Anyone know a good non-peat potting compost?

[GodfreyRob]

I have been using New Horizon organic potting compost for a number of years. Generally its ok, but the surface gets covered in green mould really quickly and the seedlings seem to get stuck (presumably the mould or lack of air chokes them).

I am not keen on the soil-based composts and ideally I want to use an organic, non-peat compost - does anyone know of a reliable one?

[GodfreyRob]

[caroline7758]

I use New Horizon, too. Haven't found anything better yet. Tried Miraclegro this year but it had a lot more big woody bits in it than NH.
B&Q peat-free came out well in the Which test a couple of years back but don't know what it's like these days.

[sweet-pea]

I've been using Vital earth Genie compost this year for my seedlings and it is the first peat-free compost to be endorsed by the John Innes foundation I think.  I've been happy with it so far, think it's the multi-purpose version I have.

[norfolklass]

I use Homebase's own brand of peat-free multi-purpose for bigger seeds likes peas and beans and haven't had any problems. it does tend to have lots bigger bits and pieces in it so I don't think it would be suitable for tiny seeds.

[tonybloke]

the best I've found is by a german company called Klansman, had to order 1/2 a pallet, but the college I'm attending got a bulk order in  for their organic courses, great stuff!! ;D ;D

[betula]

I use Homebase's own brand of peat-free multi-purpose for bigger seeds likes peas and beans and haven't had any problems. it does tend to have lots bigger bits and pieces in it so I don't think it would be suitable for tiny seeds.

If the compost is bulky,and a lot of them are,use a sieve for seeds :)

[Georgie]

If the compost is bulky,and a lot of them are,use a sieve for seeds :)

I don't think seeds would germinate well in a sieve.   :o  ;D  ;D  ;D

G x

[betula]

 ;D :-[ :-[

[redimp]

I use New Horizon (tis made in our fair city) and Focus (which I understand is the lower grade stuff left over from making New Horizon.  Last year, the Focus compost was rubbish but this year appears much better (100% germination of Pumpkins in the School Council pumpkin competition)

Addendum - what riles me most is that New Horizon/JA Bowers is made about 500 yds from out local Homebase and about 700yds from B&Q.  This stuff could have virtually no delivery miles on it but B&Q and Homebase both use Westland - which is also not meant to be as good, which has probably been up and down the country a few times.  My using New Horizon means that my veg has even less food miles on it. ;D