[AlaninCarlisle]

Because I'd run out of my usual Westland Multi-purpose, I bought a couple of bags of B & Q Verve to finish off some planters. What a disappointment! It must have been contaminated with grass seed as several baskets etc now look like fledgling lawns.

Anyone else found the same problem?

[Potty Plotty Lotty]

No, but I'm about to buy some more compost after work having mis-calculated so will keep clear of that. In past years it's been my regular.

[AlaninCarlisle]

I could have just been unlucky of course, but it's just reinforced my hitherto unswerving loyalty to Westland MPC. It might contain that out-of-fashion and hated-by-Greens element peat, but at least it only grows what I plant in it

[mumofstig]

but it's just reinforced my hitherto unswerving loyalty to Westland MPC. It might contain that out-of-fashion and hated-by-Greens element peat, but at least it only grows what I plant in it

Nothing at all grew in my Westland MPC compost this year - not even the seeds that should have 
The same seeds grew in Miracle-Gro All Purpose Compost though !

[JayG]

Switched to B&Q/Verve a few years ago after the Wickes 'matchstick compost' episode and despite suspicions that the nutrient content may be something they have cut corners with I've never had the problems you describe.

The bags carry a 'Which' recommended label, so it's probably safe to assume they sell vast quantities of it and sometimes there is perhaps a rogue batch - I don't know how or even whether they sterilise it to kill weed seeds and microorganisms, but if they do it's probably the most expensive part of the whole process... 

[lettice]

Also a great fan along with my Dad and all my neighbours of Verve for many years and this year everything has grown well so far in it and all my seeds germinated fine with it.
Never seen what you are seeing.
Do use one bag to mix in with my own saved soil for my toms and cucumbers and that works well, they always seem to love it.

[AlaninCarlisle]

My experimental use of Verve is over. It's now on the compost heap where hopefully the heat will sterilise the grass seeds as they germinate. Back to garden centre for some more Westland

[Goneterseed]

I've gone through 400ltrs of B & Q Verve this year and not had a problem with it.

[juvenal]

Also a great fan along with my Dad and all my neighbours of Verve for many years and this year everything has grown well so far in it and all my seeds germinated fine with it.
Never seen what you are seeing.
Do use one bag to mix in with my own saved soil for my toms and cucumbers and that works well, they always seem to love it.

Same here. Everything sown/potted in Verve has done really well.

[hanssg]

westland for me as well used it for years great compost

[18Forts1999]

Tried Humax this year for the first time and it seems to have worked well. Usually have Verve or Westland.

[AnneB]

This year I have used up last year's supply of Jack's Magic plus several bags of Clover.  Very pleased with both and would buy them again.    Seeds have germinated and young plants have grown on very well in both.  Very pleased

[ARPoet]

I am a Jacks Magic fan. Usually buy in the autumn for spring and summer use. Keeps well and not many bits.