Seed Compost & Soil

Seedlings are delicate and sometimes need a helping hand if they are to grow into healthy, established plants. Seeding compost is the secret ingredient for a flourishing garden and gives sensitive seeds the best start in life so they can grow and thrive.
Our wide range of compost includes multi-purpose for general gardening use as well as specialist ranges for growing specific types of fruit, veg, flowers, plants, shrubs and trees. You'll also find a variety of premium potting accessories that will have your garden blooming in no time, including soil additives, growbags and mulches.

Browse the online catalogue of seed compost and soil today at Marshalls Garden.
•   Wide variety of composts and potting soils for sale
•   Suitable for indoor and garden growing
•    Express delivery on all purchases as standard
•    Get in touch with our friendly team six days a week

Top Seed Compost & Soil Categories

Bulk Buy

We have compost for home and garden available in either half pallet or full pallet options.

Peat-Free Compost

Peat-free potting compost is a totally natural and eco-friendly multipurpose compost.

Fruit & Vegetable Compost

Our range of fruit and vegetable compost offers the perfect balance of garden nutrients.

John Innes Compost

John Innes composts are ideal for long-term plant growth in pots and containers.

Soil & Lawn Dressings

Caring for your soil is one of the most important gardening tasks to carry out.

Multi-Purpose Compost

Multi-Purpose Compost is the perfect growing medium for the whole garden.

Plant Specific Compost

To keep your lawn healthy new seeds should be sown to replace older grass.

Seed & Young Plant Compost

Seedlings need a light seed compost that they can easily push their way through.

Soil Additives & Improvers

Our range of soil Improvers are great for adding a boost of nutrients to your garden.

Barks & Mulches

Barks and mulches serve many purposes, with the benefits reaching far beyond their immediate surroundings.

Growbags

Container gardening is a great in small spaces, improving your existing soil or gardens where there is no soil at all.

A Beginners' Guide to Gardening

It’s so rewarding growing your own crops, with fresh and tasty produce harvested straight from your garden. But if you’re new to growing vegetables, you may be intimidated or unsure which crops to select or compost to use. Luckily, our comprehensive beginners' guide to gardening has all the tips and tricks you need to master the basics.

Growing Guides

Whether you're growing onions, spuds, fruit or flowers, we've got you covered. Explore our range of growing guides giving you helpful, friendly and above all expert advice on how to get success from your garden.

Seed Compost & Soil Advice

What is the difference between seed compost and multi-purpose?

When you're germinating large numbers of seedlings, providing them with the ideal growth medium is essential for them to thrive.

Peat-free or specialised seed compost has the correct balance of nutrients that young seeds and saplings need for strong root growth, free drainage and good germination. Seed compost is finer in consistency, allowing seeds to push through, and has less concentrated levels of nutrients than multi-purpose compost. Seeds are already rich in nutrients. Too many nutrients at this stage will reduce essential early root growth.

Multipurpose compost is better suited to general gardening and established plants. The nutrient-rich organic material fertilises soil and offers excellent moisture retention when, for instance, potting plants in hanging baskets.

How do I use seed compost in my garden?

All our seeding compost can be used straight from the bag, but its use may differ depending on whether you are sowing straight into the soil or not. If you are planting into a container or pot, you can expect the best results by following these steps:
1.   Place your seed compost into a seed tray or pot, while staying mindful to not make it too compact.
2.   Make sure that the compost is moist but not saturated before sowing your seeds. Soggy compost and soil can slow germination and cause seedlings to rot.
3.   Sow your seeds on top before covering them with the same depth of compost as the thickness of the seed.

Can I use any garden compost for seeds?

While you can opt for standard potting mixes and multi-purpose compost, we would advise against it since results can fluctuate, especially when planting in seed trays. Different seeds have different needs throughout their growing cycles and specialist composts give your seedlings the best chance of success.
To reduce the number of failed germinations and produce the lushest yields, we always recommend using the right potting soil and compost for your purpose.

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Why Buy Seed Compost from Marshalls Garden?

  • We're experts in all things garden-related and have over 70 years' experience providing the right tools and products for expanding, planting and maintaining your garden. Look at our growing guides if you need gardening advice.
  • Check out our thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied customers on Feefo. You can buy with confidence thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee on our products.
  • Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the best results in your garden so we're on hand to help six days a week. This includes Bank Holidays, so please reach out to us!
  • When you order with us, you'll receive your purchases, including seeding compost and potting soil, with express UK delivery and fully recyclable packaging.
  • We're proud winners of the silver award in the Best Online Retailer category at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards.