THE BEST COMPOST FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANT

Dos and don’ts

✔DO buy peat-free – always – and make a note of the different brands you use in pots through the growing season, and the results. Some will be more suited to your plants than others.

✔DO keep bagged compost in a shed or greenhouse, so that it is dry for when you are ready to use it. ✔DO tip the contents of bagged compost into a trug or onto a work surface and break it down with your hands to a crumbly texture before using it for potting.

✔DO add more of the same compost to crops in pots through the year if you notice that the compost level has dropped, then water.

Key points

Plants that are to stay in the same pot for many years are not likely to grow well in multi-purpose composts. Soil-based composts are heavy, so place large pots where you want them to stay before planting with it. Grit and perlite can be added to any type of compost to help improve drainage, if needed.

LEFT TO RIGHT Camellias need ericaceous compost; long-term plants such as box grow best in soil-based compost; annual veg suit peat-free multi-purpose compost; perennials and shrubs need soil-based compost