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Durstons 25 03 - SF - PEAT FREE FAQs

Durston Garden Products • 14/02/2025

1. What is Peat?

Peat is the uppermost organic layer of a soil that is formed from a combination of partially decomposed organic material (mostly from plants), which has built up under waterlogged, oxygen and nutrient deficient, high acidity conditions.

Peatlands are a unique and vital component of the UK landscape, with huge environmental benefits thanks to their ability to capture and store carbon – almost twice as much globally as the world’s forests. Healthy peatlands capture CO2 via photosynthesis and now store around 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon across the UK.

Peatlands also have a cooling effect on their local climate, offer crucial floodplain water storage in low lying areas and slow down the flow of water, helping to reduce the risk of flooding. In addition to this, peatlands support their own eco-systems of plant life, which in turn provides important habitats for wildlife.

This wildlife includes native birds such as the Golden Plover, Hen Harrier, Red Grouse, Snipe, Skylark and the Common Lizard - our own native reptile - alongside rare and tiny snails such as the Desmoulin's Whorl, one of Europe's rarest butterflies, the Marsh Fritillary and our only green butterfly the Green Hairstreak.

According to research by the University of Plymouth, Peatland habitat covers around 10% of the UK land area – nearly three million hectares.

To read more of their valuable research into UK peatlands visit the University of Plymouth website: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/plymouth-peatland-research-group.

For more information about peatlands and biodiversity visit the International Peatland Society website: https://peatlands.org/peatlands/peatlands-and-biodiversity/

2. What are the benefits of using peat-free growing media?

Alongside the crucial and well documented environmental necessity of preserving peat bogs by switching to more eco-friendly growing media, Durstons peat-free blends have superior performance compared to many other products available on the market.

Durstons’ exciting new peat-free collection has consistently outperformed not only competitor products in independent growing trials but also professional-grade mixes and even traditional peat products, reporting up to 70% more plant growth by comparison. This achievement is the result of extensive research and development, ensuring the product consistently delivers superior results.

At the heart of Durstons peat-free growing media are two revolutionary ingredients, Gro Fibre and Gro Boost, both of which are exclusive to the brand.

Made from a single species of pine and refined thermodynamically, Durstons Gro Fibre is the most consistent wood fibre available, creating compost with a consistent, fluffy texture, that doesn’t suffer from shrinkage or slump, and delivers a reliably impressive performance, year in, year out. Gro Fibre supports moisture retention and doesn’t lock nutrients, like some other peat-free growing media in the industry.

The second key ingredient, Durstons Gro Boost, is made from high quality composted materials. Unique to Durstons and produced locally at their site to ensure consistency, it is composted twice and screened four times, Gro Boost has a strong water holding capacity, boasts a beneficial microbiological profile together with both major and minor nutrients, is 100% natural and renewable, and vegan friendly.

The result is a new, improved peat-free growing media that provides better air space and greater moisture availability, enabling plants to establish strong roots, quickly.

3. Does peat-free growing media need extra nutrients?

The short answer is no. Peat free compost just require different regimes, so feeding and watering is different. To get the best of a peat free compost, you need to water little and often with a dilute feed each watering. Overall, you don’t need any more water or feed, you just need to amend your practices.

Uniquely, Durstons Gro Fibre – made from a single species of pine and refined thermodynamically – is the most consistent wood fibre available, creating compost with a consistent, fluffy texture, that doesn’t suffer from shrinkage or slump, and delivers a reliably impressive performance, year in, year out. Gro Fibre supports moisture retention and doesn’t lock nutrients, like some other peat-free growing media in the industry.

We also add Gro Boost to our peat-free growing media, which is made from high quality composted materials. Unique to Durstons and produced locally at our site to ensure consistency, it is composted twice and screened four times. Gro Boost has a strong water holding capacity, boasts a beneficial microbiological profile together with both major and minor nutrients, is 100% natural and renewable, and vegan friendly.

The result is a new, improved peat-free growing media that provides better air space and greater moisture availability, enabling plants to establish strong roots, quickly. The ability to deliver consistently impressive results and easily outperform competitor products, as showcased by the independent trials, is a huge win for the peat-free category, as Durstons continues to help retailers provide their customers with a reliable way to grow successfully without peat.

If you want to improve heavy, clumpy and nutrient poor soils try Durstons specialist peat free Soil Conditioner, which is made entirely from renewable and recycled sources to provide a versatile organic soil conditioner.

For an extra boost to your garden or allotment, Durstons peat free Farmyard Manure containing a rich blend of manure, humus and nutrients is sure to deliver what you need.

4. What does Durstons peat-free growing media consist of?

The brand-new peat-free range from Durstons features two revolutionary ingredients, Gro Fibre and Gro Boost, both of which are exclusive to the brand.

Gro Fibre is a cutting-edge wood fibre, recognised as the most consistent on the market today. Using a single species of tree – Loblolly Pine – and a patented thermodynamic refining process, Gro Fibre enhances water retention, air circulation, and provides an ideal environment for root growth.

Complementing this is Gro Boost, a 100% natural, renewable, and vegan-friendly ingredient that enhances natural goodness and includes beneficial microbes. Gro Boost is made from high quality composted materials. Unique to Durstons and produced locally at their site to ensure consistency, it is composted twice and screened four times, Gro Boost has a strong water holding capacity, boasts a beneficial microbiological profile together with both major and minor nutrients, is 100% natural and renewable, and vegan friendly.

5. Why is it important to switch to peat-free growing media?

Environmental concerns run extremely high on the UK Government agenda and, as more and more people become environmentally conscious and concerned about protecting our beautiful natural world, sustainability has become one of the most important lifestyle trends in this country.

With the government recommending that households and commercial growers switch to peat-free alternatives, there isn’t just an ethical imperative to switch to peat-free, but increasingly a legal one as well. Although there has been a delay in implementing the market-wide ban on peat-based composts, the shift towards a peat-free industry is inevitable.

In response, Durstons is leading the way with a new range that sets a new standard for peat-free excellence. A peat-free future is closer than ever and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are ready. We are passionate about delivering a full peat-free offering in line with the proposed government and environmental legislation.

6. Why is peat-free growing media more eco-friendly?

Peat-free compost is more eco-friendly because its production does not entail the removal of peat from peatlands, peat is a finite resource that is essentially for biodiversity, ongoing carbon capture, keeping the climate cooler, reducing flooding and providing vital habitats for rare native species.

The development of effective peat-free growing media is vital if we are to preserve and protect our native peatland habitats, as detailed in ‘Why it is important to switch to peat-free growing media’.

Durstons Organic Multi-Purpose Compost, suitable for all gardening uses, is an organic growing media utilising only renewable ingredients, for reduced environmental impact. This creates the ideal growing conditions with a blend of the highest quality organic and peat free growing media ingredients combined with wetting agent. These combine to balance water absorption, aeration and drainage.

7. Is your packaging eco-friendly?

Durstons’ packaging is not only 100% recyclable, but we have also introduced 30% recycled material into the composition of our bags to help further advance towards a closed-loop economy.

8. Is peat-free growing media as good as peat growing media?

Our new peat free Multi-Purpose Compost has been carefully formulated and blended with high quality ingredients, ensuring consistent healthy plant growth.

We have added a complimentary fertiliser package that provides 14 vital plant nutrients for abundant, healthy growth. We’ve also added a stabilised wood fibre that ensures optimal moisture control without Nitrogen lock-up!

We have independently trialled and tested our formulation to ensure you get a reliable and repeatable positive growing experience. This formulation achieved over 70% bigger plants than a professional peat reduced competitor. This has been independently tested in growing trials vs competitor products and a peat-based control, for more information or to see the results, please contact us.

The hero product in our peat-free collection, Durstons Tub & Basket Compost outshone even peat-based growing media in growing trials, achieving over 150% bigger plants than a professional peat reduced competitor, meaning gardeners will enjoy outstanding results using this top-performing compost.

9. Which peat-free growing media is best for planting fruit and vegetable seeds?

Your first port of call for planting seeds should be Durstons peat-free Seed & Cutting Compost. A fine compost containing sufficient nutrients to enable seed germination and growth until ready to prick out. It is also ideal for young cuttings while they take root.

Another excellent option is Durstons John Innes peat free Seed Compost, a solid traditional mix for growing seeds. This consists of a blend of screened loam, grit, sand and coir, with a fine structure and low nutrient content which is ideal for seed germination.

You can also produce wonderful fruits and vegetables from seed to full grown plant using Durstons Grow Bag or Grow in the Bag Peat Free Planter, the perfect habitat for tomatoes and other food plants. Utilising our base peat free formulation, we have tailored the nutrition and water holding capacity in our grow bag to give optimised root growth and a boost for hungry fruit and vegetables.

10. Which peat-free growing media is best for bringing on young fruit and vegetable plants?

Durstons Multi-Purpose Compost is a fantastic all-rounder, thanks to a specifically tailored nutrient package and superior water holding you can be guaranteed success. It has been carefully formulated and blended with high quality ingredients, ensuring consistent healthy plant growth. We’ve also added a complimentary fertiliser package that provides 14 vital plant nutrients for abundant and healthy growth, plus stabilised wood fibre to ensure optimal moisture control without Nitrogen lock-up.

An excellent alternative is Durstons John Innes No.1 peat free Young Plant Compost, a revolutionary formulation for pricking out young seedlings or rooted cuttings.

Another excellent option is Durstons John Innes No.2 Potting on Compost, the traditional mix for potting on houseplants, vegetables and general planting.

As a value alternative, Durston’s Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost provides all the nutrients needed to establish and actively promote healthy growth in seeds, cuttings, young plants, flowers and vegetables, for an extremely competitive price point.

A standout in independent growing trials and the hero product in Durstons’ peat-free collection, Durstons Tub & Basket Compost can guarantee you great results. This top-performing compost achieved over 150% bigger plants than a professional peat reduced competitor in independent trials and boasts a fertiliser package with 14 vital plant nutrients for abundant, healthy growth. The incorporation of Gro Fibre ensures optimal moisture control without Nitrogen lock-up.

You can also produce wonderful fruits and vegetables using Durstons Grow Bag or Grow in the Bag Peat Free Planter, the perfect habitat for tomatoes and other food plants. Utilising our base peat free formulation, we have tailored the nutrition and water holding capacity in our grow bag to give optimised root growth and a boost for hungry fruit and vegetables.

11. Which peat-free growing media is best for fruit and vegetable plants?

Durstons Multi-Purpose Compost is ideal for all gardening uses thanks to a specifically tailored nutrient package and superior water holding. It has been carefully formulated and blended with high quality ingredients, ensuring consistent healthy plant growth. We’ve also added a complimentary fertiliser package that provides

14 vital plant nutrients for abundant and healthy growth, plus stabilised wood fibre to ensure optimal moisture control without Nitrogen lock-up.

Our Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes is ideal for mature fruit and vegetable plants. Suitable for all gardening uses, it consists of a blend of high-quality peat free ingredients together with added loam. John Innes is a customer favourite and provides a growing media suitable for pots and containers.

Another excellent alternative is Durstons John Innes No.3 peat free Mature Plant Compost, the traditional mix for heavy feeding vegetables and mature foliage plants and shrubs in containers and tubs.

For premium performance, Durstons Tub & Basket Compost is the perfect choice. In independent growing trials, this top-performing compost achieved over 150% bigger plants than a professional peat reduced competitor. The hero product in Durstons’ peat-free collection, Tub & Basket Compost boasts a fertiliser package that provides 14 vital plant nutrients for abundant, healthy growth, whilst the incorporation of Gro Fibre ensures optimal moisture control without Nitrogen lock-up.

12. Which peat-free growing media is best for producing fruit and vegetable plants?

14 vital plant nutrients for abundant and healthy growth, plus stabilised wood fibre to ensure optimal moisture control with no Nitrogen lock-up.

Another excellent alternative is Durstons John Innes No.3 peat free Mature Plant Compost, the traditional mix for heavy feeding vegetables and mature foliage plants and shrubs in containers and tubs.

For premium performance, Durstons Organic Multi-Purpose Compost is ideal for all gardening uses. This is an organic growing media utilising only renewable ingredients, for reduced environmental impact. This creates the ideal growing conditions with a blend of the highest quality organic and peat free growing media combined with wetting agent. These combine to balance water absorption, aeration and drainage.

13. Which peat-free soil is best for bulbs?

Your first port of call for planting bulbs should be Durstons peat-free Bulb Fibre Compost, which has been specially formulated to ensure bulbs bloom and thrive, both inside and out.

14. Which peat-free compost is best for planting flower seeds in the garden?

Your first port of call for planting flower bulbs should be Durstons peat-free Seed & Cutting Compost. A fine compost containing sufficient nutrients to enable seed germination and growth until ready to prick out. It is also ideal for young cuttings while they take root.

For sowing grass seed Durstons peat free Enriched Top Soil is ideal for planting a lush green lawn. This is a quality blend containing loam and organic matter, suitable for a variety of uses around the garden.

15. Which peat-free compost is best for planting roses, trees or shrubs?

Your first choice when planting roses, trees or shrubs should be Durstons specialist Rose, Tree & Shrub compost. This versatile compost is ideal for a host of gardening uses or potting and planting out. The blend contains a specifically tailored nutrient package and superior water holding which are perfect for planting hungry and thirsty rose bushes, trees and shrubs.

16. Which peat-free compost is best for container gardening?

If you want to plant up hanging baskets and other containers with flowers that your neighbours will envy use Durstons peat free Tub & Basket Compost. In independent growing trials our formulation achieved over 150% bigger plants than a professional peat-reduced competitor product. We have added a complimentary fertiliser package that provides 14 vital nutrients for abundant, healthy growth. We have also added a stabilised wood fibre that ensures optimal moisture control without Nitrogen lock-up.

As an alternative to containers, you can produce wonderful fruits and vegetables using Durstons Grow Bag or Grow in the Bag Peat Free Planter, the perfect habitat for tomatoes and other food plants. Utilising our base peat free formulation, we have tailored the nutrition and water holding capacity in our grow bag to give optimised root growth and a boost for hungry fruit and vegetables.

17. Which peat-free soil is best for repotting houseplants?

If you want to repot houseplants, an excellent option is Durstons peat free Multi-Purpose Compost. We have added a complimentary fertiliser package that provides 14 vital nutrients for abundant, healthy growth. We have also added a stabilised wood fibre that ensures optimal moisture control without Nitrogen lock-up.