[3759allen]

i don't want really want to start the whole what mpc is best, cheapest, value for money, etc but i'm going to have to comment on the bag of verve i brought recently.

i've always been a fan of verve it's always done me really well over the the last few years. i brought a bag early in the year (think this was last years going by the bag) this looked and felt the same as ever. i brought another bag a couple of weeks ago (think this is a new batch as the bags different) it seems to be a bit more fibrous with larger bits than usual and more importantly doesn't seem to have the same get up and go for the plants. i can't really explain it but there just doesn't seem to be the same vigour with the plants this year, even the seeds seem to be struggling to germinate.

after the recent post about the miracle grow experiment i think i may be going away from verve next year and opt for a more expensive brand.

anyone got any views if they think this years verve is different.

[grinling]

most compost is made from people's waste and more and more use weedkiller than removal methods. Massive problems for the commercial sector.

[mrsbean]

had to sift mine into an upright kitchen rubbish bin, then had to sift again into a trug as i went along. had 2 bags erin compost given me. it was soft and fluffy. will compare the difference.

[Norfolkgrey]

I have had last seasons and this seasons (there is a change in packaging) this year. Both have been fine for me, if anything this seasons is a finer grade 

[Goosegirl]

Funny you should say this, but I have used Verve and noticed that this year's supply doesn't seem to have the ooomph for my seedlings that the other years did.

[surbie100]

Mine doesn't have much 'verve' this year either GG. Am gradually switching over to peat-free anyway so I won't be buying much more.

Isn't peat-based compost being phased out for 2020 anyway? (that used to sound so far away....!)

[Lardman]

I thought this years was a little finer than last and I've had no plastic or logs in the 3 125L bales I bought, seems far less peat in it than last year too ?

It's utter useless for raising plants in though.   

[lettice]

I've bought two lots this year as has my Dad and for both of us its been the same as the last few years, great value.
Raised all my seeds with it successfully. My cucumbers, toms, raised bed top ups, large container/pots top ups have all loved it this year.
Have a great ongoing and constant picking lettuce crop from it in my lettuce tubs.

[Ivor Backache]

i can't really explain it but there just doesn't seem to be the same vigour with the plants this year, even the seeds seem to be struggling to germinate.
Anyone got any views if they think this years verve is different.

I have been thinking exactly the same thing. I have used verve for years and this year bought in 3x 125 l bags. The bags have 58% peat and enough plant nutrients and trace elements for 6 weeks. Germination seems Ok but then everything seems to go downhill. Brassica seedling seem to struggle, (outer leaves going pale and dying) and tomatoes have a massive problem with magnesium deficiency, and I have never experienced that in my life. Now feeding everything with Miracle Grow and Epsom salts. (NB Seedlings are grown in a 50/50 soil/Verve mix as always.) I don't have any complaints about the composition- hardly any woody bits)

[JaniceB]

I bought two 125 litre bags about six weeks ago. I was surprised how fine-ground it was - there was no plastic, rubbish or chunks of tree. I needed the MPC to fill a bath-tub that I am now growing carrots in. The seeds have all germinated satisfactorily. I am very happy with it and it was a good price.

I think most seedlings (mine, anyway) have been lacking vigour this year regardless of compost used, although the recent comparison pics of beans in Miracle Gro are impressive, but I am inclined to remember that it is not 'neat' compost, it has added 'oomph'.