Cultivation > Composts

Council Compost

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Graham Catlow:
I have access to a council recycling site less than a mile from home and am wondering what people think of the compost created by local councils. Sometimes it looks ok and other times I wouldn't touch it. The good thing is it is free but I would have to bag it myself and that isn't the easiest task and there would have to be many journeys.

On the other hand a company (Scotbark) deliver cubic meter bags of compost (PAS 100 certified) or composted bark for £70 per bag. This is quite expensive but looks better quality and would arrive at my home.

This would be for a large border that needs some bulk and will eventually contain rhododendrons and other ericaceous plants.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

jomowi:
Graham, I tried the Council's free compost the first year I came here as like yourself I missed the 'home grown' stuff and had inherited a garden which was seriously lacking in organic matter.  Never again - I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.  It is full of rubbish and in my case was sopping wet having lain in the open which meant I couldn't put too much in a bag because of the weight.  Luckily, I didn't import any pernicious weeds that had survived the composting process.  There is a lot of Equisetum in this area for instance.  Anything bought in is going to be expensive, but will at least get you started until you can get your own going.

Lesley Cox:
Seventy pounds a bag! My God! How big is the bag? It would need to be the size of a ten tonne truck at that price.

Chris Johnson:

--- Quote from: Lesley Cox on August 19, 2015, 02:09:06 AM ---Seventy pounds a bag! My God! How big is the bag? It would need to be the size of a ten tonne truck at that price.

--- End quote ---

They're cubic metre bags, Lesley, what the building trade term tonne bags for delivering various types of aggregate.

Shrikes me as quite good value and would be grateful if they were available here.

angie:
Delivery is what costs so much up here. I ordered some soil from our local recycling yard for a job my hubby was doing and when the lorry arrived at the job I told him just to take it back. He wasn't happy but then again I wasn't either. Their upfill is the same , blue gloves, glass and bits of plastic tops are all visible. Maybe other places are better but I wont be using my local recycling yard again.

Graham I have two compost bins full, shame I have a little boot in my car  ;) Hope to catch up with you soon and see your garden.

Angie  :)

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