[tode]

Apparently the govt has "set a target" of 90% non-peat compost "by 2010"

RHS: "The UK Government has established targets for peat use reduction. Major retailers (e.g. B&Q, Homebase, Focus and Marks and Spencer) have sought to match or better these targets. It is hoped that such leadership will encourage commercial nurseries away from using peat."

We can only wonder if this target will follow those for unemployment, the economie and social services?

Over here you cant buy anything except peat based.

[richyrich7]

In certain country's it has been classed as sustainable because their peat bogs are still growing at a rate faster than they use, I think the Horticulture industry only use a small ( 5% ?? ) of all the worlds harvested peat.    but then us gardeners are an easy target for politicians who like to appear green   

[lovemyveg]

I only buy multi purpose ... so that's what all my seed gets sown in. Never had a problem yet so will carry on with this (though it was a lot lumpier this year for some reason) Still, just picked them out 

Both my multipurpose compost and J. Arthur Bowers John Innes Seed medium was very lumpy, I had to sieve both for seedlings.  I did write to the company about the Seed compost and got an apology and a voucher, but I did not reinvest in the seed medium, find this far to heavy for little seedlings, but good for my penstemon cuttings, of which I had great success.

[richyrich7]

I've just opened a J A Bowers grow bag to pot up my strawberry plants my hands still smell the stuff stank like the bottom of a pond   

[DD.]

I wouldn't know what the bottom of a pond smells like.

You certainly get to some interesting places, Rich.

[richyrich7]

I wouldn't know what the bottom of a pond smells like.

You certainly get to some interesting places, Rich.

Next time my Mum needs her pond cleaning I'll put you top of the list then being local and all    I was bad for 2 days last time I did it  ( clean the pond that is  )

[DD.]

There's not need Rich, I know that I can trust your word for it!

[richyrich7]

There's not need Rich, I know that I can trust your word for it!

No No I'd not want to deprive you of a new experience 

[Christine]

There's not need Rich, I know that I can trust your word for it!

No No I'd not want to deprive you of a new experience 

Everyone should have the experience of pond cleaning I do agree

[Zippy]

if you want to go peat free, fertile fibre is good if pricey

If you use a bark based peat free compost for big things and easy germinations like Peas and Turnips/Swedes then use Fertile Fibre only for fine seeds or poor germinators that need chitting and sowing on like Celeriac or Parsnips then the comparitive success rate makes Fertile Fibre worth while IMO.