Water thoroughly. We recommend using Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics Plant Food to feed your plant. Position the plant and fill with 50% soil and 50% of Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics Peat Free All Purpose Potted Plants Compost and firm around the base. 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.

Well, peat-based compost is still readily available, but a lot of gardeners are choosing to avoid it as much as possible for the above reasons.The texture is relatively neutral – not too sandy or soggy, and there are some additional components included, like wood fibre. The wood fibre comes from FSC certified forests which means it’s been sustainably grown/sourced. Peat-free compost can be used for all plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Not suitable for acid loving, ericaceous plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. For multi-purpose composts, look for a relatively even NPK ratio . This refers to the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the mix, all of which are nutrients required for plant health. The Miracle-Gro 119761 All Purpose Compost is suitable for use in all areas of the garden, adding nutrients to flower beds, hanging baskets, pots and containers. It’s available in either a 40 L or 50 L bag and offers great value for money. If you’re working to a budget, this Levington Multi Purpose Compost is a low-cost option that gives you 70 L of compost.

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. Traditionally, a lot of composts contained peat – it’s high in nutrients and works wonders on plants. However, the negative effects of harvesting and using peat have become more evident in recent years.

There’s a range of peat-free compost on the market, although some gardeners feel they are not as effective as composts containing peat. Peat-free compost generally contain wood-based materials such as wood fibre, sawdust or bark. We strongly recommend using Miracle-Gro Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron, Ericaceous Compost for acid loving plants like Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Heather.

Another benefit is that the microorganisms introduced to the soil will also help your plants to repel a number of plant diseases.

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. Containing a nutrient-enhanced formula as well as a wetting agent, this compost is suitable for the majority of plants, including those in containers and hanging baskets. It’s highly absorbent, so is intended to hold water and nutrients for longer, helping stop plants from drying out. It contains a relatively even blend of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium, helping encourage both root development and flowering. A lot of gardeners find 50 L bags a lot more manageable, although of course they may not offer such good value for money. Overall, it’s one of the best composts to use if you’re after value for money. It’s a good quality product, in a size that’s easy to manage, and you still get a lot for the price.