We also discovered some of the composts in our seed sowing and young plants trials have the same name but different formulations in various bag sizes. We found: In contrast, Vital Earth’s Chelsea Mix All Purpose Compost had very high nitrogen levels. However this is also bad, leading to lifeless plants as high fertiliser levels cause water to be drawn out of plants’ feeding roots, damaging the roots and the plant. A little more detail to answer the questions above - The survey appears in the current Jan/Feb 2013 Which? garden magazine. The survey was conducted from spring 2012 to find the best buy composts for growing seeds and young plants.

Yes, it is a fantastic option which will enrich your soil over a period of time. What is the difference between multi purpose and all purpose compost? For example, many have a higher volume of fertilizer that feeds plants for longer while others can reduce the amount of watering by using ingredients that help store moisture. Verve Peat Free Multipurpose Compost has three formulations. The 12L bag contains composted bark and green waste. The 20L and 50L bags also contain coir and wood fibre and the 125L is different again, this time with no coir but does contain wood fibre. Those with more fertilizer tend to last for several months before you need to add your own fertilizer to the plant, making them more convenient, although it often increases the price too. Similarly, if the compost can retain water more efficiently it’s very convenient but probably more expensive. Peat ContentFor 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. 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. Now you have the facts, you can make your own informed decision about compost. How Much Compost to Buy Loam is the most important ingredient in the compost as it provides the main 'body' of the compost. It also forms the base of plant nutrition by supplying clay which absorbs and releases plant nutrients as required. Loam also contains essential micro-elements and some organic matter which provides a slow release of nitrogen to the plant. Multi purpose compost is very forgiving! It can be used for seeding and potting on too, though you might wish to add some fertiliser to plants which are going to be living in it for the rest of their lives. Q: Can multi purpose compost be used for indoor plants?

They tested 27 widely available composts - 18 peat based, 9 peat free and asked mystery shoppers to buy them from 4 different regions in the country. 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. Compost is organic material that can be added to plants to improve their health. Whilst making your own compost is a great option for reducing food waste, pre-bought bags can help anyone get started with composting. Produced from high quality peats, with the addition of fertiliser, this Growmoor Multi-Purpose Compost does a great job improving the health of plants. It’s available in several sizes, from small 10 L bags up to large 80 L options.Multipurpose compost is traditionally made from a blend of ingredients that includes peat, green compost, lime, and wood/bark. It is worth noting that the processes for extracting peat are known to have a negative impact on the environment where they are sourced from, leading many to choose to avoid composts with peat content.

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.The Ambassador Multi Purpose Compost is a small, 10L bag of compost that is easy to carry and store. But don’t be fooled by the small size, this plant mix can do great things. Ambassador ensured that they put in all the essential trace elements and nutrients that plants require for strong, healthy growth. The compost feeds your plants consistently for 4 to 6 weeks and retains optimum water levels even in potted plants. What I like about it: A. John Innes No 2 Potting On Compost does not contain any organic elements so shouldn’t be attractive to animals For reference, the 50 L bag contains enough compost to fill four large patio pots and three hanging baskets. If you’re working to a budget, this Levington Multi Purpose Compost is a low-cost option that gives you 70 L of compost.