Thanks Charles for your response. I was not expecting dodgy seed as the possible problem. I will contact Wallis Seeds. The quality of their seeds has always been very good. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.
I take note of your comment about using my cow manure as a mulch. When I said it was well rotted it is not rotted enough to provide a crumbly mulch. Which leads me onto another question. I have a clamp of cow manure on my allotment.It is covered with black polythene. I wonder whether manure should be left open to the elements. The downside would be that the rain would leach out the nutrients.
Any views?
