Foul smelling compost

[Tulipomania]

I bought a new bag of peat free multi purpose compost for bulbs in pots and sowing sweet peas. But it smells vile, although the dog seems to love it ... I'm wondering what's in it and whether I should use it.

No, don't use it I'm afraid as compost can go off. Poor storage by the distributor or vendor is usually the reason and it may also be past it best date. Cheap peat-free alternatives are often made from similar sources as municipal-made composts and it may have had something unpleasant in to start with. Use a coir-based type for bulbs and starting sweet-peas - I buy the dry blocks and make them up as needed.

If you can return it and get a refund I'd recommend that and a replacement, possibly from elsewhere

It is a well known brand though, and was bought from a well-known retailer. It wasn't particularly cheap either!

@Tulipomania

It is a well known brand though, and was bought from a well-known retailer. It wasn't particularly cheap either!

Sorry to hear that Tulip, you possibly got some that was stored badly either by the seller or distributor; very often happens at the end of season when the last few bags are taken from a pallet that has sat out all summer in the weather. As I said, phone or e-mail and complain then return. Good luck!

I bought some recently that really is only suitable as a soil conditioner in the garden; although it's sold as multipurpose, I couldn't add it to compost mix for pots, but my garden plants and worms will love it!