Compost & Soil

Our garden compost and potting soil range

Quality garden compost and soil improvers are the heart & soul of every successful garden. A nutrient-rich garden soil gives life to your plants and is essential if you’re hoping to grow happy and healthy plants!

If you’re setting up a new raised bed, starting a new growing season in seed trays, or planting in pots for your balcony, good compost will lay the foundation of a successful crop. Not only will it feed your plants, but good garden soil is also a haven for your garden ecosystem including worms and native plants, benefitting the birds, bees, and everything in between!

We’ve got plenty of compost varieties for different gardening purposes at wilko. A peat-free multipurpose compost will see you right for most outdoor tasks, or manure to give those plants what they need. Wood chips and mulch are great for protecting plants over winter or lining pathways.

Choose the sustainable option by making your own compost at home - it’s a great way to recycle old kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich goodness for your soil. Get yourself a compost bin and fill it with garden clippings, leaves, unbleached cardboard, vegetable scraps and coffee grounds to create your own nutrient-rich compost to make your bags go further.

Compost bulk bags

Why not stock up and save some money on garden compost by opting for one of our jumbo bags or generous 100L grow bags? Perfect for seasoned gardeners or those caring for large plots, these larger sizes ensure you're never out of gardening essentials.

Whether you want organic manure mixes or compact packs of chippings and mulch, we’ve got something for every garden.

FAQs

Is garden soil the same as topsoil?

No, they are not the same. Garden soil is tailor-made for specific plant requirements, which is why it often includes fertilisers and organic matter. On the other hand, topsoil is more of a general-purpose option—it's rich in organic matter but doesn't typically come with added fertilisers or other essential nutrients that plants need to thrive.

Which is better: multi-purpose compost or top soil?

Multipurpose compost contains decomposed organics that boost growth, especially for germinating seedlings. Top soil is an accumulation of organic matter that has better moisture retention. A combination of both makes for happy & hea;thy garden beds, as both do different jobs!

Does topsoil in a bag go bad?

With proper storage, top soil in a bag won’t go bad. However, if left in the bag for long periods, it may dry and break down, lowering its quality. How do we know it's gone bad? It will have a bad smell and may start attracting pests and insects.

When ready to use, revive it by mixing in some fresh fertiliser or compost and watering it gradually.

Should I mix compost and top soil?

Absolutely, we suggest blending compost with topsoil. Compost on its own might not have all the nutrients necessary for soil biology, and it doesn't retain water as well as topsoil. Mixing them in a 1:2 or 1:1 ratio creates a soil mix that's rich in nutrients and moisture-retentive, perfect for your garden.

Can you put too much compost in a garden?

Using too much compost can cause important nutrients to seep beyond the reach of your plant roots. It's not ideal for sensitive plants, especially delicate seedlings. It's best to apply compost only when your garden really needs it.