Containing smart release granules, this compost will only work when the growing conditions are optimal, e.g., warm and moist. This allows for the most efficient absorption of minerals, and can feed plants for an entire season – up to six months at a time.

Take care with fragile roots. Half fill a pot, place the plant in position and fill around the roots with compost. Gently firm the compost and water well. 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. 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. Does multi purpose compost go off? As long as your compost is kept dry and sealed, or at least covered over, it will last indefinitely. As soon as it gets wet however, nutrients start to leach out of it and it will be no good after about 6 months. Q: What is multi purpose compost used for?Coarse sand or grit is used as a physical conditioner to allow excess water to drain from the compost and thus prevent water-logging. It also helps to provide stability for larger plants. Yes, it is a fantastic option which will enrich your soil over a period of time. What is the difference between multi purpose and all purpose compost? Another benefit is that the microorganisms introduced to the soil will also help your plants to repel a number of plant diseases. To avoid too much soil compaction, choose compost with a mixture of large and small particles in it . Wood fibres are good to look out for, acting as a natural component that will allow for soil aeration. Sometimes manufactures will use a mix of materials, including stones and ceramic, which you may or may not want in your garden. 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.

There is also some peat in the mix, which more and more gardeners are looking to avoid; however, it is considered a ‘reduced peat’ compost, so they have gone to measures to keep the peat content down. 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. 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.Of all the different types of compost available, general purpose compost has to be safest and easiest to work with. These multi-purpose mixes are also known as universal compost because they cater to a plethora of uses in different seasons. As the name suggest, multipurpose compost attempts to create a mixture with a pH and nutrient levels ideal for growing a broad range of plants.

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. When it comes to compost, one of the most important things is to make sure that it contains a good balance of nutrients. Rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias can be hard to propagate. We recommend a 50/50 mixture of ericaceous compost and silver sand. Refer to any good gardening book for detailed information on taking cuttings of these plants. Lime-free grit sand is included to allow excess water to drain from the compost and so prevent waterlogging. It also adds weight and provides stability for pot grown plants.

Make sure that you buy enough compost for your various needs throughout the garden! Many people make the mistake of not buying enough multipurpose compost because they forget it’s going to be used for anything and everything!