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

Not all Multipurpose Composts behave the same. Labels can sound impressive, but real quality shows in how the compost looks, feels, and smells. Use these quick pointers next time you’re shopping — they’re the same ones behind our review scores.

2. Reading the Bag

What to Look For	Why It Helps	Quick Example
Texture words	Tell you particle size and drainage.	Fine = good for seedlings • Coarse = better for pots or soil improvement.
“Feeds 4–6 weeks”	Means a short-term fertiliser only.	Plan to feed plants again after the first month.
Peat-free claim	Only bags marked 100% peat-free meet the new rules.	Ignore vague terms like “low-peat.”
Badges & logos	Show a traceable supply chain.	Look for the Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS).
Extras listed	Explain additives.	“With John Innes” = added loam • “Wetting agent” = helps re-wetting.

(These are the same details we note when scoring “Transparency & Labelling.”)

2a. Jargon Busting & “Watch For” Labels

Compost marketing loves green buzzwords. Here’s how to read between the lines:

• Peat wording: Only “100% Peat-Free” really counts. “Peat-Reduced,” “Low-Peat,” or no mention at all means it still contains peat.
• Feel-good terms: “Healthy,” “organic,” “sustainable,” “eco-friendly” — nice to hear but don’t prove performance.
• What matters: Look for solid evidence — Responsible Sourcing Scheme, Soil Association mark, or clear ingredient list.
• Takeaway: If it sounds good but gives no numbers or data, it’s probably marketing fluff.
• Want the science? See Compost Quality: What It Really Means for Buyers → for how genuine standards and life-cycle checks work.

3. Check the Bag Before You Buy

• Seals and corners — skip split or soggy bags.
• Storage spot — bags left outside in rain often end up waterlogged.
• Date stamp — choose the current season if shown.
• Batch code — handy if you ever need to report a problem.

(Shops that store compost under cover usually have fresher stock.)

4. Once You Open It

Test	Good Signs	Warning Signs
Feel	Crumbly and slightly springy	Big wood chunks or matted fibres
Smell	Fresh, earthy	Sour or musty = poor composting
Moisture	Damp, not dripping	Too wet = bad storage • Too dry = hard to re-wet
Colour	Dark brown to black	Pale fibrous mix = under-mature

👉 Try the squeeze test: grab a handful, squeeze, then open your hand. It should hold shape for a second and crumble apart — not ooze water or turn to dust.

5. Common Questions

Does a heavier bag mean better quality?
Not really — heavy can just mean wet.

Is woody compost faulty?
No. Peat-free blends often look woody. It’s only a problem if there’s too much coarse fibre that dries out fast.

Does dark colour mean more nutrients?
Not automatically. It just shows the compost is well broken down.

(For broader “how-to” topics — watering, reuse, feeding — see the How To Compost Q&A Library →.)

6. Key Takeaways

• Read the label, not the hype. Look for clear peat-free wording and real certifications.
• Check the bag. Damage or rain exposure can ruin even a good mix.
• Use your senses. Feel, smell and moisture tell you more than marketing does.
• Compare with our Reviews. We score on these same clues so you can see how each brand performed.

With a bit of know-how you’ll quickly spot genuine quality and sidestep the greenwash.