 weeks. The texture is relatively neutral – not too sandy or soggy, and there are some additional components included, like wood fibre. The wood fibre comes from FSC certified forests which means it’s been sustainably grown/sourced. The Miracle-Gro 119761 All Purpose Compost is suitable for use in all areas of the garden, adding nutrients to flower beds, hanging baskets, pots and containers. It’s available in either a 40 L or 50 L bag and offers great value for money. When it comes to compost, one of the most important things is to make sure that it contains a good balance of nutrients. Using compost helps improve the condition of the soil, and help with pH i mbalances. It also works to maintain moisture levels and boost the general health of plants.

This Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes can be used at any life-stage of the plant: whether it’s germinating or waiting to flower. It delivers a good mix of nutrients and is suitable to be used for up to five weeks. Well, peat-based compost is still readily available, but a lot of gardeners are choosing to avoid it as much as possible for the above reasons. Exceeds stringent regulations and is suitable for use in areas where children and pets have access. How to use Containers and baskets Place a layer of Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics Peat Free All Purpose Potted Plants Compost in the base of the container.Finally, peat bogs offer a unique and rich ecosystem for lots of animals. Once this environment is disturbed, it is extremely difficult to recover it. Due to the way peat is formed, it is very hard to recreate or restore a peat bog. Sometimes there will be additional ingredients like seaweed; seaweed contains a lot of micronutrients that are beneficial to both the aesthetic appearance of the plant and its general health. Position the plant and fill with 50% soil and 50% of Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics Peat Free All Purpose Potted Plants Compost and firm around the base. Peat-free compost also tends to be more expensive because there is more processing involved than simply digging up peat.

Another benefit is that the microorganisms introduced to the soil will also help your plants to repel a number of plant diseases. When peat is spread over the garden, its carbon content turns into carbon dioxide over time – not great news when trying to keep the release of greenhouse gasses to a minimum.Compost can often be used at many different intervals along the life of your plant, from encouraging seeds to germinate, to aiding with repotting plants, or persuading plants to flower.

A lot of gardeners find 50 L bags a lot more manageable, although of course they may not offer such good value for money. There is also some peat in the mix, which more and more gardeners are looking to avoid; however, it is considered a ‘reduced peat’ compost, so they have gone to measures to keep the peat content down. To avoid too much soil compaction, choose compost with a mixture of large and small particles in it . Wood fibres are good to look out for, acting as a natural component that will allow for soil aeration. Sometimes manufactures will use a mix of materials, including stones and ceramic, which you may or may not want in your garden. Overall, this is one of the best composts featured if you want a good combination of larger and smaller particles in your compost. These can help with drainage and stop the compost from compacting. With this Westlands option, it’s also nice to know that FSC certified wood is used. Finally, whether or not compost contains peat is a matter of interest, and contention, for many gardeners. Given that it’s such a polemic issue, you’ll find that the next section is dedicated to the pros and cons of peat-based compost. Peat vs Peat-Free Compost

It has good water retention as well as efficient drainage, and doesn’t compact around plants of become overly dense. Now you have the facts, you can make your own informed decision about compost. How Much Compost to Buy Multi-purpose composts contain a range of nutrients and minerals to help plants thrive. However, you should note how long the compost will continue to nourish your plant for. Most multi-purpose composts will provide nutritional value for around three months. Overall, it’s one of the best composts to use if you’re after value for money. It’s a good quality product, in a size that’s easy to manage, and you still get a lot for the price. Many manufacturers are attempting to lower the peat content in their compost, due to its negative impact on the environment. However, if the compost doesn’t state that it’s ‘peat free compost’ or at least ‘low in peat’, you should presume that it has a high peat content.

Peat-free compost can be used for all plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Not suitable for acid loving, ericaceous plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias.Compost is every gardener’s friend as it promotes healthier plant and vegetable growth. It also helps to make plants more resilient, discourages weeds, pests, and disease, adds and retains nutrients, and balances soil density. While there are many types of soil improvers available on the market, compost is one of the most environmentally friendly as it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, which means that your soil will be more healthy as a result. You can also buy peat-free formulas which have a neutral or mildly alkaline pH. For containers and baskets: Place a layer of compost in the base of the pot. Tap out the plant from the old pot, loosen the root ball and place in the centre of the pot. Fill the space around the root ball, ensuring the compost level covers all the roots. Firm lightly, water thoroughly and let drain.