How to choose compost

Always choose a peat-free compost, and consider the plants you want to grow and how long they’ll be in a container. Plants that are to spend years in a pot are best grown in soil-based compost (often sold as John Innes compost). This gives a longerterm supply of nutrients than multi-purpose, doesn’t shrink and holds onto moisture well. Multi-purpose is best for young plants that are only in pots for one growing season at the most, but they will need regular liquid plant food to ensure they receive enough nutrition. Acid-loving plants such as blueberries, camellias (below) and pieris need to be grown in ericaceous compost. Homemade compost is best used for mulching or mixing into planting holes.