Compost query
Blue Dragon
Posts: 74
So for the last four/five years I've been using 'Growsure' compost. And I've been getting it from a certain get-it-for-cheaper shop. But this year has been such a hit-and-miss with them. And now it's got to the point where they can't seem to say when, or even if, they'll be getting it back in. Meanwhile my Tomatoes and Chillies are getting a bit desperate in their temp grow-on pots and really want to be put into their permanent summer pots. My herbs and some flowers also need putting into their baskets and pots. It's just became a bit of a nightmare really and I'm stuck.
So I was wondering if anyone had tried the compost you can buy from that certain German supermarket beginning with 'A'? I ask 'cause not only is it cheaper (and I'm struggling that way too) but it's easily accessible and get--able. If anyone has, then what have been your results?
I have used it before actually, but only as a mulch and as an addition to other, more expencive brands, to make things go further. Never used it on it's own. Although this year I have used it, seived, as a base to a home-made mix, to pot up some Succulent pups and plantlets. And so far they do seem to like it and seem happy and healthy. But they never ask for much anyway : )
If you don't recommend 'A's' own brand, then do you have an alternative? I can't just go anywhere to pick up certain brands (I don't drive and my phobia restricts me to only a handful of places anyway), so it has to be something easy to get hold of, local, and these days, cheap. It would be used for Flowers, Herbs, Salads, Fruit and Veg. Everything in pots and baskets really.
Posts
Any thoughts?
I would only use Aldi or Lidl own brand for topping up veg beds etc, not for growing my plants in, I think it's probably trial and error, I have been through most of them, what was good a couple of years ago, isn't now, if you type 'compost' in the search box at the top of the GW page there are several discussions and you will see what suits one person doesn't suit another.
I did buy some very good compost from 'Hayloft' it was delivered free but a bit pricey.
I buy MiracleGro from a major hardware store that always seems to have it on offer (2 packs for a tenner...) - also, it's peat free. Very happy plants all round!
i bought compost from asda and it is absolutely awful, it goes very dry and just seems like dust
Our local Wickes have compost currently on offer.
Cant beat Jacks Magic from Westland. Lovely and dark and holds onto moisture well.
I want to be able to open a bag and just use it. I did get some Lidl compost in an emergency. Three bags and an hours seiving later, I had one bag of chunks of wood, bark etc, and a six inch stainless steel nail., plus some bits of blue plastic for the bin.
I like Levington pro M3 best. Its peat based, handles well, and the plants did a lot better in a trial against Arthur Bowers that I also bought in a hurry one weekend.
My mum gets a pallet full of the Levington delivered and I split it with her. Garden centres dont usually stock it. The pro stuff is different to the levingtons sold in garden centres. You may find it in small nurseries that grow their own plants.
Thanks for all your replies and detailed explanations : )
Well, I do agree with Aldi's being very 'bitty', but I've never found blue plastic, and certainly no nails! I do tend to take out to large bits of wood and twigs that are always in there, but I figured that the smaller bits can be left in as a drainage aid? Or maybe I should start sieving it too.I've never tried Lidl's own brand, or Morrisons, and we don't have an Asda near here. In fact we don't have much near here, that's the problem : /
Aldi have actually just started bringing out a no-peat version of their compost, which is interesting as I'm all for peat-free. But does that mean it'll be even more 'bitty'? Hmm.
We do have a small garden centre near enough to us round here, they grow all their own plants and do sell big bags of compost that they make themselves. I do have a bag, but haven't opened it or used it yet. But it does seem very popular with people. The problem is that I can't get to the centre myself, nor can I get the compost home myself. So it is still made awkward as I'd have to ask to be taken there, and then wait till it was convenient. And that will no doubt become a pain for both me and my step-dad who'd be taking me.
Thanks again for all your thoughts and help Peeps. I may well have to use Aldi's own brand as a bulk-up to add to other, better, brands. But it's good to know it's probably not a good idea to use it on it's own. That's was my main concern, I suppose. I really don't want to risk it, especially on my Tomatoes and Chillies and all the other Plants I grow from seed and spend a lot of time and effort on, if it's going to end up as nothing but regret : /