Miracle-Gro Compost 50L Bag
- Composition – Wood fibre, Bark fines, Coir and composted Green waste
- Features and benefits
- Ideal for all plants in beds, borders, hanging baskets, pots and containers
- Contains Fibre smart™ for optimum balance of air and water providing strong root growth
- Feeds for up to 3 months
£8.00
Tarmac Meltaway Rock salt, 22.5kg Bag
- Say goodbye to slippery driveways and icy walkways with the reliable performance of Tarmac Meltaway rock salt. Perfectly formulated to combat treacherous winter conditions, this 22.5kg bag ensures you have plenty to keep your home and business safe.
- 2 years Guarantee
- Features and benefits
- Quickly dissolves ice and snow, providing instant grip and safety
- Effective even in sub-zero temperatures, keeping surfaces clear longer
- Ideal for driveways, paths, steps, and car parks
- Simply scatter over icy areas for immediate results
£8.50
Verve Dark brown Large Bark chippings 100L Bag
- This large landscape bark is suitable all around the garden to brighten up untidy beds and borders.
- Dig out any weeds and make sure that the soil is moist and lay weed barrier fabric. Spread bark by hand and rake to ensure even coverage depth of at least 25 mm high (1″)
- Ideal for top dressing beds and boarders. Looks great and enriches the soil at the same time.
- Green star claim – Applying mulch to soil helps lock in moisture for longer, meaning plants in mulched soil can require less watering during dry weather. *
- Features and benefits
- Verve’s large landscape bark locks in vital moisture and keeps weeds at bay, creating the perfect backdrop for happy healthy plants
- Can be used all year round
- Barks and mulches help to protect plant roots from extreme weather conditions
- Our landscape bark is ideal cover for paths, flower beds and borders
£12.00
Verve Peat-free Multi-purpose Compost 100L
- This multi-purpose compost has been specially tested and formulated to ensure your flowers, seeds and cuttings flourish and grow in the garden and greenhouse – feeding for up to 6 weeks.
- Use in pots, hanging baskets and seed trays
- Composition – coir, wood fibre and bio fibre
- To re-pot a plant, water well 1-2 hours before re-potting. Before opening the bag, loosen compacted compost and make sure the contents are well mixed. Add a layer of compost to a slightly larger pot. Gently remove plant from pot. Pop plant into the larger pot and top up with compost. Lightly firm the compost with your fingertips and water. WE RECOMMEND: Take care when watering and avoid waterlogging. Check a few centimeters below the surface of the compost, if it is moist no watering is required. For smaller pots, the weight of the pot is a good indicator of its moisture content. For best results use a liquid feed to maximise flowering and fruiting. When using fertilisers follow the recommended dosing instructions.
£13.00
Verve Peat-free Manure 50L
- This manure can be used to improve soil structure and add organic matter which will aerate the soil, retain moisture and nutrients.
- For improving soil structure and nutrient retention for better plant growth
- Composition – mixed manure, wood fibre and bio fibre
- To use as a soil conditioner, spread the manure over the soil surface to a depth of at least 30-40mm (1.2″ – 1.6″). Using a fork, work in to the top 30-50mm (1.2″- 2″) of the soil surface. For planting, dig out a hole large enough to allow for the plants roots to spread. Mix 1 part manure to 2 parts soil. Place the plant’s roots in the hole and fill around them with the manure and soil mix. Firm down with your hands and water well.
- Features and benefits
- For improving soil structure and nutrient retention for better plant growth
- use on all areas of the garden
£6.50
Finding the right compost for your gardening and landscaping needs can make all the difference in having a beautiful, thriving garden. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the best compost product at B&Q. This buying guide covers everything you need to know about the types of compost B&Q sells, key factors in choosing compost, using compost properly, and tips for getting great results from B&Q compost.
A Quick Overview of Compost Types at B&Q
B&Q offers a wide selection of compost tailored to different uses in the garden. Here’s a quick look at the main compost products you’ll find:
- Multi-purpose compost – This all-round compost provides essential nutrients for flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs. It can be used to prepare flower beds, as a soil improver for lawns, and for mulching.
- Ericaceous compost – Formulated for acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and heathers. It helps balance soil pH.
- Manure compost – Composted animal manures provide an excellent source of nutrients for promoting growth. Types include horse manure, cow manure, and chicken manure compost.
- Peat-free compost – For environmentally-friendly gardening, peat-free composts use materials like green compost instead of peat.
- Organic compost – Made from plant materials composted without synthetic chemical additives. Look for certified organic options.
- Seed and cutting compost – Fine, sieved compost ideal for starting seeds and rooting cuttings.
- Composted bark – For mulching, improving drainage and moisture retention.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Compost
With all the different B&Q compost products, there are several factors to keep in mind depending on your intended use:
Type of Plants
Match the compost to the nutritional needs of the plants you’re growing. For example, lime-loving plants like alkaline soil so avoid acidic ericaceous compost. Vegetable gardens do well with nutrient-rich manure compost.
Intended Use
Consider how you plan to use the compost. Seed and cutting compost is perfect for starting seeds in trays while mulching compost works best as a top-dressing in garden beds. Standard multi-purpose compost can be used in most applications.
Organic or Standard
Organic compost is best for edible gardens and environmentally-friendly gardening. Standard compost may contain synthetic additives but is more affordable. Look for certified organic brands at B&Q for peace of mind.
Compost Quality
Higher quality compost from B&Q has a fine, crumbly texture without odors. Poor compost may contain plastic, glass or other contaminants. Inspect bags before purchasing.
Compost Ingredients
Compost can be formulated from different base materials like garden waste, animal manures, bark chips, coir (coconut fibre) or green hay. This affects nutrient levels so check if the compost is suitable for your soil type.
Environmental Sustainability
Many gardeners choose peat-free compost to avoid using peat from endangered bogs. Organic and eco-friendly compost options are also available at B&Q.
Using B&Q Compost Effectively In Your Garden
Once you’ve chosen the ideal B&Q compost for your needs, proper usage is key to getting the best results:
Application Rate
Follow package instructions for how much compost to apply. Using too little compost won’t provide enough nutrients. Adding too much can potentially burn plants.
Prepare the Soil
Before applying compost, dig over the soil to aerate it and break up clumps. Remove weeds and debris. This allows the compost to fully integrate.
Mix Thoroughly
Spread compost evenly over the soil surface and mix thoroughly to a depth of roughly 25cm. Combining it with the existing soil ensures even nutrient distribution.
Water Well
Water the compost deeply after application to activate the beneficial microbes and dissolve nutrients so plants can access them.
Mulch Annually
Replenish compost annually by applying a fresh layer around plants. This provides a slow-release feeding as the compost breaks down.
Follow Best Practices
Take care not to overfill containers with compost and avoid mounding it around plant stems. Following proper composting technique is vital.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About B&Q Compost
Choosing the right compost and using it properly will help your garden thrive. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about using B&Q compost:
Is B&Q compost organic?
Some B&Q compost is certified organic while standard varieties may contain synthetic additives. Check labels for organic certification symbol.
Is B&Q compost suitable for vegetable gardens?
Yes, manure and multi-purpose compost provide an excellent nutrient boost for vegetables. Organic options are ideal for food crops.
How long does B&Q compost last?
Unopened bags stored in a dry spot can last up to a year. Once opened, compost is best used within 3-6 months before nutrients start to break down.
Does B&Q compost contain fertilizer?
Standard B&Q composts contain some synthetic fertilizers while organic options rely on natural nutrients only. Check the ingredients listing.
Can B&Q compost be used on lawns?
Yes, multi-purpose and garden compost will improve the soil quality and fertility of the lawn when applied as a top dressing.
Is B&Q ericaceous compost acidic?
Yes, B&Q ericaceous compost has a low pH around 4.5-5.5 which acid-loving plants like camellias and rhodos prefer.
Does B&Q sell compost in bulk?
B&Q can arrange delivery of bulk bagged compost or loose compost by the cubic metre. Bulk delivery must be arranged in advance.
Can I use composted manure from B&Q for seed starting?
Pure composted animal manures may be too strong for starting seeds. Opt for an organic seed/cutting compost instead.
Does peat-free compost work as well as peat compost?
Quality peat-free compost works equally well. The extra bulk of materials like green compost helps retain moisture.
Tips for Finding the Right B&Q Compost for Every Gardening Project
Here are some final tips on choosing the perfect B&Q compost products for your specific gardening needs:
- For flower and shrub beds, a multi-purpose compost provides balanced nutrition.
- Improve vegetable garden fertility with organic chicken manure or garden compost.
- Acid-loving plants thrive in ericaceous and peat-free composts that maintain proper pH.
- When preparing new flower or shrub beds, add lots of organic matter like composted bark and compost.
- For the environmentally conscious, peat-free and certified organic composts are the best picks.
- Boost nutrients in container gardening with a quality, fine-textured multi-purpose compost.
- For the lawn, choose composts like garden compost designed specifically to improve grass fertility.
- Give seedlings and cuttings the best start with fine, nutrient-rich organic seed & cutting compost.
With this guide’s tips on choosing the ideal type, usage, ingredients and quality, you can select the perfect B&Q compost to meet all your gardening needs. Properly preparing soil with the right compost is one of the best ways to ensure a thriving, beautiful garden.