A fair test of compost?

[maljackson]

Ello veg's.

I bought a tonne of organic compost two weeks ago. It didn't look good at all so I decided to do a little experiment.

I got three trays and filled one with co-op compost, one with a top-soil organic compost mix, and one with the organic compost I bought, I then sewed basil and pak-choi in each.

The co-op compost has nine seedlings growing, the top-soil organic compost has seven seedlings, while the supposed organic compost that I bought a tonne of has just two stunted seedlings.

The odd thing is, the top-soil compost mix is mixed with that very compost, so I would have thought that if it worked so successfully in the top soil mix, it would have performed better on it's own.

I'm going to ring up the supplier tomorrow.

Anybody any thoughts on this? Is this a fair test of the compost?

Any thoughts gratefully received.

Regards,
Mal.

[smallblueplanet]

Perhaps its not suitable for seed sowing, but better at growing on seedlings or as a soil 'improver'?

[zazen999]

Sometimes composts are too rich for seedlings; best to mix with grit or home made compost than another compost. However, if you aren't happy.....then you aren't happy.

Strange time of year to be buying it though....where did you get it from? Is it proper organic [soil assn verified] or just, 'it's definitely organic mate, look at it'?

[rustylady]

Why did you buy a tonne of compost? And is it compost for sowing seeds or is it soil improver?

[Two_Sheds]

I tested New Horizon free range compost against B&Q multi-unfriendly compost this summer: the plants in the NH did much better

The B&Q peat free wasn't too bad for planting spuds & trees in, but a bit rough and lumpy for seeds

[chris]

I would complain, I had similar issues (but was totally unacceptable for planting in).

[Florence Fennel]

Complain, it sounds like a duff batch!