A ROUND 20 years ago, the first peat-free composts hit the market. As a new AG staffer, I was excited to try them, but optimism quickly turned to despair as plants struggled to perform.
Fast forward to today and compost manufacturers have invested millions into developing a new generation of peat-frees, yet some still have their shortcomings – a big concern ahead of the government’s peat ban next year.
AG’s Ruth has been trialling two premium brands – SylvaGrow and Dalefoot – but I’d seen positive comments about Miracle-Gro peat-free on social media, so I decided to test it alongside Erin’s tried-and-tested peat reduced compost.
Miracle-Gro is also placing large signs in garden centres to inform customers that peat-free mixes look and behave differently to peat. This should be applauded, because gardeners need better advice growing with peat-free.
How much for a bag?
To test Miracle-Gro peat-free compost, I have grown ‘Sungold’ cherry tomatoes under glass. They demand a steady supply of water and nutrients and are intolerant of dry, nutrient-starved growing media.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 19, 2023 من Amateur Gardening.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 19, 2023 من Amateur Gardening.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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
