[JayG]

seems like a silly question but does compost have a best before date, or even better when it was made/ packaged?

Seems like a perfectly sensible question to me - I think they have a batch number but I've never seen a best-before date, although to be honest I've never really looked for either of them (I just assume that if they're on the same pallet they are probably from the same batch.)

I don't think there's much information available about how long compost will keep in good condition either, probably because a lot depends on storage conditions.

If stored tightly closed in dry conditions, and assuming the compost was properly sterilised before packing, it seems to keep in good condition for at least a year - I've certainly had no problems using it after at least that long, but I'd be extremely wary of using any that had algae or mould growing on it, especially as a seed compost.

[Lesleyk]

In my experience compost can go off - although not if it is kept dry and as airtight as possible.  On the subject of the Verve - good to hear the rumours I heard could be unfounded, however I cannot get B&Q to deliver to my area (that's the problem with living in a beautiful but remote place), and my nearest branch is 130 miles away, which makes it less of a deal once you include fuel costs.  I agree the 125l is usually a much more economical way of buying it.

[wrinkly1]

new lot in my local bq.  £7  for 125 litres

[Tenhens]

Jim Butress (Allotment Challenge)  swears by John Innes in GW magazine (Feb '15)  "If you pay peanuts you get monkeys" he is quoted.

[mumofstig]

Which John Innes was he using? Because John Innes isn't a brand, it is a formula.................


http://www.gardeningdata.co.uk/soil/john_innes/john_innes.php

[Tenhens]

Jim says  "You'll have to go a long way to beat a John Innes  compost"   Suggesting it is the best , he does not refer to a particular formula.   

[Twitch]

Hello,

Came accross this http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/garden/compost-and-top-soil/westland-west-plus-multipurpose-compost-4-month-feed---60l-279241

Don't know if its any good but at £2 I'm going to get a bag and see.

Will let you know

[JayG]

60L for £2 has to be a good price - from the description I suspect it may not be suitable for sowing in, as with 4 months worth of nutrients it would probably be too rich, and the wood fibres may also mean it's too coarse, especially for some of the smaller seeds.

[Twitch]

60L for £2 has to be a good price - from the description I suspect it may not be suitable for sowing in, as with 4 months worth of nutrients it would probably be too rich, and the wood fibres may also mean it's too coarse, especially for some of the smaller seeds.

I was planning to use it in my potato grow bags.

[Annen]

I've checked a few threads before asking this question, but not finding the info I want.  I would normally buy Verve as they do a 3 for 2 deal but have heard not such good things about it recently?  I need to buy about 1500 litres and I need a good deal, with delivery if poss.  Any advice?

Have you got an allotment?
Our allotment association buys in bulk and sells at cost, so I can buy a 60l bag of lovely quality Humax mp with silver sand for £4.50 and no transport worries except for a wheelbarrow.

[Dave NE]

I have been using Wickes mpc recently and it is good stuff, £3.59 for 70lt, away to get another 4 bags, Dave

[Twitch]

Hello,

Don't know if its any good but at £2 I'm going to get a bag and see.

Will let you know

Well popped in to my local Homebase......

And there was none to be found.....
Asked in store about it, and just got a blank face, showed them the offer on my phone...  They knew nothing about it.....

[JayG]

Ah, that'll be the 'too good to be true actually exist' offer then! 

[oldgrunge]

Have used B&Q (Verve) mp compost for years, good value, and always had reasonable results. Buy the 125L bags as they are best value.

[Dave NE]

Have used B&Q (Verve) mp compost for years, good value, and always had reasonable results. Buy the 125L bags as they are best value.

I cant speak for verve as I have never tried it but Wickes is £7,18 per 140 Lt, I remember a few years back and Wickes compost was literally rubbish but this year they have got their act together and it has no community waste at all, cheers Dave