The foundation of every great garden
Good compost is at the heart of every successful garden. Whether you’re planting up pots, sowing seeds or refreshing your borders, choosing the right compost gives your plants the best possible start.
With so many options available, it can feel a little overwhelming—but once you understand the basics, it’s easy to match the right compost to the job. And often, a reliable all-rounder is exactly what you need.
Our go-to composts
In the garden centre, we rely on composts that are dependable, good value and deliver consistent results. Our default choice is multi-purpose with added Growmore—a versatile, economical compost that we use right across the centre for a wide range of planting.
Alongside this, the Levington range offers more specialist options, designed to support specific plants and growing stages. These are ideal when you’re looking to give certain plants that extra boost or meet more particular soil needs.
Key composts:
- Multi-purpose with Growmore – versatile, reliable and great value for general use
- Farmyard manure – improves soil structure and adds rich organic matter
- Rose, tree & shrub compost – supports strong root development and healthy growth
- Seed & cutting compost – fine texture, perfect for delicate young plants
- Ericaceous compost – ideal for acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries
- John Innes composts – loam-based for structure and long-term planting stability
Understanding compost types
Different composts are designed for different stages of a plant’s life. Seed and cutting composts are light and low in nutrients, giving young plants the best chance to establish without being overwhelmed. As plants grow, they benefit from richer composts that provide more nutrients and support.
Ericaceous compost is essential for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons, helping them to thrive in the right pH conditions. Meanwhile, loam-based mixes like John Innes offer added weight and structure, making them ideal for pots, containers and more permanent planting.
Choosing the right compost for the job
While specialist composts have their place, a good multi-purpose compost will cover most everyday gardening needs. It’s perfect for containers, baskets, general planting and topping up beds—making it a great staple to always have on hand.
For more specific planting, switching to a tailored compost can really make a difference, supporting healthier roots, stronger growth and better flowering.
Care essentials:
- Use multi-purpose compost for most general planting tasks
- Choose specialist composts for specific plants or growing stages
- Keep compost fresh and stored in a dry place
- Water regularly, as compost in pots can dry out quickly
- Refresh or top up compost to maintain plant health
A simple way to grow better
Getting your compost right is one of the easiest ways to improve your gardening results. With the right foundation in place, everything else becomes that little bit easier—from planting to watering to enjoying the final display.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your garden, choosing a compost you can rely on makes all the difference—simple, effective and ready to support every season ahead.
