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Compost buying guide

Compost has a superior structure to normal garden soil – both nutritionally and physically. Compost tends to have fertiliser added, offering the specific nutrients your plants need, whatever stage of development they’re at, for several weeks. Some will have organic matter added to them to help change the physical structure of the soil, making it richer or denser so that it's better at holding water.

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Keeping your garden green with peat free compost

We want to make sustainable gardening easy, which is why we’ve created a range of Verve and GoodHome composts that are peat free. Digging for peat harms habitats and speeds up climate change – it releases the carbon stored in peatlands into the atmosphere. By using peat free materials to care for your plot, you’re caring for natural wildlife and our planet too. Peat free composts are made of natural materials like wood and coir, making them more environmentally friendly, but without compromising on performance.

A garden trowel resting in the top of a bag of multi purpose compost.A garden trowel resting in the top of a bag of multi purpose compost.A garden trowel resting in the top of a bag of multi purpose compost.A garden trowel resting in the top of a bag of multi purpose compost.

Compost for a variety of plants

Multi-purpose compost, also referred to as ‘all purpose’ or ‘universal’, is suitable for many planting jobs in the garden, and contains varying levels of feed that will feed plants from five weeks up to six months. It's available in organic and enriched varieties, and comes in all different sizes.

A selection of pink, purple and red Ericaceous plants.A selection of pink, purple and red Ericaceous plants.A selection of pink, purple and red Ericaceous plants.A selection of pink, purple and red Ericaceous plants.

Compost for Ericaceous plants

Ericaceous compost has been developed to help acid-loving plants like azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons to thrive. Blueberries and raspberries will also flourish in ericaceous compost. It will feed plants for five to 12 weeks.

A close up of two pink rose flowers.A close up of two pink rose flowers.A close up of two pink rose flowers.A close up of two pink rose flowers.

Compost for roses, trees, and shrubs

Ideal for more mature plants, rose, tree and, shrub compost has been specially blended to establish strong roots and promote healthy growth. It will feed plants for four to six months.

Person planting flowers in a hanging basket.Person planting flowers in a hanging basket.Person planting flowers in a hanging basket.Person planting flowers in a hanging basket.

Compost for flowers in containers and baskets 

Container and basket compost provides the optimum conditions to achieve vibrant, blooming containers and baskets. It has been specially formulated to enhance water retention, meaning less watering is required. It’s enriched with essential plant nutrients which feed from three to six months.

A selection of bulbs being picked up with a garden trowel.A selection of bulbs being picked up with a garden trowel.A selection of bulbs being picked up with a garden trowel.A selection of bulbs being picked up with a garden trowel.

Compost for bulbs

Using bulb planting compost will help you achieve a vibrant display of indoor or outdoor bulbs. It’s great for both planting and re-potting, and feeds plants for up to eight weeks.

A raised planter with tomato plants growing.A raised planter with tomato plants growing.A raised planter with tomato plants growing.A raised planter with tomato plants growing.

Compost for fruits and vegetables

Growing your own tasty produce is extremely satisfying. Our grow bags make growing simple, and can be placed just about anywhere – greenhouses, patios and even balconies. They contain high quality compost with high levels of organic matter, and will feed plants from eight weeks to three months.

Compost for seeds and cuttings

Seed and cutting compost gives seeds the best start in life by aiding germination, and helps cuttings to grow roots and flourish. It can feed plants for up to four weeks.

Compost for houseplants

Houseplants are great for brightening up any room. Use a houseplant compost to achieve vibrant flowers and greener foliage. There are also composts for specific plant types; cactus, succulent & bonsai compost for healthy foliage, citrus compost for an abundance of healthy citrus fruits, and orchid compost for beautiful, blooming orchids. These will feed plants from eight weeks up to three months.

What else do you need?

We also offer a range of top soils, barks and soil improvers, which work with our composts to provide the optimum growing conditions for plants.

Top soil

Top soil is the uppermost layer of soil, which is high in nutrients and organic matter. It’s specially screened, graded and weed free. It can be mixed with compost to achieve the optimum soil structure, which can be used to:

  • Make new beds and borders
  • Prepare or fix lawns
  • Improve natural soil where it’s poor or non-existent.

Soil Improvers

Soil improvers are used to add organic matter into the soil to improve its structure, retain moisture and add vital nutrients.

Bark

Bark is used for paths, beds, borders, trees and shrubs to protect plant roots, suppress weeds and aid moisture retention. It has a decorative feel to keep your garden looking tidy, making it the perfect backdrop for happy, healthy plants.