B&Q Multi Compost Review

ukbill69

Hello,



I have used over the last 2 years all different types of compost and I read on which site B&Q was the best all round, well I drove down there today and got a 125l for £7, be careful its really heavy. Got it home today and I cant say how great it is. This is proper compost at its best. OK Ive got to try how well it works out with plants, but I can see from the way it is, its going to do really well. 5 Stars from me.

TravellingAbuela

Thanks, will try that next time I need some. I bought some Homebase multi-purpose in the summer (it was a multi-pack offer) and I was really disappointed. It wasn't compost as I know it - wood shavings, bark chippings and all sorts mixed in.

izzwizz_2

We've been using this all year and have had some great results with fruit, veg & flowers. Have also used it sieved for seeds. It's really good compost and I wouldn't buy anything else at the moment. They often do the 70litre bags at 3 for £10 which makes for good vfm!

ukbill69

TravellingAbuela wrote: »

Thanks, will try that next time I need some. I bought some Homebase multi-purpose in the summer (it was a multi-pack offer) and I was really disappointed. It wasn't compost as I know it - wood shavings, bark chippings and all sorts mixed in.

This what I found with most suppliers, load of rubbish mixed in, The bag ive got from B&Q is complete great compost. Hope it says this way.

A._Badger

Thanks for the report. B&Q has always had a good reputation for its multipurpose compost, so I'm glad to see it is maintaining the standard.

My own experiment this year was to switch back to John Innes No 3 for tomatoes, and I'm glad to say it has been a great success. I grow mine in pots, in a greenhouse, and the problem with multipurpose composts has been an increasing inability to hold sufficient water as the formulae from the various manufacturers has been changed to include less and less peat. Moving back to a JI formula (Bowers brand in this case) has solved that problem - no wilting, no splits, good, even, growth.

Similarly, using JI seed compost has produced excellent results this year, too.

As for multipurpose, an early bag of Godwins contained horrible looking stuff that I wouldn't use for seed sowing but which, in fairness, seemed OK in large containers. Later in the season I needed some more multipurpose, so (with fingers crossed as I'd had problems with fungal mould in it last year) I bought a bag of Bowers and it has been good enough.
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Of course, what next year's formulations will be like is anyone's guess, but perhaps pooling our experiences from this year will be a bit of a guide to which brands are worth using.

Davesnave

I have used B&Q compost for many years, but never just as it comes out of the bag, unless I'm just planting a few lettuce or something.

It varies, but then, so do most of the other brands.

I wish the bags were a bit more tasteful. The number of photos they've b---ered-up this year, by lurking in the background, just isn't funny.

wssla00

A._Badger wrote: »

Thanks for the report. B&Q has always had a good reputation for its multipurpose compost, so I'm glad to see it is maintaining the standard.

My own experiment this year was to switch back to John Innes No 3 for tomatoes, and I'm glad to say it has been a great success. I grow mine in pots, in a greenhouse, and the problem with multipurpose composts has been an increasing inability to hold sufficient water as the formulae from the various manufacturers has been changed included less and less peat. Moving back to a JI formula (Bowers brand in this case) has solved that problem - no wilting, no splits, good, even, growth.

Similarly, using JI seed compost has produced excellent results this year, too.

As for multipurpose, an early bag of Godwins contained horrible looking stuff that I wouldn't use for seed sowing but which, in fairness, seemed OK in large containers. Later in the season I needed some more multipurpose, so (with fingers crossed as I'd had problems with fungal mould in it last year) I bought a bag of Bowers and it has been good enough.
-
Of course, what next year's formulations will be like is anyone's guess, but perhaps pooling our experiences from this year will be a bit of a guide to which brands are worth using.

I have been using Bowers too and have to say it's the best one so far. Very fine and good for seedlings as well as bigger planting out. Definitely going to get some more of that for next year to try!

alanobrien

I have used b&Q multipurpose and TBH found Wickes own to be better but i guess they all probably change suppliers regularly anyway.

[Deleted User]

B and Q compst gave me superb results this season and last. I had to buy bowers compost two weeks ago and it is the lumpiest I have ever used. I don`t like it at all

A._Badger

kittie wrote: »

B and Q compst gave me superb results this season and last. I had to buy bowers compost two weeks ago and it is the lumpiest I have ever used. I don`t like it at all

Don't try Godwins, in that case. But, yes, this latest incarnation of Bowers' is lumpier than it once was. In fact I'd question whether any of the currently available multis truly qualifies as 'multi' any longer - hardly any that I've seen would I use for sowing fine seeds.

Poosmate

I bought 3 bags of the 70l B&Q Multicompost for £10, so guess I bagged a bargain yes? I'm only just starting out on this gardening lark so not exactly sure what to look out for or the prices of things.

Cheers

Poo