I think it was the rain that made it like that @Dovefromabove. Of course, if there was a plant already in there, it would take up a lot of that moisture, and there would be less rain getting into the mix in the first place, but it doesn't fill people with confidence when they see that!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Interesting, I know that supplier well . In the past I have always been pleased with their products but recently I have had some doubts/issues too. I believe they source material from many places it looks like that "loam" is in fact clay. I would complain , show the pictures. I think the recipe has not been followed correctly with this batch, as said above JI is a recipe a blend of loam, sand grit and peat ( the peat has now been replaced with peat substitutes).
THe original John Innes recipe said, "loam". I think the definition of loam to gardeners is not clear. If I remember right JI loam was turfs stacked until the vegetation had rotted. Now anyone can use the name, and no doubt change the recipe.
I recently did a soil test on sample of Notcutt's JI No3 soil-based compost, just out of interest. Sedimentation showed by volume about 60% sand, 30% dark peat-like, 10% floating organics. Not what I expected.
I also started a test on a sample of Notcutt's general pupose, peat free. The sample did not shake up readily in water and did not settle at all. If I wanted to separate the peat-like ingredients I would have to do it dry by hand and eye. There was some light-weight, grey-white, inorganic material; it might have been chalk or pumice.
My own way Of recognising a good compost adequately moistened is to grab a handfull and squeeze. Little water should come out, and the mass should hold together.
I must add that I am very happy with both Notcutt's products, and their JI ericaceous.
location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand. "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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Of course, if there was a plant already in there, it would take up a lot of that moisture, and there would be less rain getting into the mix in the first place, but it doesn't fill people with confidence when they see that!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I think the recipe has not been followed correctly with this batch, as said above JI is a recipe a blend of loam, sand grit and peat ( the peat has now been replaced with peat substitutes).
I recently did a soil test on sample of Notcutt's JI No3 soil-based compost, just out of interest. Sedimentation showed by volume about 60% sand, 30% dark peat-like, 10% floating organics. Not what I expected.
I also started a test on a sample of Notcutt's general pupose, peat free. The sample did not shake up readily in water and did not settle at all. If I wanted to separate the peat-like ingredients I would have to do it dry by hand and eye. There was some light-weight, grey-white, inorganic material; it might have been chalk or pumice.
My own way Of recognising a good compost adequately moistened is to grab a handfull and squeeze. Little water should come out, and the mass should hold together.
I must add that I am very happy with both Notcutt's products, and their JI ericaceous.
"Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...