Compost question

I've recently moved into my new house and the previous owners left two compost bins. One of them has what looks like quite good compost in it, would that be ok to use for containers - or should it be mixed with shop-bought compost?
Sorry if this is a very basic question, but I really dont know the answer to it!
Thanks for any help or advice.

 

since you know nothing of its history that's a difficult one. I'd be inclined to use it in a strictly controlled test area! :rolleyes: I expect it's ok, but you never know....
How about using it in a segregated area, like a raised bed, or in a few containers, and planting in some things you wouldn't be heart-broken about losing? That's what I'd do.............

 

Thank you so much dendrobium, thats what I will do! Just wasn't sure how people normally use it. Will let you know how I get on.

 

The compost is useless, it's full of twitch! So going to dump that and start again - the previous owner of the house must have put weeds in, which I thought you were not meant to do, not twitch type weeds anyway?

 

Ohhh! don't bin it, sieve it! You'll get all the root out in one go and even if tiny pieces do get through they are easily dealt with if you let it rest a few weeks then re-sieve before putting on your garden. I always sieve compost and don't get any problems.