I bought new horizon earlier this year and found it quite good. I put extra holes in seedling pots to help drainage as it tends to get soggy in the bottom of the pot while drying out on top. For seeds/seedlings I sieved it and added in vermiculite. Larger plants added in some soil which I finds gives more even water retention. But when I bought some more NH couple of months ago the mix has been changed and it's very wooly which makes sieving it more difficult, although the seeds I planted have come on quite well anyway. Tried wickes new pf compost and found that wooly too. I'm wondering whether the uptake of peat free has made getting the better quality materials scarce or maybe the wool is just cost cutting.
Perlite is better than vermiculite for extra drainage, when it's seeds or cuttings, or good quality grit for plants.
The problem with all compost is that it's variable year on year, but the peat free stuff seem to be much more variable. There's been many, many threads on the forum in the last few years with people complaining about the amount of rubbish in it. Time for companies to pull their socks up and get a better level of quality, especially when it's the price it is.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
This was the first year I have tried to use peat free, not a total replacement, but about 50%. Not easy, it certainly takes some getting used to and is far more expensive. I just feel that it is something we should be doing, so I will persist next year.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
Not something I can contemplate using until the cost comes down. £15 to £20 more is too much for me now, and will be worse in years to come as we all will need to tighten our belts somewhat. Both types need to be of better quality, as this years was very poor, if folks on here's experiences are an example.
I have been using the cheaper peat-free MPCs for the last couple of years, from B&Q, Morrisons, Aldi. My main issue is the variability from one batch to another within the same brand/type. I'm persevering though. I am getting used to assessing each bag as I use it, adjusting the watering, adding homemade compost, bagged topsoil, vermiculite, perlite, grit or whatever if I think the compost needs amending for particular plants. It all feels very trial-and-error, and certainly takes more time than just using compost straight from the bag without having to think much about it.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
will have to persvere and keep trying out. Going to mix with top soil and Perlite as suggested and then see. Been a gardener for over 50 years and never had an experience like this so lucky I guess. Onwards and upwards!!!
Westland have taken over New Horizon so it's not the same as it was. But it's still better than many peat-free offerings. However when I was down at the nursery the other day I noticed they'd had a new batch of Levington peat-free. Not seen that one before so I'll give it a go next year.
Clay soil - Cheshire/Derbyshire border. I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
I’ve used New Horizon peat free this year. No problems with it at all. Everything has grown as it should. No problems with drying out except when I have forgotten to water. Easy to rehydrate by submersing in a bucket.
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The problem with all compost is that it's variable year on year, but the peat free stuff seem to be much more variable. There's been many, many threads on the forum in the last few years with people complaining about the amount of rubbish in it.
Time for companies to pull their socks up and get a better level of quality, especially when it's the price it is.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Not easy, it certainly takes some getting used to and is far more expensive.
I just feel that it is something we should be doing, so I will persist next year.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Both types need to be of better quality, as this years was very poor, if folks on here's experiences are an example.
I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.