Compost from the Box Stores

Hi,  

Having just moved to SW FL and realizing that this is about the time to start planting certain types of seeds, I do not have the luxury of making my own compost.  I am using a box in the community garden, and I certainly don't want to start with the dirt they have in the box because I don't know what's in it.  So down here in FL, what are some of the best-known compost bags to buy from the Box Stores?  I will still get my worm compost and mushroom compost from specialty stores.....but it is the manure, leaf, etc that I am concerned about.

Appreciate any assistance.

Softy

Hi Softy, As long as the bagged compost doesn't have fillers like peat moss, sand, etc., they should be okay. Do be prepared to screen all bagged compost for wood pieces and trash. Even the "reputable" brands have been found to need screening recently. If you can get a manure-based compost (limit to 20-25% of total composts), leaf compost, mushroom compost (read the label carefully) and some worm castings (5-10%), you can get started.

Mushroom composts are made from either a straw/manure mixture or sawdust. These composts are bagged and sold after a few rounds of mushroom growing. There's still plenty of nutrients left in them by the time they are sold. The straw manure is probably the best. No peat fillers.

If any of the composts (not soil amendments, raised bed mixture, etc.) contain peat moss, you will have to adjust the 1/3 part of fluffed peat moss downward. They can be up to 50% peat moss and that means one is paying a high price for the cheapest ingredient!

You can take photos of the composts you have found and post them here. Take photos of the front, the ingredients and the NPK %. If we see any red flags, we will let you know.

Thank You for the information. 

 

Worm Manure 100%.
Worm Castings, Organic Compost, Vermicompost.





Perlite - is this ok to add in addition to the vermiculite?

For some reason I can only post two pictures.  So will have to do this a different way.  I need to go back and get the photo of the backside anyway.  But thank you for the info.  Its a start.

Softy

Perlite verses vermiculite - The SFG Foundation is rather strongly advising against using perlite. If you're growing succulents - use perlite. If you're growing vegetables, use vermiculite. Vermiculite has some electrical conductivity like compost does. Perlite does not have EC. Vermiculite holds more water than perlite. Vermiculite holds nutrients. Vermiculite mixed into the Mel's Mix, stays put. Perlite tends to float to the surface with watering.

This forum is so helpful. I've been researching compost to purchase. There is a brand called Super Compost that has cow manure, Alfalfa meal and earthworm castings. Is Alfalfa meal ok? I was going to also purchase mushroom compost and Leaf compost.

Thank you!! That’s really helpful.