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How to cheaply rectify faulty compost?

PrasannaPrasanna Posts: 14
edited May 2020 in Problem solving
  1. Some disappointing gardening experience this Spring! I bought 16  bags of so called "Organic Compost" and they turned out to be mainly wood chip with sometimes large chunks of wood and a few stones. As it was the beginning of lockdown, I could hardly go back and return them so decided to lay it out on the beds and plant into it. Unfortunately, my plants are turning yellow and remain stunted.  Only the turnips seem to have thrived.  I don't want to buy more bags of compost so is there anything I can do to save the situation? I did write to the company, Godwin, and have had no response.

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,894
    How very annoying and disappointing for you.
    I don't know what the problem is, but this RHS article may give some insights-
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=979

    In particular these paragraphs.

    Mulches from broadleaf trees and shrubs

    Frequently asked questions


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PrasannaPrasanna Posts: 14
    Thank you, Pete. I am aware that mulch is wrongly labelled as compost but I can see now that it can be toxic as well. Probably, the reason these seedlings are not performing well. Ideally, I would need to apply a thick layer of real compost over the mulch and replant. I can't transplant carrots and other tender seedlings -they won't make it! Oh well!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 53,918
    How infuriating @Prasanna.
    The best way to get a response from these companies nowadays, is through social media. Shouldn't have to do it, but if they don't reply to emails etc, it seems to be the only way. They don't like negative attention. 

    Take photos - the  'compost' and your plants, and keep messaging them. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,894
    I know a few years ago I had bags of well rotted horse manure that was 90% wood shavings.
    The manure may have been well rotted, but the wood shavings looked fresh.
    I spread it in the autumn so I guess it had mellowed by the time I planted it up the following spring.
    Not many stables seem to use straw these days.
    Hope you manage to salvage some of your crops - good luck

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Butterfly66Butterfly66 Posts: 920
    edited May 2020
    I had a similar experience with wyevale organic compost couple of years ago. All sorts including broken glass mixed in. Took a while emailing and photos to get them to acknowledge it wasn’t up to par and a refund.
     If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero
    East facing, top of a hill clay-loam, cultivated for centuries (7 years by me). Birmingham
  • PrasannaPrasanna Posts: 14
    I suppose, its a good idea to let the public know which companies to avoid. This is so basic -you are not meant to see the original material in compost, which should be crumbly. How does a company dealing with compost not get it?
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