There is currently a country-wide campaign to encourage gardeners to recycle their garden waste and buy products for the garden made from recycled materials such as bark, coir and composted hedge, tree and grass cuttings. Composts containing recycled materials can work just as well as other alternatives, and this environmentally-friendly option also means that we can make use of garden waste that might otherwise be thrown away.

When buying compost, try to look out for 'reduced peat' or 'peat-free' labelling on the bags to make sure you're buying recycled compost. If you're not sure or need some more advice, just ask a member of staff at the garden centre or retail outlet.

Whilst recycled compost is just as easy to use as standard compost, you may find that you need to treat it a little differently. Here are a few tips:

• Always check the instructions on the bag to ensure you get the best results.
• As with all compost, drainage is one of the key elements. Make sure that excess water can escape; there should be at least one drainage hole in your container - cover this up with a layer of crocks, coarse grit or pebbles to prevent it from becoming blocked.
• Do not press the compost into the container too firmly. This will push out all the air that the plant roots need to thrive and will also prevent water from filtering through.
• Make sure that you leave a 2.5 cm (1 in) gap between the top of the compost and the pot. This will make watering easier and more efficient.
• Moisten the compost thoroughly before using it.
• Water the compost little and often. Bear in mind that most peat-free composts are naturally darker and denser than peat, and won't go paler when they dry out.
• When using recycled compost, you may notice that plants sometimes take a little longer to establish; however, once they do, they usually last longer and tend to be bushier and a better shape.
• When storing compost, keep it in a dry place to prevent rainwater from getting in and deteriorating it or washing away essential nutrients.