MY peat-free experiment continues apace and as summer hits its stride, this is when the abilities of M the composts to retain moisture and nutrients are really put to the test.
I am using two premium brands of peat-free: Dalefoot wool compost and Melcourt's coir and wood-based Sylvagrow products.
As well as multi-purpose, I have been using grow bags from both brands for veggies in the greenhouse and on the patio, potting compost and container compost for ornamental pots and Sylvagrow ericaceous compost for our acid-loving container plants.
So far I am very pleased with the performance of both the Dalefoot and Sylvagrow composts, and in particular our patio pots are the best they have ever been. Even now in the height of summer I haven't needed to water as much as I usually do, I haven't fed the pots once and still the plants are heavy with flowers and robustly strong.
This story is from the August 12, 2023 edition of Amateur Gardening.
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 August 12, 2023 edition of Amateur Gardening.
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