Get a Price For Compost Delivered to Your Door
Researched and written by Daniel Woodley. Fact Checked by Hannah Miller. Published to Soil & Compost on the 12th of October 2021. Prices updated: 6th of February 2023.
At DIY Gardening, we independently research, test, review and recommend garden products and plants. If you buy something via links, we may earn a commission. Learn about our testing process here.
Not everyone has the time or ability to collect dozens of bags of compost from retailers but thankfully, many online sellers can deliver the compost to your home.
But which retailer offers the cheapest compost delivered?
In February 2023, I contacted dozens of firms and requested prices for the delivery of a bulk bag of compost (or its equivalent in smaller bags).
For reference, a typical bulk bag contains between 750 and 850 litres of compost.
1) Wickes
Wickes was the cheapest retailer of the 32 contacted.
I requested a price for 8 x 100-litre bags of compost which came to £108 (13.5p per litre).
Wickes provides free delivery for this amount.
Visit the Wickes website here.
2) B&Q
B&Q used to sell very affordable compost in bulk bags but I don’t see them anymore, not at the reasonable price anyway.
B&Q currently sells 50ltr bags for £7 which is 0.14p per litre.
Total Cost: £112 inc VAT for 800 litres of compost delivered.
B&Q doesn’t charge delivery fees for larger amounts such as this.
3) Amazon
On Amazon I found a retailer selling 3 x 40-litre bags of “Growmoor” compost for £17.99
840 litres of this compost works out at £126 or 0.15p per litre.
This seller didn’t charge a fee for delivering to my postcode.
(Note: These prices were correct as of February 6th and subject to change).
I purchased 6 bags (see photos I took) and they took 15 days to arrive, but the compost was fine and quite airy, but I can’t complain at this price.
4) Garden Wildlife Direct
Garden Wildlife Direct quoted me £120 for 8 x 100-litre bags of compost, that’s £0.15p per litre.
There was no delivery fee for my postcode and on their website, they state that all deliveries over £25 are free.
Total cost for 8 x 100-litre bags of compost delivered: £120, that’s 0.15p per litre.
5) Compost Direct
Compost Direct quoted me a reasonable £140 for an 850-litre bulk bag of compost.
Currently, they don’t charge a feee for UK mainland delivery.
The total cost for 850 litres of compost delivered: £140 or 16.5p per litre.
6) Garden Top Soil Direct
Garden Top Soil Direct sell organic compost in 650-litre bulk bags, and the price came in at £105 inc VAT.
The delivery fee is variable, but for my postcode, they quoted me £18.60.
Total cost for one bulk 650-litre bag of compost delivered: £124 or 0.19p per litre.
7) QuickCrop
QuickCrop were selling 750-litre bulk bags of organic compost for £129.
The delivery fee for my postcode was £12.95.
They only sell bulk compost to customers in England and Wales
The total cost for 750 litres of compost delivered: £142 or 0.19p per litre.
8) Marshalls Garden
Marshalls quoted me £144 for 16 x 50-litre bags of organic compost.
Their delivery fee for my postcode was £40.
The total cost for 800 litres of compost delivered: £184 or 0.23p per litre.
Which Compost is Best?
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a snapshot of the prices retailers are charging for compost delivered to my address.
I know from experience that B&Q’s compost isn’t the best; I’ve even seen bits of plastic and uncomposted timber in the bags. However, Wickes’ compost, despite being the cheapest, has always impressed me.
I did try the Growmoor compost from Amazon in March, and it took 15 days to arrive and was quite light and airy but seemed consistent and didn’t contain anything untoward.
I can’t comment on the other sellers, but it might be worth paying extra for top-quality compost if you’re growing fruits or vegetables.
For those of you that need to bulk out borders and raised areas, cheaper compost should be just fine, and you can always improve it with well-rotted manure, fish, blood and bone or other additives that will boost the levels of nutrients.
3 Things To Look Out For When Getting Compost Delivered
Here are three things to look out for when getting compost delivered:
- Bulk bags aren’t always cheaper than regular bagged compost, especially when special offers are considered.
- Delivery fees vary, from zero up to £70, for the same amount of compost.
- Bulk bags aren’t all the same universal size. For example, some hold 600 litres, while some contain up to 1000 litres. Most, however, had 750-800 litres.
Alternatives: Make Your Own Compost
If you find yourself buying lots of compost each year, consider making your own:
- No plastic waste.
- Fewer trips to the garden centre, saving you time and money.
- Recycle your food waste.
My research has revealed that “hot” composters are by far the best option as they create usable compost in a fraction of the time.
Find out which hot composters are best here.
I also looked at traditional compost bins, see how much these bins cost here.
You may also be interested in:
Author: Daniel Woodley
Daniel has over 18 years of experience in the construction, home improvement, and landscape garden industries.
He previously worked as a project manager and has experience in managing teams of tradespeople and landscape gardeners on both small and medium sized projects.
Daniel is also a keen gardener and enjoys growing unusual plants and tending to his lawn.
Explore More of Our Content Below:
The Best Plants for North Facing Gardens
Check out these plants which all thrive in north-facing gardens. Let us help you choose plants that bring colour and life to your north-facing yard. Start Here
Plants That Produce Winter Colour
Winter doesn’t have to be grey and dull with our help! Here we show you the very best plants that produce winter colours. Start here
Our Blog
Explore our blog to keep up to date with everything happening with us here at DIY Gardening. From growing guides to beautiful photos and much more in between. Start here
