What is Multipurpose Compost?

Author: Tony Callaghan

  • Can I Mix Multipurpose Compost into My Soil-Based Raised Bed? 

    Two ways to approach mixing. Straightforward: Combine Multipurpose Compost (MPC) with soil simply to improve drainage and structure, then feed plants as needed through the season. Soil-building: View the mix as the foundation of a living bed — adding PAS100 compost, home compost, or biochar builds microbial life and organic matter that enhance fertility with…

  • Can I Use Multipurpose Compost to Fill My Raised Bed?

    Two ways to approach raised beds Straightforward: Use MPC as a convenient filler, but expect to feed more often and replace material regularly as structure and nutrients decline. Soil-building: Start with a mix of MPC, topsoil and compost to build a dynamic soil ecosystem that supports root–microbe partnerships, water retention and long-term fertility. Explore Soil-Building…

  • Using Multipurpose Compost for Pots, Containers and Hanging Baskets

    It’s one of the most common questions gardeners ask: Yes — Multipurpose Compost (MPC) is made for exactly this kind of use. How you use it just depends on how much time you want to give your plants — a quick season, or a living mix that improves year after year. Two ways to approach potting…

  • Product Review

    Carbon Gold — Biochar All Purpose Compost Review

    Carbon Gold — Biochar All Purpose Compost is 100% peat‑free growing medium enriched with UK‑sourced biochar, mycorrhizal fungi, wormcasts, seaweed, and natural nutrients. Designed to boost root health, plant vigour, and soil fertility. See

  • Is My Compost Certified Organic?

    Why the confusion? Many compost bags carry the word “organic” — but it can mean very different things: Term on Bag What It Really Means Made from organic matter Everything once living is “organic chemistry.” This has nothing to do with certification. Organic ingredients Inputs such as manures, plant waste, or wool may come from…

  • Carbon Footprints & Sustainability Claims

    TL;DR Most compost bags say eco-friendly or planet-kind — but what’s really inside matters. This page explains what “carbon footprint” means, why some composts are better for the climate than others, and how to spot the genuine green choices. Why Carbon Footprints Matter Switching to peat-free compost is a good start, but not all peat-free…

  • Compost Quality: What It Really Means for Buyers

    TL;DR Compost quality can vary — mainly due to how it’s made and what goes into it. PAS100 is the official UK minimum compost standard. It keeps compost safe and consistent. Retail brands often go further, with tighter in-house checks for texture, cleanliness, and nutrients. A few small bits of wood, plastic, or glass are…

  • Premium vs Budget Multipurpose Compost

    Premium vs Budget Multipurpose Compost) Not all Multipurpose Composts (MPCs) are equal. Premium blends often cost more because they use higher‑grade ingredients and tighter process control, while budget composts trade consistency for price. Your best choice depends on your goal — seed sowing, potting, or general soil improvement. Multipurpose Composts differ widely in their inputs, screening,…

  • What to Look for When in Store

    Quick Summary Compost bags all promise great results, but they don’t all deliver. Here’s how to spot the good ones in store — the same simple checks we use when testing products for our reviews. A few quick looks, squeezes and sniffs tell you far more than the label ever will. 1. Why This Matters…

  • How to Read Compost Bag Labels

    TL;DR Don’t just trust the marketing slogans — the most useful information is hidden in the small print. Check what’s inside the bag, how it’s certified, and whether its nutrient level and peat status match your intended use. 1. Why Label Reading Matters Modern Multipurpose Compost (MPC) packaging often looks alike — lush plant photos, green…