Lidl peat free compost - don't bother!

[Hazelb]

I just wanted something to fill up some big planters, so I wasn't expecting much, but even I was taken aback by what atrocious rubbish it was!

I expected the mix to contain quite a lot of composted bark and shredded material, and it did seem to comprise entirely of this, with the additions of shredded plastic and even broken glass!! truly horrific!

I've complained Lidl's and said I would be shopping there again and might contact trading standards. As it contains glass,  I don't consider it safe or fit for purpose...

[Hazelb]

[sunloving]

Agreed, the ALDI stuff was the same and something about it stunted plant growth so it didn't even provide the basics of a plant growing media.

I'm sure they will re name it soil improver next year with no changes.

Compost buying is fraught with disappointments this year unless you are rich.
x sunloving

[pumkinlover]

I bought Vital Earth this year because I had found it ok. I bought a pallet for the allotment shop expecting it not  to sell and it has gone well.
What has surprised me in this terrible year weather wise is how well the tomatoes have grown in it. I nearly always get problems with leggy yellow plants and this year they are  green and growing well.

[delboy]

We've just about had it with the basic multipurpose composts, and will be spending money on the Clover and Sinclair ranges next year.

They work out to just over £6.50 a 70 or 75 litre bag if buying in bulk, but the quality of what is available via shops and garden centres is now so low that we can't risk the non-germination of seeds or the lack of an onward growing medium.

[chriscross1966]

I've found that the specific seed and cutting composts from Lidl hasn't been too bad this year, for onward growth these days I go for a mixture of 50:50 garden soil to council recycled with a bit of BFB (and maybe growmore if a gross feeder)... individual module sowing keeps the plants form too much of a rootshock and most things seem happy planted out from packs of 24 or 15, big things might go out from 12's....

[Hazelb]

I'm sure I'll make my own compost next year, and only by good branded stuff when I have to.