COMPOST REVIEW 2013

Mud sniffer x

 

New one on me Durston .

 

Armandii, I bought the Verve multi-purpose (containing peat) last year, although it had more 'bits' in it compared to before I had no issues using it for seeds. My only issue was the fungus gnats that I didn't know about until I used it for indoor plants, grrrrr! Apparently they have reduced their screening.

Like you I use quite a bit, so to keep cost down I will be buying it again this year.

 

Spot on, there. Whenever I see a product with "New formula", "Improved recipe" written on it, I always assume they've reduced the quality to make more profit, cynic that I am.

I take all your points about the sheer inconvenience of making a complaint but suggest you do what Jooz suggested and do some distance-complaining.

They'll probably try the "That's what peat-free is like, sir" card.

The gardening industry is now enormous and I think they have a licence to sell us all kinds of below-standard rubbish because buyers don't complain, or blame themselves if the seeds/plants don't grow.

Isn't Durston's the sort of brand you are more likely to find in small independent garden supply places?

 

I would have said take it back, but I can see now why for you it would be cheaper to spread it on the borders then to take it back

 

I bought some verve last year because it was buy 2 get 1 free, as you say Armandi there was some man bits of twig and hard lumps it was more like bark chipping.

Rusty

 

I've used J. Arthur Bower's MPC over the years, mainly because that's what my local garden centre sells.

I've found it can be "solid" if bought in the Spring, I presume that's from the moisture from it being stacked or somesuch, or just my run of luck ... but either way I buy it in the Autumn.

My local Garden Centre Group (formerly Wyevales) sells if 4-for-3 for about £10-£12 (i.e. for 4) and last year the bags were 56L, previously 60L I think. I use about 2,500L - 3,000L p.a.

For things that stay in the pots for a short time, like Toms that get potted on, I use it neat. For things that are slower growing I like to keep the compost a bit more open, to stop it compacting etc. and give the plant a chance!!, and I add 10% Perlite, by volume (i.e. I add a 2L potful to about 1/3rd of a bag of MPC)

 

I used the Verve with peat last year and thought it far too susceptible to permanent shrinkage if accidentally missing watering.


P.S. Perhaps we do need a dedicated 2013 compost review thread with an updated 1st post.

 

Well that describes me Armandii , crumbly and a bit dense !
As Scrungee and Shiney have voiced could we start or rename this post as Compost Review 2013 ? Its extremely useful to have the pooled knowledge of the GC members .