Cultivation > Composts
Trial of peat-free composts
Maggi Young:
A National Collection holder of Galanthus - Margaret MacLennan - is trialling a peat free compost on some snowdrops - read more here - from the manufacturer - http://www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk/latest-news/news/2017/1/national-snowdrop-collection-trialling-dalefoot-composts.aspx
ian mcdonald:
I wonder how gardeners ever managed to grow plants before peat was introduced to composts.
Maggi Young:
Something new from supplier of wool compost ...
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=16839.msg405318#msg405318
Maggi Young:
--- Quote from: Maggi Young on January 28, 2017, 03:18:47 PM ---A National Collection holder of Galanthus - Margaret MacLennan - is trialling a peat free compost on some snowdrops - read more here - from the manufacturer - http://www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk/latest-news/news/2017/1/national-snowdrop-collection-trialling-dalefoot-composts.aspx
--- End quote ---
A reply from Dalefoot about my question as to the progress of the McLennan's trial of the compost for their snowdrops :
Good Morning Maggi,
Thank you ever so much for your swift reply. Great news to hear you’ve heard of us and we are somewhat on your radar!
I rang and spoke with David McLennan yesterday for their feedback to date as its been a 2-3 year trial now. He advised they began the trial with the more commercial John Innes compost Vs Dalefoot Wool Compost & Lakeland Gold. The kept the same variables to ensure a true comparison. The outcome is that Dalefoot has produced bigger bulbs, bigger, stronger and healthier plants and that with our compost they didn’t need to feed for the whole of the three years. We advise a no need to feed for 12 – 24 months depending on product and the plants going in it, so for them to not feed for 3 years is amazing. With this a much more natural crop is produced. They are now looking at using our products elsewhere in their garden. David also gave this feedback at an Alpine conference in February when the topic was Peat Free and is happy for me to share it with you as they are members of your society.
In regards to our Alpine mix we started this for Plants with Altitude. It was a collaboration between Neil and ourselves and since other people take it such as Kevock when we have made a batch as it’s not a standard product more of a special mix.
We have just placed a bulk order for the grit etc and will be making a batch up in the next few weeks should that be of interest.
If you have any other questions at all please do not hesitate in letting me know.
Many Thanks,
Shona
Maggi Young:
For those people interested in learning where they can source plants grown in peat=free compost, there is a list here :
https://dogwooddays.net/2019/09/18/save-our-rainforests-the-peat-free-nurseries-list
- there are a good number of amiliar places listed there - it's not an exhaustive list, so do get in touch with Nic Wilson at "Dogwooddays" to let her know of any missed out.
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