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Peat in Compost Discussion

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mumofstig

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Peat in Compost Discussion
« on: February 22, 2016, 18:13 »
Discussion moved over from Compost 2016

Quote from: surbie100 on February 22, 2016, 17:16
Though to be honest, as someone with zero gardening background, I had no idea of the issues around using peat until last year. I just kept using what was cheapest. I don't think I'm alone in that either.

Given Govt's targets on ending horticultural peat usage by 2030 I'd like to know more about peat-free composts. I'm not trying to evangelise about peat-free, I had horrible results from GroSure last year, but I do think a discussion about it on a gardening forum wouldn't be out of place. And if anyone has recommendations on peat-free compost I'd love to hear them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/today_in_your_garden/ethical_peat.shtml

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/221026/pb13834-sustainable-growing-media.pdf
« Last Edit: February 22, 2016, 18:15 by mumofstig »
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Eblana

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2016, 18:35 »
I have just started to use Klassman KKS peat free seed compost and also have a bag of their peat free potting compost.  The seed compost has been very good so far and although I haven't used the potting compost yet I have opened it and the compost looks lovely.  They are a bit on the expensive side but for seed sowing and potting on I don't mind.  I am afraid if I needed bulk for a job it would be B&Q's Verve Peat Free that I would use.
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surbie100

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2016, 21:54 »
I'd like to find something good to use for sowing and a bit of potting on, but round here the options seem to be very limited in garden centres.

I am also trying to sow more seeds directly, to cut down on the compost I buy but my local slugs are voracious.
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Eblana

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2016, 21:59 »
I got the KKS by mail order because there was nothing in the local garden centres.
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mumofstig

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2016, 22:29 »
We need someone who subscribes to Which? for this years reviews  :D
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moose

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2016, 12:08 »
Quote from: mumofstig on February 22, 2016, 22:29
We need someone who subscribes to Which? for this years reviews  :D

Otherwise wait for the Beechgrove Garden to start, they usually do a review but that may be a little late for the early birds.
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ARPoet

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2016, 12:42 »
Over the years i have tried and not been at all happy with most peat free and low peat, MPC.
I love Jacks Magic as its not full of bits so can be used straight from the bag for sowing and potting on.
Yes, i know its high peat, but the results are good and the compost does get recycled into my garden soil.
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Roger.

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strangerachael

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2016, 14:00 »
I use New Horizon Organic & Peat Free compost, which has given good results with my tomatoes etc grown in pots in the greenhouse. I have tried other peat-frees, but none have been as good as this one.
You can usually get 3 x ?50L (I think) for £12 at Wyevale garden centres.
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Rachael
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Yorkie

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Re: Peat in Compost Discussion
« Reply #8 on: February 29, 2016, 22:46 »
We have New Horizon in our allotment shop; it did well in Which? trials in previous years.

However, for some smaller seeds I have heard comments from friends that it's too coarse, and they've ended up mixing it with MPC to get the seeds off to a better start. 

Personally I still prefer MPC (we stock Clover) while I still have the choice as I find it is finer and holds water better.
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