Unwanted Food or Drink Products - Once supply conditions are broken, there are a number of factors outside of our control that can affect the quality of a product. Therefore perishable goods such as food and drink cannot be returned. We asked a specialist lab to undertake analysis of some of our worst-performing composts from our latest compost for seed sowing and young plants trials. We looked at four bags per compost.

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. In J Arthur Bower’s Multi-purpose Compost we found the chloride levels were more than twice as high as they should be. Chlorides reduce nitrogen, which is vital for green, leafy growth, and this explained why our plants didn’t flourish. Brands tested included Westland, Bulrush, Verve(B&Q) New Horizon, Levington, Miracle gro, Homebase, Vital Earth, Arthur Bower'sCompost 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. 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. Store your John Innes compost from one season to another as the nutrient content may become unbalanced

J. Arthur Bower’s Multi-Purpose Compost contains nitrogen (N) for green leaf and shoot growth, phosphate (P) for strong root development and potassium (K) for an increase in flowers and fruit. It also contains trace elements to promote plant health and disease resistance.

On top of this, universal composts are usually cheaper compared to those designed for specific use. Their economic value only increases once you realise that you can use them for all your plants; from seeds to grown shrubs. Key Features and Considerations When Buying Multi-Purpose Compost i. Fine Texture

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.The key ingredients to look out for are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Broadly speaking, nitrogen helps with leaf growth, phosphate is for a strong root development, and potassium will encourage flowering and fruiting. Given its popularity for gardening, there are many multipurpose composts available, which unfortunately also means there are lots of cheap products worth avoiding! 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: J. Arthur Bower’s Multi-Purpose Compost will provide your plants with all the nutrients they need for strong healthy growth during the first 4-6 weeks. After that, feed them every 7-14 days during the growing season.