Compost is essentially decomposed organic matter, rich in nutrients and can be used as a soil conditioner, fertiliser or mulch to improve the growing conditions of plants. Compost will add texture and valuable nutrients to your soil or it can be used as a growing medium for container planting. You can buy a wide range of specialist composts from garden retailers – or of course you can make your own for free.
Multi Purpose Compost – is fairly self explanatory! This can be used indoors or outdoors as general purpose compost for the majority of container plants and to add to the soil when planting in borders and flower beds. Multi purpose compost generally contains a percentage of peat and is fortified with various nutrients to help plant growth. You will still need to feed plants throughout the growing season as the nutrients in the compost will deplete after a few weeks.
Seed and cutting compost is finer textured compost with a higher phosphate content which encourages root growth in very young plants.
Ericaceous compost – this is specifically designed for acid-loving or lime-hating plants which will not tolerate normal multi-purpose compost. This type of lime-free compost will have the correct ph balance for acid loving plants such as Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Heathers and Pieris.
Peat free compost – this will be clearly labelled as Peat Free and is very much in demand as more people are becoming aware of the potential damage continued peat mining can do to the environment. Peat free compost is produced from recycled green materials and will provide essential nutrients for healthy plant growth. It also makes an ideal soil improver, mulch and lawn top dressing. Much of the green waste used in peat free compost would have previously been sent to land fill, so another good reason to choose peat free!
You can also buy compost for specific plants, for example, citrus fruits, orchids, mature plants, cacti and indoor plant compost to name just a few. These composts will be specifically formulated to deliver the correct combination of nutrients and for each particular plant type.
Here is a great place to purchase your compost online.
OR MAKE YOUR OWN
Here’s How to make your own Compost
