Compost & Bark

Compost & Bark

Compost and bark do opposite jobs and are not substitutes. Compost is a growing medium that goes into pots, beds and containers to hold moisture and nutrients around roots. Bark is a surface mulch that goes on top of soil, where it suppresses weeds by blocking light, slows evaporation so beds need less watering, and insulates roots through frost. Putting bark into a pot as compost will starve a plant; digging compost onto the surface as mulch simply feeds weeds. Within compost, multi purpose is the general answer for containers, baskets, borders and potting on, while a premium blend such as Jacks Magic holds moisture more consistently and suits containers that dry out fast. Bags are sold by litre volume rather than weight, so 50 to 60 litres is the standard bag and a bag marked 50L plus 20% is simply 60 litres. Bark grade decides both look and longevity. Mini bark and fine chippings knit together tightly, look neat in a formal bed and break down faster. Medium chip is chunkier, lasts considerably longer before needing topping up and suits paths, shrub borders and play areas. Lay mulch at least 50mm deep to actually suppress weeds, because a thin scatter does nothing, and keep it clear of plant stems.

Westland supplies most of the range, with Jacks Magic all purpose compost at 50 litre, The Gardeners multi-purpose compost at 60 litre, and decorative brown mini bark chippings at 70 litre. Shamrock covers the coarser grade with medium chip decorative bark at 75 litre. For feeds and treatments see Plant Food, and for the wider range Gardening.