Best compost: which compost is best for which job?

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For most plants, and for many seeds and cuttings, a good peat-free multi-purpose compost is suitable, both from an environmental and convenience point of view.

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Multi-purpose composts are soil-less, so they shrink more than loam-based composts when they dry out, and don’t always reabsorb water when wetted. It's therefore important to keep the compost gently moist at all times and don’t let it dry out.

The nutrients are also more rapidly leached out of soil-less composts than those containing loam. Read the bag for how long the nutrients are expected to last, but you will usually need to start applying a fortnightly liquid feed six weeks after planting plants that are in growth. For trees and shrubs in containers outdoors, use John Innes soil-based compost, which has the weight necessary for stability and the ability to hold onto its nutrients for longer – add grit to prevent it from becoming too hard and ‘claggy’.

If you're determined to avoid peat, the alternative is to mix a peat-free, multi-purpose compost with good-quality topsoil, to provide stability and moisture retention, and add fertiliser, such as blood, fish and bonemeal. Proprietary compost is tested to make sure it's suitable for a range of plants. Yours will be a process of trial and error, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing you're doing your bit for conservation.

For acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons and camellias, use John Innes ericaceous compost or mix a peat-free ericaceous compost with neutral or acidic topsoil.

If you want to make your own compost from kitchen or garden waste, try our guide to the best compost bin as we talk through all the available options, the benefits of each and share advice on how to get started. For any additional help you may need, we also have a trouble-shooting video on common problems with composting.

Whatever compost you choose, for best results always buy fresh bagged compost rather than an old, stale or waterlogged sackful. Only buy as much as you can use within six to eight weeks, and seal after use to stop bugs and weed seeds getting in, and prevent decomposition. Store it where it won’t get waterlogged.

Find out which is the best compost for which job, below.