where to get loads of multipurpose compost on cheap

[mum2015]

I have bought a new house and I am starting up a garden. It will take some time to clean up and set up borders with perennials, atleast a year I think.

So I am thinking of planting loads of annuals in containers and hanging basket to brighten up the garden for this year.

What is best place to get loads of multipurpose compost ready to use? I was thinking wilko, B&Q etc. Any other place? some online supplier?

Tbh, I buy in bulk from Asda when I need a lot in a hurry.

B&Q do 125 L of MPC for 6.73. Making it better value than the 3 x 60 L for £10 deals. If you know a pensioner with a loyalty card thing, they get money off on a weds. Yes, that is when I go shopping with my mum. I think it's ok quality.

You can probably get cheaper per litre at the value end, also if you buy in huge bulk and get due loads delivered.

Ring the council and ask where they give away or sell their own compost. Mine's at a garden centre close by, where they do 4 x ?80 litres for £10. Oh, and make sure you get peat free, for obvs environmental reasons. Don't want to be creating one beautiful environment by destroying another!

Thanks all. I will check B&Q, ASDA and council.

What do use for growing tomatos and beans? Should I get growbag type compost or regular compost? I have 16 very large containers to fill.

Oooh, if you're growing beans, you can use kitchen waste. Dig a big hole, and chuck raw veggie/fruit matter in there for a few weeks. Let it rot and bit then cover with a few cm soil, into which you will plant your beans. They love to get their roots into quite raw stuff.

For other veggies like cougettes, think about getting some well-rotted manure for freeeeeeee from a local stables.

Tomatoes - I use growbags, ready packed. They seem the cheapest. Bear in mind you will have to provide nutrients to them in the shape of feed.

Thanks shovetheholly. Really good tips.

I am thinking of starting my own compost as well. What size composter would you recommend.

Hmmmm, depends a bit how many of you there are in the house, and how much green waste you think your garden might produce. If you are peeling potatoes for nine every night, and managing 3 acres on top of that, you'll need more space than if there's just two of you in a suburban garden (the latter is more my situation, alas!)

I would start off with one of the cheap dalek-style ones from the local council (usually the cheapest place to buy) and see how you go! If you get really into it, then you can always buy something fancier!

Have a look at bokashi bins in addition. I have a couple and regularly bore everyone on here to tears by raving about them. The really great thing is that you can put cooked food in them (and even uneaten cat food). Other people recommend wormeries very highly too.

We are three of us in a suburban garden, though vegetarian so do have good amount of green waste for a family of three. I will look at bokashi bins and bins from council.