What is peat free compost? The Dobbies complete guide
What kind of compost do I need? It’s a common question all new gardeners ask themselves at the start of their growing journey. But don’t worry - we’ve broken it down for you 
There are many different types of compost available to buy, each with their own purpose and benefit to different plants throughout the various stages of their life. If you’re new to gardening, the differences between compost can seem almost impossible to tell apart, and when faced with so many kinds, deciding which to buy can feel overwhelming. Even if you’re a seasoned gardener, it always helps to be reminded about what compost is best for your plants  
The best compost to use depends on what you’re planting or growing, so we’ve created this handy guide to help you figure it out. Learn more about the several types of compost available, their differences, and what kind you should use when taking on a new growing project – from compost for sowing seeds to the best compost for repotting houseplants 
What is compost?
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Compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter, used to improve the structure, texture and nutrient content of soil. It’s different to the soil found naturally in our gardens 
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What are the main types of compost?
The best type of compost to use changes depending on what you’re planting and the type of soil you have in your garden 
For almost all plants, a good peat-free multipurpose compost will do the trick. Choosing a peat-free compost is more environmentally friendly – that's why all our own brand compost is entirely peat free 
There are many more specialist types of compost, like rose compost, bulb compost, and fruit and vegetable growing compost. All these have the required nutrients and are formulated to fit the growing requirements of the specified plant. Below we've listed the more common types of composts and their uses: 
Peat free multi-purpose compost 
A decent quality peat free multi-purpose compost such as Miracle Gro, John Innes or our Dobbies own brand compost is ideal for general use in the garden and a go-to product for almost all planting. Use this kind of compost when you’re planting flowers, bedding plants and growing fruit and vegetables in pots, containers, beds, borders and baskets 
Multi-purpose compost is soil-less and doesn’t have loam, meaning it shrinks more when it dries out. Its nutrients are therefore used up more quickly. Check the instructions on the packaging to know how long the nutrients are going to last, then apply a feed when necessary 
Loam-based compost 
Loam-based compost has a mix of different soil types and organic material. It’s excellent for improving the structure, drainage and fertility of your soil if necessary 
Seed sowing compost 
You’ll get better results and set your seeds off to a good start if you use seed sowing compost. It usually has fine sand or grit which helps with drainage and allows the roots of seedings to grow into the compost. Apply a liquid feed once your seedlings produce their first true leaves 
Young plant compost 
Young plant compost is specially developed with a combination of all vital minerals for supporting the growth and health of your young plants. It’s usually a mix of loam and grit, which is the perfect structure for young plant roots. This type of compost is perfect for pricking out seedlings or potting up rooted cuttings and young plants  
Potting-on compost 
Best for potting most bedding, vegetable and young hardy plants, potting-on compost has all the vital minerals for healthy, strong plant growth. Like young plant compost, it’s a mix of loam and grit to provide good structure for your plant roots 
Mature plant compost 
This compost is idea for planting most shrubs and trees in pots and borders. It works best for roses, fruit trees, and many container plants. Mature plant compost is rich in nutrients for established but hungry plants 
Ericaceous based compost 
Ericaceous compost is best for acid-loving ericaceous plants such as heathers, blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Ericaceous plants can only grow in acidic soils, so this type of compost is the only way to provide them with all the nutrients they need. It has higher acidity than regular compost, which is what makes it well suited to ericaceous plants 
Houseplant compost 
There are ranges of compost suited for specific types of houseplants, such as cacti and succulents, and tropical houseplants like Anthuriums and Ficus. Houseplants need a lighter compost than ones we’d use for growing outdoors, so make sure to research the type of houseplant compost you need before buying 
Our houseplant expert’s top tip: Many exotic houseplants, like orchids, don’t use traditional compost - they use a potting mixture of wood and bark chips 
Soil improver 
Most garden soil could do with a boost to improve moisture retention, drainage and nutrients - mixing in soil improver to your beds, borders and veggie patches is an easy, efficient way to do it. Soil improver is also ideal for mulching, which prevent weeds, and perfect when planting hardy plants. Check the instructions on the packaging to know how much to use  
A quick guide on what compost to use
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Here’s a quick guide of what compost to use depending on the gardening job you’re doing and the kind of plant you’re growing:  
General planting in beds, borders and containers – use peat free multi-purpose compost 
Sowing seeds – use seed sowing compost 
Potting on young plants or rooted cuttings – use young plant compost 
Potting bedding or vegetable plants – use potting-on compost 
Planting or repotting mature shrubs, trees and some roses – use mature plant compost 
Planting an acid-loving plant – use ericaceous compost 
Repotting a houseplant – a generic houseplant compost, or a specialised potting mix for specific plants like cacti or orchids