Specific-use composts tend to be more expensive than multipurpose composts, but in some cases it's worth paying a little more. Growing bags don't compare - these used to be filled with peat and were cheap, making them an excellent alternative. However, they are now mostly peat-reduced or peat-free and have fertilisers meant for growing veg. Keep trays in a warm area, away from direct sunlight until seeds germinate. Once seeds have germinated, remove the polythene/glass and keep soil moist Creates a medium that transports water more effectively through to the plant and is easier to re-wet. Hold seedling carefully to avoid damage and gently tease the roots from the compost, using a dibber or pencil.

Martin Lewis: What the Autumn Statement means for you – including wages, benefits, pensions, ISAs, national insurance and more We test compost for three different tasks; sowing seeds, raising young plants and for use in containers. Raising young plants - we use 25 different composts to grow tomato and marigolds, sown as seed and transplanted when they have two non-seed leaves.

Claimed to be suitable for germinating seeds, small seedlings and plants in patio containers, it's a good general compost, but our tests show that not all are great for all jobs. Look carefully at our results table to find one that is good for all your garden tasks. In fact, our testing shows really variable results for both cheap and expensive compost. The only way to really know what you're getting is to look at our results. Things to look for when buying compost Prepare the cutting according to the specific needs of the plant. Generally, removing all bottom leaves and making a sloping cut in the stem close to a joint will create a good cutting. But the only way to know if a compost is good or bad is to grow plants in it and compare them - something we've been doing for more than 30 years.

Choosing the right plants will ensure you get the best out of your blooms. Plant with trailing plants around the outside and upright plants in the middle. Fill gaps, firm compost down and water well. For containers and baskets, line your basket using a coco liner, easy liner or sphagnum moss and fill with compost. Tub and basket composts are formulated to give the right conditions for pots of summer bedding to grow well. Make a hole in the compost with a dibber or pencil then place the cutting into the hole and gently firm around. Watch out for reformulated compost - manufacturers frequently change the mix of ingredients they use and the fertiliser, and this is speeding up as the ban on using peat comes ever closer. We can't recommend reformulated brands because there's no guarantee the new product will perform as well as the one we tested. Always use the images above to make sure the Best Buy compost you are buying is the one we have tested.Forest Gold is a timer derived additive produced from wood-chips sourced from responsibly managed forests. Forest Gold is impregnated with nutrients to provide a slow release fertiliser source to all crops for healthy root development and superior plant growth. In extensive trials it has been found that plants perform better in Forest Gold mixes than in conventional 100% peat mixes. Forest Gold is a light, fibrous material that provides the following benefits:

Ericaceous compost is used for acid-loving plants such as azaleas, camellias and heathers when you grow them in pots. Many have a high peat content. Remember to use an ericaceous feed to keep your plants healthy. The right balance of nutrients - a good seed or potting compost should have the right balance of nutrients to grow a range of plants during this stage of their development, whereas a multipurpose compost should be able to support plants at all growth stages. Remember that most composts only have enough fertiliser to last around four weeks, so after this you will need to add liquid feed or one of our Best controlled-release fertilisers . Make a hole in the compost with a dibber or pencil, place the cutting in the hole and firm the compost around it Water compost after sowing seeds. Covering the seed tray with polythene or glass will help to stop the compost from drying out

Line the basket and fill with compost. Plant with trailing plants around the outside the upright plants in the middle Scottish Gardener Multi-Purpose Compost provides the ideal growing medium for seed sowing, striking cuttings, growing on young plants and potting on established plants. It provides the ideal balance between water holding ability and free drainage. Scottish Gardener Multi-Purpose Compost is recommended for window boxes, containers and hanging baskets and for planting out shrubs and trees.

The best compost will provide all the nutrients and support needed for seeds and veg to grow and thrive, while the worst will leave you with meagre crops and feeble plants.

Westland Jack's Magic All Purpose Compost for producing super, natural growth.

We also test grow bags - see our round-up of the best grow bags. What are the different types of compost? Use compost in a well-ventilated place; keep the greenhouse or potting shed door open and avoid breathing in dust. The bacterium responsible for the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease has been found in some composts sold in the UK. The chances of you becoming infected are very low, but it makes sense to take the following precautions when handling compost: