I think this issue is going to run and run for a very long time. But as @Fairygirl says it's an expensive exercise to fail. I wasn't looking fir either a replacement or refund but merely to raise the issue that along with heating included it's probably cost me around £150. If the errors were on my part, I hold my hands up but I class myself as a seasoned gardening enthusiast with over 40 years experience growing and raising seeds and plants. I don't know everything, who does, but I know what I'm doing. This year's growing season, certainly in Scotland has been challenging and we allow fir some poor germination and progression. This reply really scunnered me though.
@Dobbin26 - the only difference I've found this year is that starting seed off in the usual way [ie in the house] has been slower, because the heating hasn't been on so much [ to save money ] and due to it being another mild winter here, apart from those two cold snaps, that made it easier to have the radiators off more. Not so good for the seeds though. My kitchen was definitely much colder than normal until about mid April when the sun's high enough to get in and have an effect. 17 was about the best it got to most of the time. However, the compost I had was dire, certainly for the tomatoes, and none germinated. I had to redo them in mid April, using my own mix and they all did well, but are obviously still small. Getting there a bit now.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think people should complain and ask for refunds and companies should take responsibility for the products they sell. I’ve been using Jack’s Magic compost for the past 5 years and this year it’s the worst it’s ever been. I had to add sieved soil, perlite and coir to make it work. My first lot of cosmos and tomato seeds both failed miserably in just the compost itself.
That explains why my seeds have not either not germinated or are small/stunted. I thought it was me or the weather. I have bought several brands and very little, apart from coreopsis, has done well this year. Will have too have a rethink for next year.
D'you reckon that the peat-free compost makers have a cunning plan ?
If enough people complain about the hopeless quality of peat-free composts we might start getting uppity 'French style'; setting fire to compost lorries, boycotting garden centres, superglueing ourselves to compost heaps. Because of the civil unrest the government will have to reconsider its ban so the compost makers will be able to revert to adding peat and we will all be happy and content again.
They're just getting us to do their work for them !
When there's always biscuits in the tin, where's the fun in biscuits ?
I think people should complain and ask for refunds and companies should take responsibility for the products they sell. I’ve been using Jack’s Magic compost for the past 5 years and this year it’s the worst it’s ever been. I had to add sieved soil, perlite and coir to make it work. My first lot of cosmos and tomato seeds both failed miserably in just the compost itself.
They must have different batches, @pitter-patter , because I bought Jack's Magic this year and got two different types of which one type (7out of 9 bags) was very good with 90% peat-free and the rest of peat. All my seeds including tomatoes and chillies germinated well and grow happily.
Each of seven bags contained 90% not peat (peat free) and 10% peat, and the other two bags were another type of compost. I'm guessing that's what @Simone_in_Wiltshire means, @debs64. Perhaps Simone could clarify.
When there's always biscuits in the tin, where's the fun in biscuits ?
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My kitchen was definitely much colder than normal until about mid April when the sun's high enough to get in and have an effect. 17 was about the best it got to most of the time. However, the compost I had was dire, certainly for the tomatoes, and none germinated. I had to redo them in mid April, using my own mix and they all did well, but are obviously still small. Getting there a bit now.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
I ♥ my garden.