Cheep compost.

 

I bought three bags of Payless compost from Focus. I potted up some plants
about three weeks ago using this compost and all the pots have grass growing
in them.
I know this subject on cheap compost has been discussed in here before. I
just thought I would let you know what happened to me because of  trying to
save money...you do have to go for quality and pay that bit extra.
--
Bill.
South/West Durham

 

Cheep? Maybe Cheap.
--
Bill.
South/West Durham

 

Bill P. wrote:

I thought it maybe had bird seed in it? ;-)

I've been caught out like that too buying cheap compost, laden with
seeds of specific weeds/plants.

--
David in Normandy.   DavidinNormandy@yahoo.fr
   To e-mail you must include the password FROG on the
   subject line, or it will be automatically deleted
   by a filter and not reach my inbox.

 

wrote:

David,  the last lot I bought had a load of hay, straw and sawdust, it
doesn't retain water, I am not too happy with any of the French
composts.  Some have bits of felt type stuff in them and I am yet to
find a good one, any suggestions?

Judith

 

Judith in France wrote:

I agree. Unless you spend lots of money on an expensive brand most of
the compost seems to be very poor quality.

Personally I buy two types of French compost. One cheap and the other
even cheaper!

For seeds and seedlings I just use the cheapest multipurpose compost
from L'eclerc ~ 6 euros per 40 litre sack, but also mix in some yellow
builders sand. Usually I don't get any weeds with it and it works
reasonably well.

The very cheap one I use is from the Aldi stores at around 3 euros per
40 litre sack, but it usually has weed seeds in it. It is very fibrous
and I mix this with mole hill soil (more soil than compost) and use it
for potting on plants, tomatoes etc; however it does need weeding for a
while. It works well when used like this as the soil is a bit heavy and
the fibres help to break it up a bit.

The garden centres here in France have some compost much much more
expensive, but I'd rather keep my money for more plants and just use the
cheapest nastiest compost available - when mixed with sand / soil etc
they are adequate. I'm not bothered about those that contain fertiliser
- I'd sooner add my own anyway so I know how much feed the plants are
getting.

--
David in Normandy.   DavidinNormandy@yahoo.fr
   To e-mail you must include the password FROG on the
   subject line, or it will be automatically deleted
   by a filter and not reach my inbox.