Watch out for reformulated compost - manufacturers frequently change the mix of ingredients they use and the fertiliser, and this is speeding up as the ban on using peat comes ever closer. We can't recommend reformulated brands because there's no guarantee the new product will perform as well as the one we tested. Always use the images above to make sure the Best Buy compost you are buying is the one we have tested. Produced from high quality peats, with the addition of fertiliser, this Growmoor Multi-Purpose Compost does a great job improving the health of plants. It’s available in several sizes, from small 10 L bags up to large 80 L options. When peat is dug up, to be used as compost (or for other reasons), the store of carbon is disturbed and released into the atmosphere. This is the first downside of harvesting peat – especially on a commercial scale.

Peat Free compost is a type of compost made without peat moss, a key ingredient in traditional compost. Peat moss is a natural, carbon-rich material found in wetlands and bogs. It helps to create a light, airy compost that is ideal for growing plants. However, peat moss is a non-renewable resource that takes thousands of years to form. Peat Free compost is made using renewable and sustainable materials, making it a great solution for environmentally conscious gardeners. 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. Tub and basket composts tend to be more expensive than multipurpose compost, but using a multipurpose compost with a Best Buy controlled-release fertiliser and regular watering will also give good results. Another benefit is that the microorganisms introduced to the soil will also help your plants to repel a number of plant diseases. Simply the best compost available to the gardener today and now available with reduced peat content!In fact, our testing shows really variable results for both cheap and expensive compost. The only way to really know what you're getting is to look at our results. Things to look for when buying compost

Compost is a mix of peats and wood fibres that will make up for any deficiencies in your garden soil and ensure your plants receive the nutrients that they need. Adding compost to your soil is the ideal way to create an optimum growing environment, and there's a simple way to add it to the mix. Here we have premium grade compost for sale that's perfect for your budding plants.In terms of the compost itself, it contains 14 vital minerals to create a rich compost that also drains well. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as expected, alongside 11 trace elements which help to maintain the health of plants. No need to visit the garden centre anymore with our Compost delivery service! We deliver compost straight to your door, no hassle, no fuss.And free of charge! Make sure to return here if you are interested in any compost offers as we frequently do a compost sale.

This year we chose to only test peat-free compost. From 2024, you will only be able to buy peat-free compost in garden centres and DIY stores when the government introduces a ban on peat composts. We firmly believe you can get great results from peat-free composts and we haven't used peat in our own trials for many years. We have also included Moorland Gold composts which use peat recovered from lakes and dams after being naturally washed from peat heathland by rainwater. The bacterium responsible for the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease has been found in some composts sold in the UK. The chances of you becoming infected are very low, but it makes sense to take the following precautions when handling compost: This is a bespokeprofessional mix made to our exacting recipe from one of Europe's leading blenders.It contains 50% composted wood fibre, to open the mix up and get air in to the roots, and a precise blend of 3 different grades of peats to balance drainage and water holding. With added Lime, it is pH balanced to give the optimum growing conditions and with starter fertiliser and a wetting agent, to ensure even water distribution in pots and container, it willget your plants off to a head-start. Now you have the facts, you can make your own informed decision about compost. How Much Compost to BuyThey often contain a different mix of ingredients to those found in multipurpose composts. These include small amounts of sand, grit or vermiculite in seed and potting composts, bark in orchid compost and mostly gravel and sand in cacti composts. Many manufacturers are attempting to lower the peat content in their compost, due to its negative impact on the environment. However, if the compost doesn’t state that it’s ‘peat free compost’ or at least ‘low in peat’, you should presume that it has a high peat content. 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. For reference, the 50 L bag contains enough compost to fill four large patio pots and three hanging baskets. Claimed to be suitable for germinating seeds, small seedlings and plants in patio containers, it's a good general compost, but our tests show that not all are great for all jobs. Look carefully at our results table to find one that is good for all your garden tasks.