Although I have been growing with multi-purpose compost for several years now, I have to say I am not thrilled. Things don't seem to have gone nearly so well as they did with the old sphagnum peat-based stuff (this was considered environmentally unfriendly).
Of course, I could be imagining all this, but results now seem patchy and inconsistent. And it doesn't seem to change colour evenly as it dries, so it makes watering more difficult. And it's full of lumps and bits of debris . . ..
STICK TO ONE TYPE: KEEP IT SIMPLE
If you are new to growing and wondering what type of compost to buy, I would say buy a small bag of a branded multi-purpose; then, once you are satisfied, buy a larger one. Although there seems to be a type of compost for every purpose, thus making for more successful growing, I find it best to keep it simple and stick to one type (see below), then thoroughly get familiar with using it. This policy is also good financially, since it will save a small fortune; it will also avoid much waste. As far as this blog is concerned, for normal growing, each time I refer to 'compost', I am referring to 'multi-purpose'.
WATCH OUT FOR LIME-HATING PLANTS
You need to be aware that there are those lime-hating plants such as azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons etc. which will not thrive in ordinary multi-purpose. Should you wish to grow these, use 'ericaceous' compost. This is multi-purpose without the added lime.
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