good value multi purpose compost

CandyB101_2

Jnelhams wrote: »

Never come across with "added John Innes" - John Innes is a specific mixture dreamt up by the John Innes Institute. You can google it for loads of info on the stuff.

It was because of the 'John Innes' print that I thought I'd give it a go.
I've just popped out to have a read of the bag and it clearly states on the front 'with added John Innes'!!! although no mention at all on the back!!! Hmmm, maybe a case for 'trading standards' :rotfl:

enrich100

if you want to reduce what you pay at B&Q its worth asking if they will discount ripped bags, our local store knocks off a pound for even the smallest of rips, just remember to put some matting down in your boot first

Davesnave

CandyB101 wrote: »

It was because of the 'John Innes' print that I thought I'd give it a go.
I've just popped out to have a read of the bag and it clearly states on the front 'with added John Innes'!!! although no mention at all on the back!!! Hmmm, maybe a case for 'trading standards' :rotfl:

It's a selling ploy. Even at 1% John Innes they would be within the law. Either people want John Innes or they don't, I'd imagine.

As I'm lucky enough to now have huge amounts of good top soil, I just sterilize that and add it to my bought-in compost which improves the mix, but I knock up different mixes to suit what I'm potting. It isn't 'added John Innes' though.

As Misskool says, peat-free composts have had a generally poor reputation overall since their inception, though most of what is sold now as compost contains reduced amounts of peat. The whole eco-subject here is complex, especially when you factor in transport and oil-based fertilizers. Even top soil is a resource that takes thousands of years to develop, though I shall not run out.

The best most of us can do is use the composted waste offered by councils as part of potting compost making and also compost our own garden waste. Where it is possible, the use of by-products like chicken manure & bone meal is preferable to using Osmacote and other oil-based fertilizers.

lynzpower

misskool wrote: »

I would if they made one was that any good. Every time I try one the compost either dries out too quickly or just doesn't seem to keep plants as healthy as the peat based ones. If you can recommend an excellent value for money one I'll be happy to try but they are impossible to keep moist (IMHO).

I read in GYO Mag that the latest test winner was a peat free compost and so was the runner up. Im going to try to find the article to let you know. Otherwise itws in the 1st few pages of GYO mag for May.

A._Badger

misskool wrote: »

I would if they made one was that any good. Every time I try one the compost either dries out too quickly or just doesn't seem to keep plants as healthy as the peat based ones. If you can recommend an excellent value for money one I'll be happy to try but they are impossible to keep moist (IMHO).

I think misskool makes a valid point here. I would add that the standard of commercial composts had declined dramatically since the drive to reduce peat has taken hold, as has been discussed here several times.

The usefulness of magazine (and other reviews) needs to be weighed against personal experience and, particularly, the degree of trust one has in the reviewers not having an agenda they are trying to promote.

The best soilless compost I have found this year as been Humax. It's not cheap, it is almost entirely peat-based with some added sand and it reminds me of the best soilless composts of 20 years ago. Sadly, Humax has recently been bought by Scotts (Levington, Miracle Groo etc), so I fear the worst.

Dustykitten

misskool wrote: »

I would if they made one was that any good. Every time I try one the compost either dries out too quickly or just doesn't seem to keep plants as healthy as the peat based ones. If you can recommend an excellent value for money one I'll be happy to try but they are impossible to keep moist (IMHO).

I've used the new Horizon multi purpose one for years without a problem. It did really well in a gardening which trail too. Wyevales sell it at 3 bags for £12 - I can check the litres if you like but they are the large bags.

zarazara

CCF are selling 3 bags for £10

misskool

Dustykitten wrote: »

I've used the new Horizon multi purpose one for years without a problem. It did really well in a gardening which trail too. Wyevales sell it at 3 bags for £12 - I can check the litres if you like but they are the large bags.

No Wyevales near me (well, the nearest one is 12.5 miles away. Not sure it's environmentally friendly to drive 25 miles to get some peat free compost

I'd love to not use peat based compost and in fact last year I bought loads except the ones I bought one was more like bark chippings and had added moisture retaining granules so was like gooey bark chippings. Another hatched a bluebottle population like you've never seen before :eek: and this year, the lidl one just looks like shredded garden waste.

I've been using tuffnals from the garden centre (3 x 60l for £10) and they are great. I don't sieve it (thus saving time) and it's got a lovely crumbly texture in my hands. I also don't have to water it every day which is an inevitable bonus when I work full time (sometimes 12-14 hour days)

CandyB101_2

I bought a 40 ltr bag of multi purpose compost from Lidl's today, £2.29 .... really nice compost, nice and crumbly, no horrible lumps/woody bits.
I will definately be going back for more

balloo_2

If you have a local gardening club mine is in the British Legion Club they offer lots of things a little cheaper but they are selling (not sure how to spell this) Humus compost which according to the gardeners that use the place is the best compost money can buy. :beer: its not as cheap as 4 bags for £12 but if your serious about growing look for it.