J. Arthur Bowers Multi-purpose Compost 2 x 50L Bags (100L)

Product Information

On top of this, universal composts are usually cheaper compared to those designed for specific use. Their economic value only increases once you realise that you can use them for all your plants; from seeds to grown shrubs. Key Features and Considerations When Buying Multi-Purpose Compost i. Fine Texture A. John Innes No 2 Potting On Compost does not contain any organic elements so shouldn’t be attractive to animals Overall, it’s one of the best composts to use if you’re after value for money. It’s a good quality product, in a size that’s easy to manage, and you still get a lot for the price. It has good water retention as well as efficient drainage, and doesn’t compact around plants of become overly dense.

Yes, as the name suggests they have can be used for a variety of tasks form seed sowing to plant potting. Can I use multi purpose compost as mulch? For example, many have a higher volume of fertilizer that feeds plants for longer while others can reduce the amount of watering by using ingredients that help store moisture.Which? have been researching the issue, systematically. Their results are published in the January/February issue of Gardening Which. I haven't seen the full report, only a summary of their results... It can be used for virtually all types of plant and the slightly coarse texture is perfect for all your potting needs as it promotes healthy root growth and resists compaction. Choosing the right compost can be a finely balanced decision, considering the complex blend of minerals, nutrients and organic matter, judged so that plants perform at their best.

Brands tested included Westland, Bulrush, Verve(B&Q) New Horizon, Levington, Miracle gro, Homebase, Vital Earth, Arthur Bower's Thankfully, there are many peat-free composts that offer the same versatility without the harmful impact on the environment. Most of these work just as effectively as products with peat, so if you are an eco-conscious gardener be sure to look out for these. pH 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. There may also be other materials present, like bits of bark or stones. This can vary from compost to compost. The inclusion of larger materials can stop the compost from becoming too compacted, and can help with drainage and aeration. However, it can also just demonstrate that the manufacturer isn’t very careful with sieving the compost, and it’s not uncommon for budget composts to have a higher density of large material. Well, peat-based compost is still readily available, but a lot of gardeners are choosing to avoid it as much as possible for the above reasons.

Ground horticultural-grade limestone is added to give the compost the pH most plants prefer. For lime-hating plants choose John Innes Ericaceous instead

For a good value compost, that will help give young plants a boost, this J. Arthur Bowers Multi-Purpose Compost offers two bags at a reasonable price and provides all the nutrients plants need for their first 4-6 weeks. Whilst a lot of composts are sold in 100 L bags, these may not be practical for some people in the garden. They can weigh anywhere from at least 25 – 30 kg.

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When it comes to compost, one of the most important things is to make sure that it contains a good balance of nutrients. Seeing as compost is made up of decayed organic material, it has a lot of great nutrients in it. The three main nutrients, which are often present in shop-bought fertilisers as well, are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.