Best supplier of compost 2024

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by JWK, Jan 1, 2024.

  1. Chiaroscuro

    Chiaroscuro Gardener

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    Thanks very much. That's great advice. I will tackle it when I'm feeling brave! :)
     
  2. southerner

    southerner Gardener

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    How long does bought compost last for? If I have a few bags left over this year would they still be good for using in spring next year?
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I still use them but store them under cover.
     
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    • Hanglow

      Hanglow Super Gardener

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      Got some miracle gro multi purpose from home bargains, shredded wood fibre and stinks of ammonia. Might be OK for potting on but I got it for seed starting. Tried sowing some salads in it anyway
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        I think we have reached to point where multipurpose compost isn't anymore.

        For delicate seeds I think you might be better using a proper seed compost these days, or maybe put the multi though a sieve.
         
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        • WeeTam

          WeeTam Total Gardener

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          Will be adding a bag of burning peat to my coal order this year.
          Has anyone tried using it ?
          I'm thinking it's basically the same as horticultural peat just brick hard and dry.
          Leave it out in the rain for a while and see how it crumbles.
          Might be be a great way to get peat and mix it with some homemade compost and Bingo!
          Or I could be barking up the wrong tree with this idea
           
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            Last edited: Jul 14, 2024
          • ViewAhead

            ViewAhead Head Gardener

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            Almost certainly, if you keep them frost-free. Unfortunately, it is not possible to know how long the seller might have had the stock before you bought it, but I have never had trouble storing over one winter at home.
             
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            • infradig

              infradig Total Gardener

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              • ViewAhead

                ViewAhead Head Gardener

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                Yes, I try to get some in Sept. Only had a problem once. Opened the bag in spring and found a million compost flies infesting it. :th scifD36:

                Of course, with all the peat-free stuff seeming to be very variable in quality, I suppose age might start to matter. We will have to see.
                 
              • shiney

                shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                I'm going to stock up with peat based MPC and keep it in a dry but airy place, the car port, so that I still have some for next year.
                 
              • ViewAhead

                ViewAhead Head Gardener

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                Where are you going to get it, @shiney ... cos I would like some too. :)
                 
              • fairygirl

                fairygirl Total Gardener

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                I can get good compost from the mill along the road @ViewAhead . It's always superb, and has a peat content, but is supposedly sustainably resourced. It might be from the water purification process as I believe that's one way it can be produced.
                Mother Earth is the name of it, but I don't know if it's readily available. I bought one bag this year as I've been re using and reviving existing material as much as possible.

                I agree about that Miracle Gro stuff @Hanglow. I've had it from B&Q but the own brand stuff from there is far better.
                 
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                • shiney

                  shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                  I buy mine from a small privately owned nursery who are still buying in compost containing peat.

                  The manufacturer of the peat is Godwin who also make Tunstall compost. Sometimes our nursery has one and sometimes the other. The price is very reasonable as well.

                  This is the manufacturer's website and it has said the site is still under construction - and has been for as long as I can remember! It has an address and phone number on it showing it is in Somerset. So maybe find their nearest outlet near you.

                  http://www.ejgodwin.biz/

                  I understand that they have their own peat beds.

                  I've done a quick search on the web and found this site that sells it. Don't know where they are based.

                  Godwins Premium Multi-Purpose Compost 50Ltr.
                   
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                  • ViewAhead

                    ViewAhead Head Gardener

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                    Thanks, @shiney. Just calculated the shipping cost for 3 bags! :thud:

                    Still ... might be worth it to have some decent stuff. :blue thumb: If it's good enough for the plants at Shiney Towers ... :biggrin:
                     
                    Last edited: Jul 14, 2024
                  • shiney

                    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                    Give the manufacturers a ring and see whether they supply near you. :)
                     
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