A pair of lemons
A late night, some videos about compost, and the discovery that we have been paying a great deal for not very much.
It started with Kirsty browsing compost methods, moved on to videos, and ended some hours later with the conclusion that we have been very foolish.
The garden has grown out of one idea, which we lean on more every month: do it ourselves, know what goes in, and so keep hold of both the quality and the cost.
Prices paid stay off this site, as they aren't really part of the message. I am happy to admit, however, that more than one of the nursery plants here, large ones, cost a pound. A single pound, for a handsome, large specimen just in need of some TLC, dismissed as unattractive and therefore unsaleable.
And yet, over the last two years, we have spent more on bagged compost from chain stores than on things for the garden in the last few. It turns out to be worse than what we could easily get hold of and mix ourselves, and a startling amount dearer per litre.
So it's not hard to understand why tonight I feel a bit deflated that we, as currently very keen amateurs, have been hoodwinked by big compost.
During a moment of quiet contemplation, Kirsty announced that she “felt like a lemon”. After some introspection of my own, I agreed. So did I.
That changes from here. Much of the night went on finding the best deals on the ingredients. Nothing is bought yet: sums involving weights and currency are not our strong suit past midnight.
The good news is that a premium mix of our own should cost a fraction of the most basic bag. It is a shame this sort of advice stays with the enthusiasts and rarely reaches the rest of us.
Once the mixes and quantities are settled, they will go up here with a proper cost comparison. A bag is good in a pinch. We think it is also a bit of a con.