Best Supplier Of Compost 2023

They will be using peat sniffer dogs at the border, to catch the peat runners.

 

They wouldn't let me in, in the first place.

 

I can't believe people are so irresponsible as to try and find ways of circumventing the ban on peat in horticulture. Aren't gardeners supposed to care about the living environment?

Most professionals have already massively reduced their reliance on peat-based composts, and for two good reasons. One, they know the ban is coming and it's better to be prepared than to manage a crisis; and two, with professionalism comes responsibility.

True, many peat-free composts are terrible. However, I'm on my third peat-free year and the mix I'm using gives better results than 100% peat composts. In case you're interested, I'm using Melcourt composts.

 

Wickes are selling their 100 litre Multipurpose compost @£12.50, with delivery available as per terms.It is 50% peat, with a blend of wood fibre (pine bark?) it seems to be (similar) to Westland West +. I have had consistent good results with this product. It does vary in terms of particle size, but this is settlement in packing process I think. Only a few twiggy bits, easily screened (6mm). They declare, and I agree, that it is suitable for seeding.
My use is mainly for sowing in modules and find it adequate to raise veg plants to 6 leaf stage.
With regard to the wider issue regarding use of carbon, I contend that the plants raised in peat are photosynthesizing and absorbing carbon, to be eaten/recycled and escape the entire carbon cost of production,processing,distribution, refrigeration,delivery and in many cases, cooking. They also do not carry the carbon cost of importation of ersatz material and its industrial processing. My conscience is clear.

 

I've used the Melcourt composts, they are made from composted bark, the texture is good and no bits of plastic, metal or glass.
Last year I had a problem with some freshly potted on plants not growing away in it, but that could have been the weather not necessarily the compost.
The downside is they are not cheap.

 

Quote for Melcourt All purpose £15.99 per 15 ltrs inc vat Free delivery of 5 bags thegardensuperstore.co.uk (Local)

 

Melcourt 50 litre bag of the multi-award winning Sylvagrow sustainable peat-free compost, endorsed by the RHS - ideal for any use around a garden and planting : Amazon.co.uk: Garden

 

Just to throw something into the mix.
I found some 100% peat compost a year or so ago and TBH it was very poor growth wise.
Texture was very fine but it didn't grow well.

 

Going back to basics, why is peat compost so good for growing things in. Had things not been grown just in soil for thousands of years?
Hydroponics just supply nutrients through water to grow plants . Why can feed and nutrients not be added to peat free MPC successfully?
I find all the poor reports on peat free a little concerning.

 

Anyone who uses JI compost knows they have to adjust watering and feeding, or it wont work.
Everyone is used to peat based multipurpose compost, something that at one time didn't exist.
I think we are just going to have to get used to different watering and feeding.

 

The equivalent (?) from my local supplier , which is part of Fargro, claim to be the largest distributor UK trade.
:
Melcourt Sylvagrow Organic Peat Free Multi Purpose Compost 50L
Still too high a premium for me
@gks
Do you have deal ?

 

Who would buy compost in 15ltr bags?
For the occasional house plant maybe?