Compost Review 2024

I’ve invested in some Westland seed sowing compost. It was on a deal at my local Tesco a while back, so got 4.  You will have to shop around to get the best current deal as I think it is back up to £4.99 a bag.

So far just peppers, chillies, toms and a couple of floral bits sown in it, but I think a worthwhile investment for expensive or picky seeds.

For everyday I have come to the conclusion that all the peat frees are pretty awful unless you pay a premium, so have found my own mix. I know not everyone wants to pre-mix, but it’s affordable for me and so far working well. I got a couple of B&Q own brand 100l bags, which look’s exactly the same as Andy’s Miracle Grow, some cheap small coir blocks from EBay, some John Innes no 2 and just basic Growmore. 50/50 peat-free and re-hydrated coir, a few good handfuls of JI no 2 until it feels like it has a bit of body but not too heavy and a handful of fertiliser if I am potting on and want to get plants growing well.

First toms sown were a mini variety designed to grow indoors if need be. They are now in larger pots in my mix and I have a couple of fruits forming  If they are any good to eat they are on my list to save for the seed circle 

Piccies also of seed sowing compost and texture.

I’ve invested in some Westland seed sowing compost. It was on a deal at my local Tesco a while back, so got 4.  You will have to shop around to get the best current deal as I think it is back up to £4.99 a bag.

For everyday I have come to the conclusion that all the peat frees are pretty awful unless you pay a premium, so have found my own mix. I know not everyone wants to pre-mix, but it’s affordable for me and so far working well. I got a couple of B&Q own brand 100l bags, which look’s exactly the same as Andy’s Miracle Grow, some cheap small coir blocks from EBay, some John Innes no 2 and just basic Growmore. 50/50 peat-free and re-hydrated coir, a few good handfuls of JI no 2 until it feels like it has a bit of body but not too heavy and a handful of fertiliser if I am potting on and want to get plants growing well.

I have taken note of this for next year-v helpful. I'm using Jack's magic peat compost for sowing which I bought at the end of last year (I love it!) and very sad to see the end of it as I know it. 

Bought red bag Levington and it's rubbish. Far too course for any seed starting

I got new horizon last year from morrisons when they sold them off cheap at £2.50 a bag and it was really good but I've used it all

I think the consistency even in the same brand is still terrible. I suspect a lot of brands are just contracted out in lots, so no one knows what you actually get