"philgurr" wrote

Three or four years ago, I contacted one of the major compost
producers to ask what steps they took to eliminate pathogens
from their non-peat compost. Needless to say they did not reply
either because they didn't know, or more probably because they
did nothing to eliminate pathogens.

Most of the compost used in non-peat composts is obtained from
councils who operate a policy of composting green waste for sale
either to individuals or large organisations. We are told NEVER to
incorporate grass cuttings from herbicide treated lawns, in our
compost heaps - so hey! lets just take it down to the tip! This year
I have suffered from herbicide damage to Dahlia seedlings sown
in a well know peat-free compost - seedling distortion and eventually
death. This is not only a waste of money, but more importantly a
waste of my time. Fortunately I have a local source of Irish peat
compost (Mother Earth), never again will I buy a fancy, modern,
environmentally friendly, lethal compost.

After various problems with low peat composts, last year I went to our local
GC and asked for the compost with the highest peat content, they couldn't
tell me as they had never been asked that question before. I did find one
with a decent percentage of peat, another GCs own label, so I will check
that out again.

--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK