What is multi-purpose?
Germinating seeds, rooting cuttings, growing plants on, sustaining growth long-term, all make different demands. Add to this the needs of individual plant species. Here’s one simple example. A seed compost has to be fine. But some multi-purpose composts contain hard lumps of peat. So be aware that ‘Multi-purpose’ really over stretches the capability of a compost. Its more about marketing than good growing – a simple reply to the many needs gardeners now have for compost, from seeds to hanging baskets, from tomatoes to shrubs. Peat Base For Compost: All multi-purpose composts are based on peat. Theres no doubt it has great value. Many gardeners believe peat is an ideal and irreplaceable base for making compost. But as peat harvesting destroys sensitive bog habitat along with rare plants and animals, commercial peat harvesting is not sustainable. The UK target is to make 90% of compost / soil conditioner sold by 2010, peat free. So vendors are now reducing the peat content. Peat Alternat
