Peat-free seed compost B&Q

Normally I use John Innes seed and cutting compost, but in a hurry a bought a small bag of B&Q Peat-free seed compost. It looks okay, mostly wood-fibre with some added sand, and it has no smell. However, seeds don't germinate in it - I start my Buddleja species off early - even with underheating. Using prepared top-soil and perlite I've good germination in the same propagator.
So, two related questions. Why do companies bodge together any old rubbish and call it seed compost when there might be a germination inhibitor in one of the ingredients? And does anyone have an idea what the inhibitor might be?
Oh, and I don't think I'll bother to formally complain about a £3 bag of compost.

 

It would be really annoying if you waited ages for germination, and then blamed the seed. Just as well you had something to compare

 

I haven't tried peat-free compost yet so I can't comment on it.

 

Dont think I've ever bought seed compost.
Just seems a bit pointless to me.

 

For seed sowing I use equal parts of Seed Comp, Coir & my own Compost, no feed of course. It works for me.

 

Well peat free seed compost is definitely off the shopping list. I'll stick with my Gro-Sure seed compost, seems to do the job.

 

Do you reckon that might be peat free @HarryS
Not sure compost contains much peat these days.

On looking it up they dont actually want to say what it contains.

 

I had better fully check Gro-Sure out before I buy it.
But you find that normal MPC works fine for seeds? I don't grow anything tricky or exotic these days, so it may be a better option.
Update: Just found a picture of the rear label on the Gro sure bag, and it states approx. 75% peat. So panic over for this year at least.

 

I use Multipurpose from Wickes for any seeding of vegetables in modules with good,consistent results. Its best to sieve(6mm) for small seeds. It contains some nutrient (but not a lot!), works well. Growing on, using seaweed stimulant (Vitax) with watering. Like all sources, it has risen in price but little one can do except be careful not to waste any!

:
Wickes Multi Purpose Compost - 100L | Wickes.co.uk

 

This link below is worth a read, especially when the manufacture is 100% peat free. The author echo's many things that I have mentioned on the forum in the past, I did say the commercial sector including myself would like to see the sales of "all purpose compost" & "multipurpose" banned by the retail sector. Commercial growers and manufactures always call it "growing medium". compost is really waste material composted and then added to the garden as a soil conditioner. Worth a read about the pros and cons, especially the point about, batch mixes, peat always has and always will out preform alternatives due to the inconsistency of the alternatives.

Peat: ban or no-ban - What are the alternatives? (soilfixer.co.uk)