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Peat Free Compost

I've started buying peat-free compost with mixed results.

Westland New Horizon

Do NOT buy!

I had such a low germination rate from my Squash, Courgette etc, and I think it may be related to the compost. Instead of green shoots, I got mushrooms! That can't be right. Also, I wasn't happy with watering. Dry compost looks the same as wet, so you cannot see at a glance what needs watering. Water runs straight through, giving foul looking "tea" in the gravel tray. (I think most peat-free composts use brown dye, but Westland's seemed worse than others in this regard). To keep the top wet (where the seedling's roots are), I ended up watering far too much, and the base was swimming in water after a while.

Wickes Own Brand

It looks and feels good. Slightly smelly (farmyardy), but that goes away quite soon. Some may prefer to avoid it for house plants though.

No problems with mould / mushrooms!

Homebase Own Brand

It was award Which best buy. I haven't tried it yet.