Mini update #2

Onions, beans and one of the two courgettes, in addition to the lettuce a basil already reported, now appeared in the Clover peat. Only a couple of basil so far in the New Horizon.

Mini update #3

The New Horizon is starting to perform: one of the two courgettes and a sign of one or two onions this morning.

Mini update#4

New Horizon continuing to improve: first of the beans now through; 80% germination of basil, same as Clover peat, though later. It seems that NH actually performs well with the tiniest seeds.

It would be interesting to see some photos, but thanks for updating us. Seems like they are even at the moment.

Hi pdblak

Photos will come when it's worth taking them.

Are you only comparing the composts Alan? Only there are quite a few variables that may affect results, if you really want to be scientific and rigorous in your research.

In answer to your question: Yes. See my post here viewtopic.php?p=92890#p92890

I'm not sure what else I should be comparing.

Briefly: I am trying to see how five different seeds, ranging from tiny to large, perform in the two very different media.

I would appreciate your explanation of "quite a few variables that may affect results".

Yes but germination is affected by more than media, such things as temperature, light levels, ( different for different seeds ), amount of water, and ph to name a few. Slight variations can affect germination and growth. and introduce bias.

Surely if the same seeds are used in each, watering is measured, both are sat on the same shelf, then they are getting like for like. Ph is down to the compost, and if the conditions, other than the compost, aren't right for a particular seed, then that should be the same for both lots too.

The only real variable here is the quality and consistency of the compost.

Many thanks for that pdblak. You beat me to it! I was going to reply in exactly the same terms to NB's suggested "variables".

The sowings are in the same containers, sat side by side and watered the same. There wouldn't be much point in the trial if this were not the case. As you so rightly say "The only real variable here is the quality and consistency of the compost." And that is what I am trialling, so the pH is irrelevant, or at least it is what it is.

Whilst I don't see a problem with pH, I've heard it suggested that different composts may need different watering strategies ? Some mixes can take more water without "slumping". I can also just about imagine that the sowing depth might have a different effect in different mixes.

The biggest problem I see is that you will only know for sure that the results you get are valid for your particular bag of New Horizons - in my experience it varies quite a lot.

Hi Tony

When I said "watered the same" I should have said "watered at the same time according to needs of each compost"

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 - especially with regard to 'controlling' the growth of the plants.


Totally agree with you. But I have now switched to Vital Earth - so we'll see how that goes:-)

I was well aware of that. On the other hand, if a compost is made with a variable base such as wood waste and composted green waste it is inevitable that there will be inconsistencies from bag to bag.



Having discovered a near(ish) source of Vital Earth I was thinking of doing a similar trial with some late summer sowings. I may not report the results here for fear of boring the pants off people

No no Alan, don't fear boring us. Far more interesting to hear results of someone's trial than perpetual belief-based argument !