Topsoil is the natural top layer of soil, usually rich in minerals and organic matter, making it ideal for creating new beds, levelling lawns, or providing a base for large planters. Compost, however, is a concentrated blend of organic materials designed to provide specific nutrients and improve drainage. While topsoil provides the structure and bulk, compost acts as a fertiliser and soil improver to give plants an extra boost of energy.

For most outdoor plant pots and hanging baskets, a multi-purpose compost like Westland Jack's Magic or New Horizon Peat-Free is an excellent choice. If you are planting long-term specimens like trees or shrubs in large pots, we recommend a Westland John Innes No.3 formula. This loam-based compost is heavier, providing better stability for larger plants and a slower release of nutrients over time compared to standard peat-free mixes.

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Ericaceous compost is essential for "lime-hating" plants such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, and Blueberries. These plants struggle to absorb nutrients in ordinary soil or multi-purpose compost. Westland Ericaceous Compost is specially formulated with a lower pH level to provide the acidic environment these plants need to thrive and prevent their leaves from turning yellow (a condition called chlorosis).

For the best results when creating new borders, we recommend mixing Westland topsoil with a soil improver or multi-purpose compost. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: the topsoil provides a solid, long-lasting structure and mineral content, while the compost adds an immediate hit of nutrients and improves the soil's ability to hold onto water, ensuring your new plants settle in quickly.