10 Best Multi Purpose Compost
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If you enjoy gardening and officially have “green fingers” then you’ll know the importance of buying multi-purpose compost and how it can transform the plants, fruits or vegetables that you’re growing. Some see this as a luxury purchase, but just like a cordless leaf blower, investing in good compost can make the whole gardening experience much easier, and of course, rewarding. Over the years, compost has evolved and many companies have come up with innovative and advanced ways to enrich compost so you can really get the most out of what you’re growing. However, in doing so, companies have created the paradox of choice, leaving many amateur gardeners unsure on which brand or type of compost is the best for them to buy. We completely understand this (and feel your pain), which is why we’ve taken the time to review the 10 best multi purpose composts on the market, taking into account not only their key features and specifications, but also who would benefit the most from each of these composts. The whole point of multi purpose compost is that it’s versatile, however you may find that some brands offer additional benefits that will improve the growth and retention of what you have in your garden.
The most important thing is that the compost works for you, so try to focus on what your needs are and this will help you during the purchasing process. We’ve also included a detailed summary buyer guide at the end of the “top 10”, as well as an FAQ to answer any of your burning questions.So, without further ado – here are the top 10 multi purpose composts on the market right now, we hope we help you make the correct purchase.
Growmore 60L Bag Of Multi Purpose Garden Potting Compost
The Growmore compost is an enhanced formula that has been created to help retain water and nutrients. Easy to handle and manage, this compost comes in smaller bags for you to be able to distribute as you see fit. Whether it’s growing beautiful fruits and vegetables, or plants and flowers, this compost can help you achieve your goals!
Key Features:
Easy to use multi purpose compost
Specification:
Brand
Growmoor
Capacity
60 L
Item dimensions L x W x H
15 x 50 x 70 cm
Pros
Great for fruits and vegetables in particular due to the nutrients it's enriched with
Cons
Size may be too big for some
Miracle-Gro Purpose Compost
The Miracle-Gro Purpose Compost is a nutrient-rich compost that has a smart release system, enabling you to feed plants and vegetables for up to 6 months. The compost is also engineered so it can absorb 25% more water than ordinary compost on the market.
Key Features:
Nutrient-rich formula
Easy to use and distribute
Smart release system feeding plants for up to 6 months
Specification:
Brand
Miracle-Gro
Moisture needs
Medium
Weight
12.76 kg
Pros
Smart feed system means that this is a low maintenance multi purpose compost
Cons
Size and type of compost may not be to your taste
GROWMOOR Multi Purpose Compost
The GROWMOOR Multi Purpose Compost is a precision compost that has been designed to retain nutrients as well as moisture. This is designed for general garden use including containers as well as hanging baskets. Overall it’s a great multi-purpose compost that doesn’t break the bank but still does the job.
Key Features:
Budget-friendly multi purpose compost
Great for containers and hanging baskets
Nutrient rich
Specification:
Brand
Growmoor
Weight
8 kg
L X W X D
12.5 x 40.2 x 59.2 cm
Pros
Great for those who don't have large gardens and only want to use this in containers/hanging baskets/plant pots
Cons
May not be suitable for larger areas
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Compost
The Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Compost is a moisture and nutrient-rich formula which works well for hanging baskets, houseplants, as well as patio potted plants, too. The formula is focussed on water absorption, and can feed for up to 6 months with minimal maintenance. There are three different capacities available, so you can buy the right one for you.
Key Features:
Easy to use formula
Low maintenance due to the moisture retention
Three sizes available (capacity)
Specification:
Brand
Miracle gro
Capacity (Litres)
10/20/40
Pros
Great for smaller gardens and indoor plants
Cons
May not be strong enough for vegetables and plants in a larger space
GROWMOOR Multi Purpose Growing Media
The GROWMOOR Multi Purpose Growing Media is designed for general garden use. The formula focusses on fertilisation and water retention. It can be used for plants but also vegetables and fruit if you have the right climate for them. This compost can also work well in a greenhouse.
Key Features:
Moisture-retention features
Designed for general garden use
Three different weights available
Specification:
Brand
Growmoor
Capacity
75 L
Pros
Great for those who have a mixture of indoor and outdoor plants as this multi purpose compost works for both
Cons
May not be suitable for larger gardens and spaces
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Enriched Compost
The Miracle-Gro All Purpose Enriched Compost has a formula designed to stimulate growth for a season long feed. The formula contains smart release granules, and this multi purpose compost is great for hanging baskets, containers and pots either indoors or outdoors. This compost also works well in greenhouses and conservatories.
Key Features:
Designed for potted plants (indoor or outdoor)
Moisture retention technology
Specification:
Brand
Miracle-gro
Capacity
40 L
Manufacturer
Scotts
Pros
Great for potted plants due to the specific formula
Cons
Formula and compost may not be suitable for larger gardens and outdoor areas
Levington 40L Multi Purpose Compost
The Levington 40L Multi Purpose Compost is a nutrient-rich and moisture retentive formula which is perfect not only for plants, flowers and shrubbery, but also for growing vegetables and fruits. The multi purpose compost also works beautifully in warmer climates that can be achieved in a greenhouse, and works to feed your plants or veggies all year round.
Key Features:
8 weeks worth of nutrients in this formula
Moisture retentive compost
Great both for indoor and outdoor use
Specification:
Brand
Levington
Capacity
40 L
Feed weeks
8
Pros
Great for virtually everything, incredibly versatile both for indoor and outdoors
Cons
Not necessary for those who only require basic compost for their plants or flowers
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Compost, PEAT FREE
The Miracle-Gro All Purpose Compost, is a peat free formula that is perfect for beds and borders, pots, containers and hanging baskets. This compost works well for growing fruit and vegetables, but can also be used to promote the healthy growth and nourishment of plants and flowers. The feed lasts for up to 3 months, and works well to retain moisture and pump nutrients through on a regular basis.
Key Features:
Designed for fruit and vegetables
3 months worth of feeding
Easy to use
Specification:
Brand
Miracle-gro
Capacity
10 or 40 L
Weight
10.66 kg
Pros
Great for those who specifically want to focus on growing vegetables and fruit
Cons
Only provides 3 month feed
Gro-sure All Purpose Compost with 4 Months Plant Feed
The Gro-sure All Purpose Compost is a nutrient-rich compost that provides 4 months worth of feed with minimal maintenance. It’s suitable for beds, boards, potted plants as well as smaller vegetable/fruit patches. The pack also features an easy carry handle so you can move this compost around your garden with ease.
Key Features:
Nutrient-rich formula
Carry handle makes this easy to move around
4 months worth of feeding
Specification:
Brand
Gro-sure
Capacity
10 L
Weight
2.2 kg
Pros
Great for smaller gardens and vegetable patches due to the formula
Cons
Only provides 4 months worth of feeding
GROWMOOR 5 Litre Multi Purpose Compost Bag with Added Nutrients
The Growmoor multi purpose compost bag is a small but mighty bag of compost, packed with nutrients and moisture-retentive technology, so you can get the most out of your plants. This is great for general garden use as it can also work well for fruits and vegetables, as well as being used in greenhouses or controlled heated areas.
Key Features:
Easy to use multi purpose compost
Great for pots and smaller gardens
Nutrient rich formula
Specification:
Brand
Growmoor
Capacity
5 L
Pros
Capacity is great for smaller areas
Cons
Capacity may be too small for bigger garden patches and/or potted areas
Summary
As you can see, there are so many different options to choose from. Whether it’s peat-free compost or compost that feeds for over 6 months, we hope that you’ve found something that will work for you. If not, have no fear, we’ve listed a few frequently asked questions below as well as a video and further reading to help you make the right decision.
FAQ
How can I choose the right compost for me?
Which multi-purpose compost is the best?
We’d be biased if we told you which one was our favourite, however we always recommend looking at the amount of time that your compost can feed your plants and vegetables/fruit for. If you live a busy lifestyle, we recommend going for a compost that feeds for over 3 months as this will lower the maintenance for you. However, if you are an avid gardener, you can be a bit more flexible. Each garden is unique so make sure you pick what feels right for you!
What else do I need for my garden?
We highly recommend looking at a weeding tool, as well as a hedge trimmer and a soil testing kit.
Further reading
Tips for a peat free garden: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2010/feb/23/peat-free-compost