How to choose the right compost for the right spot
AS spring approaches, we’ll be sowing, planting, mulching and digging – but which compost do we need for each job?
MULTI-PURPOSE COMPOST
THIS is the most versatile compost, which can be used to dig in and enrich beds and borders, as well as plant up containers.
PEAT-FREE COMPOST
MANY gardeners are opposed to composts containing peat because they continue to deplete British peat bogs, although historically, peat has been used in compost because it’s good at holding water and retaining its nutrients.
ERICACEOUS COMPOST
ACID-LOVING plants including camellia, azalea, rhododendron and heather are best planted using ericaceous compost. If you are planting them in a flower bed that naturally has alkaline soil, they are likely to suffer.
SEED AND POTTING COMPOST
SEED compost has the lowest amount of nutrients, which encourages the best germination and growth of tiny roots. A seed compost is much more in tune with the needs of a developing seed than a general multipurpose compost.
SPENT MUSHROOM COMPOST
THIS is generally cheaper than other composts and is often used as a soil conditioner or to mulch a bed. It is called ‘spent’ because it is compost left over from mushroom farming.
ANIMAL MANURE
ANIMAL manure is a fantastic soil conditioner, but it must be well rotted before adding to the soil, or the concentration of nitrogen will scorch young plants.
If you are offered fresh manure, you’ll need to create a space to rot it down for at least six months before spreading it across the soil in spring, a few weeks before planting. Break up any lumps by raking it and mix in some topsoil.