[Goldfinger]

Just done a quick search here on whether to go for either Richmoor or Westland compost ready for the growing season.

I see the richmoor got a beating (rubbish/plastic left in).

But was wondering, was that richmoor just a duff batch?

Which would yous rate and slate this year? Because they're on offer ATM at the local 'JTF warehouse'

Or, should I be looking out for another compost?  :blink:

Also, do yourselves add anything to yours, e.g. if not already, more slow release fertilizer, and maybe them water retaining crystals?

[Yorkie]

I have no experience of either, and yes I do believe compost makers can have very variable years.

To answer your other question, it depends partly on what you will be using it for.  If as a seed growing medium, it won't need anything.

If you plan to grow annual plants in it e.g. veg, flowers then it only contains enough nutrients for about 6 weeks' decent growth.  After that it needs extra fertiliser.  You could add some FBB or growmore at planting if you want.

If you plan to grow permanent plants in it, then it's not the right compost and you should go for a John Innes #2 or #3 for them.

The water gel stuff is OK; bit of a nightmare after you've tipped the used compost out onto the garden as it doesn't decompose easily (or quickly, at least).  Depends how often you forget to water your pots and how sunny / exposed your situation is.

[AnneB]

Wickes compost every time for me.  Excellent stuff.  I used to use B & Q multipurpose after reading the Which? report.  It was fine, but I started buying Wickes following recommendations on this site, and yes it is a lot better.

[mumofstig]

can't rate any for this year as I've not bought any yet!

However, I do expect to be buying Wickes, when they get it in 
here is last years thread, for anyone that missed it.....I'll start a new thread for this year's
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=69737.msg796702#msg796702

[Goldfinger]

A compost thread hasn't been started yet!!?? 

Sory if I have. 

Anyway back to the point.

I'll be buying my main compost for starting off seeds etc.

But I think I'll use (seen some), 'soil based' compost for the hanging baskets this year, to try and cut down on the total amount of outright compost I use.

[mumofstig]

sorry, you only asked about those two
I started a new topic for the year to include results on each one that people try, same as last year.
I didn't mean to offend

[Yorkie]

Be careful about soil based composts for baskets - it's quite heavy when wet.

[arugula]

A compost thread hasn't been started yet!!?? 

Yes. Its stickied at the top of the board.

[Goldfinger]

sorry, you only asked about those two
I started a new topic for the year to include results on each one that people try, same as last year.
I didn't mean to offend

None taken