@ParsonsJack I have had (what I consider to be) some success with New Horizon Multi-Purpose; which does also seem to do quite well in others' tests and experiences. Consistency certainly differs from bag to bag - but still seems to work OK. However; as a bit of a knee-jerk reaction to NH's manufactu...

@Colin Miles I guess it all depends on whether or not the Co-op is the 'only' supplier in the area; or just the nearest. What else is there in the way of choice (if anything) and how close is it really? Yes; I drive to buy compost - simply because my local garden centre (1.5 miles away) sells no pea...

...I am simply willing to accept that just because something gives the best results, me and my few seedlings are not important enough to overide all other environmental considerations. I put it to you all that the purpose of a lot of the argument here is not to look for ways forward if peat is with...

Just came across this news item; which may be of interest in this discussion?

Defra announce Anaerobic Digestion Loan Fund at UK AD & Biogas 2011

sally wright wrote:the short one is galega officinalis or goat's rue.

Seems to make a lot more sense than my suggestion:-)

Any chance the one in the front might be a tufted vetch - vicia cracca - maybe variant alba?

british-wild-flowers.co.uk

and here and here

http://www.rolypig.com/images/products//1_l.jpg Or how about fun compost making for £155? m Certainly not a 'must-have' for me; but there has been one of these (named 'Alys') at Yalding Organic Gardens for years. Always a great favourite with the kids; and a fantastic introduction for them to compo...

Thank you for your responses Johnboy; which as you might expect; I cannot let pass without comment. So with my apologies to those who clearly are not here to read this ongoing saga of personal attacks - and bearing-in mind that as your personal persona non grata, you will not be responding to me any...

John T, ...it appears that when something occurs like this it doesn't take you long to start squealing! Nor indeed long for you to start being downright rude again! You know as well as I do that the case put by the anti-peat campaigners is an absolute load of rubbish. Here you go again - telling me...

Hi Alan, I reproduce this from the comments re Telegraph article as an example of the dishonesty of the anti peat movement. Interesting quote; though I imagine that in other circumstances, you would be demanding chapter and verse as to proof of the assertions made by the comment poster ' - 'jimtate...

Johnboy wrote:John T,
I have no intentions of elasborating what I have written. I thought perhaps you might be able to work that one out for yourself.
JB.

Thank you JohnBoy; your response tells me everything I need to know.

John

Johnboy wrote:...That man is an absolute fraud and the only way he ever gets dirty hands is courtesy of BBC make-up department.
JB.

An interesting viewpoint Johnboy. Would you care to elaborate?

I've heard it suggested that different composts may need different watering strategies ? Which is precisely what a nurseryman I had a brief chat with at the weekend, said about their transition to Vital Earth peat-free. It was changing their ideas on watering that was the only real issue - especial...

Wow! I wondered how long it would be, before this discussion descended to the 'personal' levels, I have seen on other threads here. Clearly, not very long! However, with that now being so; I apologise to other participants, for taking a few lines by way of 'right to reply' to Alan. Offended by your ...

But back to the topic of peat use and I would suggest that Alan's test is perhaps more relevant. I'm afraid I regard the quoted figures - so precisely imprecise (round numbers) - as pure guesswork. Oh come on! How can you not use round numbers? Nobody is actually sitting there measuring CO2 at ever...