MOST gardeners want to stop using peat products to save our threatened ancient peatland and the environment but are deterred by mixed results However, gardeners at Barnsdale Gardens has been growing peat-free for 30 years and have had great success.
The garden was the ‘great experiment’ of much-loved Gardeners’ World presenter Geoff Hamilton, who pioneered organic and peat-free horticulture at a time when it was relatively unknown in the mainstream.
The methods he used have been continued at the Rutland gardens under the auspices of Geoff’s son Nick.
He explained: “The main thing is that peat-free compost isn’t peat so it needs to be treated differently.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters