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For general potting a peat-free compost has the benefit of holding moisture well and releasing nutrients slowly and over a long period of time, which is ideal for planters and containers. Peat-free compost has a number of other benefits over peat in addition to the obvious environmental plus points.
Why should compost be peat-free?
Nowadays, with more awareness around peat-bog depletion, and peat as a limited resource, many gardeners prefer to use peat-free composts. Peat-free composts are great for water retention but, for plants that require good drainage, adding a bit of grit and sharp sand to the mix will help support growth.
What is wrong with peat compost?
The carbon in peat, when spread on a field or garden, quickly turns into carbon dioxide, adding to greenhouse gas levels. 3. The unique biodiversity of peat bogs is lost. Rare birds, butterflies, dragonflies and plants disappear.
Is peat better than compost?
Peat moss has few if any nutrients, while compost is much better. However, compost is not fertilizer. Compost usually has a neutral (pH 7) or slightly alkaline soil reaction. Peat moss doesn’t compact, so can last for years in soils, providing good aeration and water holding.
Is it OK to use peat compost?
Do not use peat or peat-based compost as a mulch or soil improver. Make your own compost and use it to improve soil, or use well-rotted animal manures. For mulch, use your own compost or other renewable materials such as wood chips, wood shavings and bark.
Is peat free compost good for tomatoes?
Dalefoot Composts have launched a new compost – Dalefoot Wool Compost for tomatoes – a peat free compost made from natural organic ingredients including wool and bracken. I’ve been testing this compost this year, this is a water retentive compost that contains all the nutrients tomatoes need for healthy growth.
Is Lidl compost peat free?
Yep we sell peat-free compost!Jul 15, 2019.
Why is peat bad for your garden?
Peatlands store a third of the world’s soil carbon, and their harvesting and use releases carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas driving climate change. The biggest environmental risk from peatlands is if they catch fire, which happened spectacularly in 2015 in Indonesia on land cleared for plantations.
What can you grow in peat free compost?
Even the most acid-loving peat-dependent plants, like insectivorous sundews and butterworts, can be grown on good peat-free composts. Use ones that are based on a mixture of milled pine bark, perlite and grit. Bog gardens don’t need peat.
Is multi purpose compost peat free?
Many multi purpose composts contain peat as it can help retain water. It is noteworthy that if your shop bought compost does not say that it is peat free then there is a strong chance that it does indeed contain peat.
Is peat free compost good for indoor plants?
Unless it is for a specific group of plants that need special conditions, orchids, say, the truth is that any good, peat-free multipurpose compost is fine for houseplants, but take precautions to improve drainage. When the compost compacts, there will be fewer air pores around the roots.
How do you know if compost is peat free?
On the back of the pack ^ You can see the 0% box highlighted above – there’s no peat in this compost. ^ This pack has a blue dial on it which clearly states there is no peat inside, with a large 0%.
What is the best compost?
#1: Best Bagged Compost: Charlie’s Compost. #2: Best Bagged Compost Containing Worm Castings: Wiggle Worm Soil Builder. #3: Best Bagged Compost for Vegetable Gardens: Peaceful Valley Organic Compost. #4: Best Loam-based Bagged Compost: Black Gold Organic Lawn & Garden Compost.
Why do gardeners use peat?
Gardeners use peat moss mainly as a soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil. It has an acid pH, so it’s ideal for acid loving plants, such as blueberries and camellias. It also holds onto nutrients so that they aren’t rinsed out of the soil when you water the plant.
Is peat good for plants?
Is Peat Soil Good for Plants? Peat soil can be good for some plants. It is typically acidic, it provides good root structure and it holds a lot of water. So, plants that love moisture and don’t mind acidic conditions can grow well in peat soil.
Why is peat so important?
Why is peat important? Peat and peatlands are hugely important for plants, the wildlife that depend on them and, ultimately, us humans too. Peat bogs store vast amounts of carbon, which must kept in the ground to avoid contributing to climate change.
Is J Arthur Bowers compost peat free?
Multipurpose Compost J Arthur Bowers 50L Reduced peat compost containing all essential plant nutrients plus trace elements and a wetting agent. Recommended uses: seed sowing, potting, houseplants, containers and hanging baskets.
Can you grow vegetables in peat compost?
The bags of compost you see in garden centers or hardware shops are usually peat based and are a sterile growing medium for growing plants. Sterile means peat or peat substitutes don’t contain any nutrients, they are just a nice fine textured medium for the plant roots to grow.
What is the best compost for containers?
For trees and shrubs in containers outdoors, use John Innes soil-based compost, which has the weight necessary for stability and the ability to hold onto its nutrients for longer – add grit to prevent it from becoming too hard and ‘claggy’.
