Two other mentions, Dalefoot compost based on bracken and wool is a lovely product, the bags are small though. The reason they gave is because they will send small quantities by "post" they send larger ammonts on pallets. Quite expensive again. One "trick" I use for small seeds, I sow in pots and I put mpc in but the top 1/2 inch I use a fine seed sowing compost, and the same seived on top. Solves the problem of "lumpy" peat free.
I have been using peat-free compost for several years now and have noticed the variability in some brands which I suspect is something to do with using green waste. I use the coir-based Fertile Fibre for seed sowing but for most purposes Melcourt Sylvagrow (which does not contain green waste) is consistent, reliable and produces excellent results. It is also very nice to handle and not in big lumps. I have noticed more stockists appearing locally in recent months, which is good news. Their website provides details.
Peat-free compost does not hold water like peat and works best if some slow-release fertiliser or composted manure is added in for anything which is going to stay in the pot for more then a month. I add a bit of Perlite to help hold in the moisture and for larger plants in long-term pots I mix in some soil as well.
One "trick" I use for small seeds, I sow in pots and I put mpc in but the top 1/2 inch I use a fine seed sowing compost, and the same seived on top. Solves the problem of "lumpy" peat free.
Been thinking along those lines using propagation cells. MPC for the bottom two thirds with the top third seed compost. Seed compost I've been using is half coir and half vermiculite (trying to be sterile). My theory is that when the seeds start to grow, their roots will touch the MPC, while the seed compost aids their germination. Minimises root disturbance that way. This is only in my theory stage
My biggest gripe with GW is the lack of testing. I would love to see them test all sorts of things from compost types/brands to feeding/not feeding plants, to adding perlite/not adding it, using rooting hormone or not etc etc. Sometimes I wonder how much of these things actually do much good.
That's why so many people watch Beechgrove @Robert West. They often do trials of various things. That still isn't always conclusive of course, but the worst bit of any trial is - they're not allowed to give names of products, because it's the Beeb, so it's methods, or similar, which are the most useful kind of trial.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Yes, I much prefer Beechgrove to be honest. Feels like it's aimed at gardeners rather than garden designers. I can also do without GW's constant reminders that gardening is good for our mental health. Must get mentioned at least twice an episode!
My biggest gripe with GW is the lack of testing. I would love to see them test all sorts of things from compost types/brands to feeding/not feeding plants, to adding perlite/not adding it, using rooting hormone or not etc etc. Sometimes I wonder how much of these things actually do much good.
Hi All Beechgrove is better, less preachy, more cost orientated. That said Francis Tophill's program was a breath of fresh air. Hope she gets more air time.
Back to compost. Last years peat free was fine. This years batch (both Miracle Grow) filled the house with fungus flies. One with a re-potted xmas cactus was badly infested and dropped all it's flowers All I can get locally in B'ham is Westland's various brands. The one with added John Innes referred to by Sherwood Arrow was much better but still had some.
I accept that we need to get away from using peat. What annoys me intensely is when presenters talk about experimenting with the compost mix as if we all have unlimited access to coir, bark, fairy dust, unicorn poo along with space to store same and unlimited time to experiment to find what works for a specific plant.
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One "trick" I use for small seeds, I sow in pots and I put mpc in but the top 1/2 inch I use a fine seed sowing compost, and the same seived on top. Solves the problem of "lumpy" peat free.
Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
That still isn't always conclusive of course, but the worst bit of any trial is - they're not allowed to give names of products, because it's the Beeb, so it's methods, or similar, which are the most useful kind of trial.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Beechgrove is better, less preachy, more cost orientated. That said Francis Tophill's program was a breath of fresh air. Hope she gets more air time.
Last years peat free was fine. This years batch (both Miracle Grow) filled the house with fungus flies. One with a re-potted xmas cactus was badly infested and dropped all it's flowers
All I can get locally in B'ham is Westland's various brands. The one with added John Innes referred to by Sherwood Arrow was much better but still had some.