Author: Tony Callaghan

Short answer: Mushroom compost is the spent growing substrate left after commercial mushrooms have been harvested. It starts as composted straw and gypsum (sometimes with a small amount of manure) that’s pasteurised before mushrooms are grown — not afterwards. When sold, it’s no longer rich in nutrients but can still improve soil texture and moisture…

Short answer: No. Manure is animal waste mixed with bedding such as straw or sawdust. Compost is organic matter that has been fully decomposed. Both improve soil, but manure must be composted before use. What manure actually is Fresh manure is rich in nitrogen and microbes. When mixed with bedding, it becomes an excellent raw…

Online compost ratings can swing from rave to rage. Here’s why the stars don’t always tell the full story. 1) Different expectations, different uses One gardener uses Multipurpose Compost for seedlings, another fills containers or raised beds. Each expects different things: When those expectations clash, the same bag can earn both 1★ and 5★. 2)…

We don’t hand out stars at random. Every compost on MultipurposeCompost.co.uk is rated using our MPC Balanced Scorecard v9 — a transparent, evidence-based way to compare composts on Ease of Use, Composition, and Sustainability. Each brand is observed and compared against measurable indicators gardeners actually notice, like how easy it is to re-wet, how consistent…

Short answer:Bagged Multipurpose Compost doesn’t expire like food — but it does degrade over time. Most manufacturers recommend using unopened bags within 12–18 months of packing, and opened bags within 6 months. What actually happens as compost ages These changes won’t make compost unsafe, but they reduce germination, drainage, and nutrient release — all key…

It’s one of the most common gardener frustrations: two bags labelled “Multipurpose Compost” can behave completely differently. One drains perfectly; another stays soggy and lifeless. The reason lies in what “multipurpose” really means — and what it doesn’t. 1) “Multipurpose” is not a strict standard Unlike PAS100 (for recycled green compost) or Soil Association certification…

TL;DR Yes — you can use Multipurpose Compost (MPC) as a short-term mulch, but it’s rarely the best or longest-lasting option. MPC breaks down fast, can crust when dry, and encourages weed growth. If you want moisture retention and weed suppression, go coarser — think bark, wood chip, or leaf mould. See the in-depth guide: How…

If you’ve ever opened a bag of compost and spotted a bit of plastic, glass, or grit, you’re not alone. A decade ago this was common — especially in peat-free composts made from recycled green waste. Today, however, the picture has changed dramatically. Most modern Multipurpose Composts  (MPCs) contain no green waste at all. Instead,…

TL;DR: If your compost has gone hard and water just runs off, don’t panic. Break it up, add water slowly in stages, and give it time to re-absorb. For severely dried compost, the only reliable fix is either a commercial wetting agent or a natural humus suspension. Why Compost Dries Out Bagged Multipurpose Compost (MPC) can…

Short answer:You can assess compost quality with a few simple at-home checks — no lab required. These tests help you tell if a mix is too wet, too woody, or poorly balanced before planting. 1. The Squeeze Test — structure and moisture This simple test gives a quick read on porosity and water-holding capacity —…