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They only went for the bags not when it was in use

 

Very odd. If there was BF&B in it, they'd dig it up when it was used for planting anything out, until it dissipated into the soil properly.

 

Strange,I agree, but it happened more than once.

 

I wonder if it's because ours are rural foxes rather than suburban/urban? The latter will have a go at almost anything.

 

I have foxes and often buy Jack's magic, got a couple of bags under a rain shelter at the moment , I've never had problems with them ripping the bags, although they are digging a fair few holes in the garden just now.

 

Fish, blood and bone probably. Our dog is far too interested in the bag of FBB when it gets spread.

 

That could be a good no dig strategy. Sprinkle BFB and stand back!

 

Bought x9 of each of these this week from Wickes, soaking wet (as always), but looks okay. Proof will be in the growing, but I have used these before and it was okay. No matter what I buy I always add to it JI & perlite. Funny how the raised beds are always needing a top-up!

 

I use that Miracle-Gro when I'm at OH's cottage in Norfolk. It's been fine. I've also used Erin and Levingtons. Haven't seen Jack's Magic for sale.

 

I would like to buy sylvagrow but a haven't seen it anywhere local this year.

 

I assumed the ban was on place as I'm struggling to fond peat compost anywhere, everywhere I go they only seem to have peat free. B&Q actually advertise they now only sell peat free.

I went to a local Home Bargains recently to see if they were still selling any peat compost, they had three different types of peat compost so I bought a bag of each to take home and inspect.

Westland Growbag 30L
£2.99 or 10p per litre
This has no mention of being peat free, so I assume it contains peat, though it doesn't mention that it does either. It felt quite dry to the touch, but looked liked normal peat compost.




Levington Multi Purpose 40L
£3.49 or 8p per litre
Description on the back of the bag suggests this contains around 40% peat.
This contains some fibres of what might be wood or uncomposted vegetation






Westland Multi Purpose 50L
£4.99 or 10p per litre
Description on the back of the bag suggests this contains around 70% peat
This was very wet to the touch, water dripped out when squeezing it into a ball in the hand, but out of the three it felt and looked the better product. When returning to my greenhouse where I store the bags compost the floor was wet through from this bag..

 

We have an agricultural outlet near here - it's very good for all sorts of stuff. They had a really superb peat based compost that I've used in the last few years. I went past a couple of days ago on my walk, and they have a new one by Clover - Mother Earth. 7 quid for a 60 litre bag, or 3 for £18.

 

I've just been to our local garden centre and purchased Erin Excel multi-purpose compost which is labelled as 'reduced' peat. From reading the packaging it has about half the amount of peat compared to the old peat based composts. I obviously haven't had a chance to use it yet, but can confirm that compost with a peat content is a still available.

 

@LeadFarmer, I use the Westland in your 3rd photo and have always really liked it. You do get some twigs and hard nobbly bits, but on the whole it is pretty decent. I got 3 large bags last autumn as I wasn't sure I would be able to find it this yr. Pleased to know it is still available.