Cheap Compost Where and how much discussion thread

A._Badger

Be a little careful with cheap compost - all composts are very much not equal!

Consistently the best value for money in my experience (and I know quite a few others who think the same) is B&Q's multi-purpose - especially in the larger sacks.

Cheap compost can be a false economy and it will benefit you to get a good one. B&Q is a lot cheaper than Bowers, Levington etc, and a lot better than some of the dodgy brands you see around.

Personally, if I can't get B&Q, I use J. Arthur Bowers.

Hope that helps.

Gardenia101_2

For as long as I can remember I've experimented with potting compost, looking for the elusive "perfect" formula. Until, last year when I discovered West+.

It's expensive, but I would prefer to pay a little extra for better results. Also, it uses byproducts from the timber industry = reduced peat.

I now even use it for seed sowing! As you can probably tell, I'm a big fan.

mjr600

B&Q 5 3/4 sized growbags for £5.

Peat based, very fine and free running, add some grit, vermiculite, sand or feed to taste.

A_Clock

Homebase has 3 miracle grow bags (170 liters ish) for £12, I use to use B&Q one but found alot of it was just twigs and hard bits that dont break up, which aint very good when sowing seeds. But it would be fine for bigger pots and baskets

Davesnave

I endorse B&Q compost too. Used it for years as a starting point for a commercial mix. Stick Osmacote in any container compost to save feeding later on.

alanobrien

Wickes were doing 4 80L bags for £10 last time i was in there a week or so ago.

thepearce

Morrisons had 40L for £1.64 recently - perhaps still do.

jinnan_tonnix

Try your local tip!

Our local 'municipal recycling centre' (tip) has huge piles of good quality compost you can take for FREE! This is the end result of the green/wood waste.

Just roll up and take what you want. When I need some I hitch up a trailer and get some for my neighbours too.

It may well be worth your while giving your local (and nearby) council a ring to see if they operate a similar scheme.

ormus

many thx everyone. tried the local council for free compost. no chance around here.
found a small local garden centre on ebay. (not one of those posh expensive places!).
been there today and got 4x40l growmore bags for 6 quid. also got some pansys etc... all for 21 quid in total.
her indoors is well pleased.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Bridge-St-Garden-Centre-Swinton

Davesnave

Try your local tip!

Our local 'municipal recycling centre' (tip) has huge piles of good quality compost you can take for FREE! This is the end result of the green/wood waste.

Just roll up and take what you want. When I need some I hitch up a trailer and get some for my neighbours too.

With respect, we've had this one before and, while the green waste is an excellent basis or additive, many of us haven't found it a total success on its own. There are probably differences between 'brands,' but ours in Wiltshire is very heavy and needs some opening up to get the best from it.

Good article on compost from green waste on this site

http://www.samshrub.co.uk/
Click on 'Our compost'

The rest of the site is interesting too.