All three tests are carried out by an expert at a horticultural institute, and the compost for seeds and young plants test takes place in a temperature and humidity-controlled greenhouse. The composts for containers are tested outside once the nights are frost-free. The results are compiled by an independent assessor who's an expert in compost and plant health. http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/fruit-andamp-veg/the-best-multi-purpose-compost-this-year/5249-2.html Lyon Greene wrote ( see) A medium-crumbly texture - is ideal. Composts that are too fine are prone to water logging, while those that are too coarse tend to need more frequent watering. A crumbly structure will allow excess water to drain through, while holding enough water and air for roots to thrive.

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. 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. A. We would not recommend using this for your lawn. It is always better to use a fertiliser that has been specifically designed or lawn use such as Aftercut Ultra Green Plus or Westland Safelawn 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. In fact, our testing shows really variable results for both cheap and expensive compost. The only way to really know what you're getting is to look at our results. Things to look for when buying compostFinally, 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 can be used at any stage of a plant’s development, including seed sowing, and the large bag is sufficient for filling approximately 70 small pots (12 cm diameter), or 14 medium pots (22 cm in diameter).

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. Specific-use composts tend to be more expensive than multipurpose composts, but in some cases it's worth paying a little more. Whilst a lot of composts are sold in 100 L bags, these may not be practical for some people in the garden. They can weigh anywhere from at least 25 – 30 kg.

My Top Recommended Multi-Purpose Compost

A. Yes, you will get great results with this compost. Supplement with a relevant feed such as Gro-Sure Tomato Food It contains nitrogen which helps leaves and shoots grow, as well as phosphate for root development and potassium to encourage flowering and fruit. Of course, composting is also good for the planet. Creating compost at home in a compost bin is a great way to recycle kitchen and garden waste. Ingredients in Compost

Old compost is often on sale - we send secret shoppers to buy our composts, who tell us if they find old compost on sale. It's a very common problem. We also know from our testing that old compost doesn't perform as well as fresh compost. To avoid this, buy bags that look new and aren't faded or heavy, which suggests they have been sitting around in bright sunshine for too long, or have been rained on regularly. 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.Growing bags don't compare - these used to be filled with peat and were cheap, making them an excellent alternative. However, they are now mostly peat-reduced or peat-free and have fertilisers meant for growing veg. 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. Which? have been researching the issue, systematically. Their results are published in the January/February issue of Gardening Which. I haven't seen the full report, only a summary of their results...