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Durstons have got it ‘in the bag’ – new peat-free range outshines leading brands in trials

Durston Garden Products • 09/09/2024

We take a closer look at Durston Garden Products brand-new peat-free collection, which outperformed both peat and peat-free competitor products in independent growing trials, thanks to a sustainable game-changing material, Gro Fibre. Durstons independently tested and trialled the formulation of their exciting new range to ensure it would deliver a reliable and repeatable positive growing experience for consumers… and the results did not disappoint.

Within the trials, overseen by peat-free expert Simon Blackhurst (SJBQC Ltd), Durstons’ brand-new peat-free Multi-Purpose Compost: achieved over 70% bigger plants than a professional peat-reduced product on the market outperformed both peat and peat-free competitor products on the market increased blooms by 50% Another stand out in the trials was their new peat-free Tub & Basket Compost, which: achieved over 150% bigger plants than a professional peat-reduced product outperformed both peat-based and peat-free competitors on the market increased blooms by 50%.

Durstons’ remarkable new collection of composts is formulated using their unique additives, Gro Boost and Gro Fibre – revolutionary ingredients that are exclusive to Durstons in the UK – enhanced with a complimentary nutrient package that provides 14 vital nutrients and 3-4 month feed. Top-performing ingredients 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.

Key ingredient, 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. 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.

Discussing the trials, Simon Blackhurst said: “One of the biggest problems with peat-free is nutrient availability – with nitrogen lock-up specifically an issue – due to natural decomposition of wood-based raw materials via microbes in the substrate. Their life cycle locks Nitrogen, which is then not available to the plant when the compost is used. Some products now claim to use ‘stabilised’ wood fibres to prevent this, but we are still seeing nutrient deficiencies in mixes.

“Durstons new peat-free range performed exceptionally well in the trials, and the inclusion of Gro Fibre made a significant contribution. The use of a single species of tree means they are able to offer a consistent raw material, whereas some others are reliant on different varied supply chains, which can cause variability in stability, chemical profile and fibre size. The patented process used to produce Gro Fibre ensures there isn’t that lock-up in the Nitrogen in the same way. Durstons are extremely excited with the results of the trials and the range they have formulated.”

Durstons Director, Dan Durston said: “We are delighted with the findings of the tests and growing trials, and it just confirms our confidence in this new range. We are always innovating and have been committed, for a number of years now, to helping retailers move away from peat by providing them with an offer that delivers consistency in terms of texture, appearance and results. We knew we had created something exciting with this new peat-free collection – something that retailers and their customers can absolutely rely on – and we are not surprised it outperformed other products on the market. This range is guaranteed to build consumer confidence in peat free and create real opportunities in the category.”

Durstons continue to invest in their state-of the-art production facility, increasing capacity and stock availability.

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