Forum home› Fruit & veg
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

top soil from Wickes

holsdad1holsdad1 Posts: 41
in Fruit & veg
Hi, Bought 6 bags of topsoil from Wickes noticed after tipping a few in there is a chemical smell from the soil is this normal or contaminated soil, it was really wet.
«1

Posts

  • mandyroberts99mandyroberts99 Posts: 235
    I bought quite a lot (30 bags?) of top soil from Wicks a couple of years ago and it was fine. I have a few bags left but haven't opened them this 'season'
  • EustaceEustace Posts: 2,290
    I too bought Wickes topsoil and peat-free compost. Both have that musty smell. It is definitely not manure smell; Can't quite place what exactly is smelling so revolting.
    Oxford. The City of Dreaming Spires.
    And then my heart with pleasure fills,
    And dances with the daffodils (roses). Taking a bit of liberty with Wordsworth :)

  • februarysgirlfebruarysgirl Posts: 835
    I bought 45 bags of Wickes topsoil a few weeks ago. I've only used about half of it but can't say that I noticed any kind of smell.
  • holsdad1holsdad1 Posts: 41
    Thanks guys, yes I'm hoping it was an open wet soil moment have gone back out to it and seems to smell ok
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited April 2022
    I recommend keeping the bags for re-use. Cut them along the top and they can be used to store leaves, home made compost, they are great for moving and giving plants, gravel, soil etc. With drainage holes added, they can even be used as planters. Or indeed to line planters. They are very useful things to keep and last in tact for many years.
  • holsdad1holsdad1 Posts: 41
    Thank you one more issue, I scoop my dog's dirt up will grass clippings be ok for composting and on my tomatoes and cucumbers next year?
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    holsdad1 said:
    Thank you one more issue, I scoop my dog's dirt up will grass clippings be ok for composting and on my tomatoes and cucumbers next year?
    I'd not chance it in a million years.....





    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    holsdad1 said:
    Hi, Bought 6 bags of topsoil from Wickes noticed after tipping a few in there is a chemical smell from the soil is this normal or contaminated soil, it was really wet.
    It'll be fine. Topsoil is subject to rigorous lab testing before being offered for sale. (BS3882). If you are so inclined to ask, Wickes should quite readily supply the test certification.
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    holsdad1 said:
    Thank you one more issue, I scoop my dog's dirt up will grass clippings be ok for composting and on my tomatoes and cucumbers next year?
    Jesus no!
  • holsdad1holsdad1 Posts: 41
    Is horse manure hay ok?
Sign In or Register to comment.