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peat free compost

the enduring gardenerthe enduring gardener Posts: 122
in The potting shed
So over the last couple of weeks I've been sowing my seeds in peat free compost and the germination rates are looking good, helped no doubt by a recent propagator purchase. So I put a video up about here on youtube here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jOnLsPbECc&t=1s 
If you're still to sow your seeds then please try using a peat free compost this year. It's much better for the environment and I talk about this a little at the end of the video.
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Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Sorry - but I won't be using it. It's fine as a mulch, but too clumpy and solid for seeds in my experience.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • the enduring gardenerthe enduring gardener Posts: 122
    Fairygirl said:
    Sorry - but I won't be using it. It's fine as a mulch, but too clumpy and solid for seeds in my experience.
    I agree it could be finer but I cannot fault the germination rate. There’s a peat free compost called ‘bathgate champions blend’ which is really fine - worth a try perhaps ? 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I found the germination rate useless.
    I don't sow many seeds anyway, so I'll stick with multipurpose.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • the enduring gardenerthe enduring gardener Posts: 122
    Fair comment.
  • CheyngelCheyngel Posts: 4,193
    I don't think I've ever actually used compost with peat in it. 
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Cheyngel said:
    I don't think I've ever actually used compost with peat in it. 
    you don't know what you've been missing
    Devon.
  • CheyngelCheyngel Posts: 4,193
    Hostafan1 said:
    you don't know what you've been missing
    How so?
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Bracing myself for the tirade of abuse, but IMHO , they're crap.
    I buy from a nursery which proudly claims, " totally peat free" and everything I buy from them needs to be checked constantly as they dry out as soon as you turn your back on them. 
    Devon.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I would love to stop using peat, but as others have said, when I tried, the results were not good.
    As gardening may soon be my only available pleasure, I shall continue as I am.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    it's the only thing I can think of where the alternative  is not only a poorer product, but it's more expensive.
    Devon.
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