Compost Review 2024

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wolveryeti

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Re: Compost Review 2024
« Reply #45 on: October 01, 2024, 11:47 »
I have mainly used non-peat offerings from Aldi and Wickes, as well as some J Arthur Bowers from Homebase (peat IIRC). For potting Westland seeding compost or No. 1 potting Compost with added John Innes (both non peat IIRC)

Wickes was diabolical - full of twiggy stuff; basically looked like a mixture of coir and woodchip and sand. Stuff grew in it markedly worse than anything else.

Aldi was pretty decent, but get the slightly more expensive seaweed enriched stuff. Fairly granular but still a few large-ish twigs. 

J Arthur Bowers was OK - very bog standard middle of the road MPC. Still some large-ish twigs but at least seemed to hold water well.

I really like the Westland seeding compost although a bit pricey. I had markedly better germination in modules that than anything else I've tried.

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mumofstig

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Re: Compost Review 2024
« Reply #46 on: October 01, 2024, 16:58 »
I thought the Wickes was rubbish this year, as well. I ended up using it as a top dressing around my roses rather than using it for veg growing.....
So far, I've still managed to get hold of the Jack's Magic mix still with peat in it.. I notice Marshall's had a special offer on it a few weeks ago..

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Growster...

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Re: Compost Review 2024
« Reply #47 on: October 02, 2024, 06:43 »
I guess that when there aren't any supplies of peat-based compost available, more companies might include a water-retaining gel in some form or other. (Is there any around at the moment)?

I use this down at the bottom of pots and hanging baskets, but reckon that it may just be a bit too much for shallow seed trays, as they're always standing in water trays, and there's only an inch or so for the seedlings to reach down to get a drink!

Also, the capillary action of added vermiculite, sand or perlite may be an answer, but all this seems to fly in the face of needing a decent compost, containing a proper mix of organic matter, be it coir, peat or whatever! There's always the option of adding a little liquid fertiliser here and there, which I often do if the seedlings need a bit of a boost - or more to the point, when I've forgotten how long they've been in their trays...;0)


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