Spring has sprung: cue the annual search for cheap compost deals. This year, more people than ever are looking to buy compost online either for delivery, or click and collect, for obvious safety reasons. Many mainstream retailers have currently sold out - you can't currently order compost for delivery or click and collect from B&Q online or Homebase online, and Wickes online is down to very limited stock.
But you can still buy compost online for delivery. We've curated the best cheap compost deals currently available here on this page.
Which seeds give the fastest yield?
Basil - from £2.15 at Crocus
Courgettes - from £1.79 at Crocus
Cucumbers - from £1.99 at Suttons
Green beans - from £2.29 at Crocus
Kale - from 69p at Van Meuwen
Mint - from £1.29 at Dobies
Radishes - from 69p at Van Meuwen
Salad leaves - from £1.49 on eBay
Spinach - from 69p at Van Meuwen
Turnips - from £1.49 at Dobies
No matter whether you have a garden, courtyard, balcony or even just a windowsill, now is the optimum time to start your grow-your-own endeavour. If you're planting on your balcony or windowsill, things like peppers, herbs, tomatoes and salad leaves are really good options. You could also try a potato grow bag on a balcony; or even kill two birds with one stone and try ‘tomtatoes’ – an innovative plant that yields both tomatoes and potatoes.
Seeing the first seedlings sprouting can be very exciting, and having the fully fledged veg on your plate is even better. If you're looking to reduce plastic and scale-down reliance on supermarkets and big chains, get those seeds in now. Plus, growing your own veg is a great way to pass the extra time we all have at home now - but it all starts with that first bag of cheap compost, delivered right to your door.
How to choose the best compost
Multi-purpose compost is the all-round safe option for getting started with most fruit, veg and flowers. Spend a bit more and you can buy multi-purpose composts with slow-release fertiliser from brands such as Osmocote. These are particularly good for good for growing plants in pots and hanging baskets. You could also splash out on multi-purpose compost with moisturiser-retaining gels or crystals so you don't have to water them as much. Again, these are good for pots and hanging baskets, but not necessary for gardens.
Seeds will grow in anything, but to give them the best start you could opt for seed compost. This is less aggregated - which means there are fewer open gaps of air, helping provide the perfect environment for germination.
Next comes the soil or peat question. Peat in compost has become quite unsustainable in recent years, as it has stripped many habitats of their peaty home and does not regenerate quickly – it's said to take up to 100 years to regrow. If you want to make the environmental choice, then peat-free or reduced-peat is recommended.