Author: Tony Callaghan

Multipurpose Compost (MPC) is the familiar bag of “all‑round” growing medium found in every garden centre. It’s formulated to give quick, reliable results in pots, containers, hanging baskets, and raised beds. In this retail context the word “compost” doesn’t mean decomposed garden waste — it means a manufactured, ready‑to‑use planting medium designed for convenience. What…

Compost and biology are often used interchangeably, yet commercial MCPs are not living composts. They are designed to stay stable in storage, pathogen-free, and uniform between batches — qualities that limit microbial life.

Technical deep dive into how MCP physical design governs air, water, and structure. Industry benchmarks for texture, AFP/FAS, WHC, Bulk Density and stability — plus how MultipurposeCompost.co.uk uses these specs to shape its product-review ratings.

Introduction In ‘Core Components‘ we explored the five core base components that form the foundation of most Multipurpose Composts. Each base — whether peat, coir, wood fibre, digestate, or PAS100 compost — provides structural and physical properties essential for moisture management and aeration. However, these bases alone rarely deliver a complete growing medium. To achieve…

Introduction Behind every bag of Multipurpose Compost (MPC) lies one simple truth: each manufacturer usually builds around one dominant base material. That base defines texture, moisture behaviour, and environmental footprint — with smaller additives then used to adjust nutrients or pH. The five main bases used in UK retail MPC are: Peat, Coir (coconut fibre), Wood…