How to: Peat Free Compost
The compost we source and sell is 100% peat free. Read on to understand why many are making the switch to peat free, and how to grow successfully in peat free composts.
What are peatlands?
Peatlands are a type of carbon-rich wetlands that are divided into bogs and fens.
Peat soil (or simply, peat) is formed in an environment where there is a lot of water, low pH, low oxygen supply and low nutrient content.
Healthy peatlands have a number of key benefits for the environment. In a nutshell, they:
– Have one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet.
– Have a net cooling effect on climate.
– Reduce flood risk by slowing water flow from the uplands.
– Provide floodplains in the lowland.
– Provide fresh water sources and nesting grounds for wildlife.
– Are a habitat for rare flora and fauna.
Blanket bogs are sometimes called the ‘rainforests of the UK’ thanks to their unique flora and fauna. Due to Peatlands capturing carbon, they are essential ecosystems that help mitigate climate change.
Why go Peat Free?
Peat soil is often extracted from many lowland raised bogs around the UK and Ireland for use in horticultural materials such as compost. By sourcing and using peat free compost we help to ensure peatlands can stay untouched for the benefit of the planet.
How to grow successfully using Peat Free compost
Nowadays the new Peat-free composts are top performers. However, they have a unique texture that requires adjustments to your watering routine.
Since these mixes are rich in coir and woodchips, they tend to dry out faster. Additionally, their coarse texture might deceive you – it could look dry on top but still be moist below.
Here’s a handy trick: stick your finger in the soil! This will tell you if it’s completely dry throughout.
The key is to water frequently, but in smaller amounts. Avoid letting them dry completely, as rehydrating becomes a challenge – water might just run off the surface. If this happens, submerge the entire pot in a bucket of water to allow thorough soaking.
Feeding
Every bag of compost includes slow-release plant food (controlled-release fertilizers), but it only lasts so long. Peat-free options typically provide nutrients for about a month.
Keep an eye on your plants! If they seem to be lacking nutrients, you can give them a boost with a liquid plant feed, like seaweed feed or one of our other excellent organic feeds. Mixing in some homemade compost is a great choice. With these tips you will improve the soil’s health and provide a steady stream of nutrients for months to come.
Our top 3 Favourite Peat Free composts
These are some of the favourite Peat Free composts in our range, but we have many fantastic alternatives for every stage of plant growth and needs. Our expert team will gladly advise.
Did you know?
We now sell our gift cards online for home delivery anywhere in Jersey, Channel Islands
Sep 6
Visiting someone special this weekend and in need of a lovely gift? We`ve got many incredible flowering plants in the houseplant department right now that make the perfect long-lasting gift 🥰 Come choose a plant, and we`ll lovingly wrap it for you—ready to gift! 🎁 ...
Sep 5
A little spooky sneak peek at the first bits of Halloween that have crept onto our shelves 👻🎃 ...
Sep 3
As the seasons change, don`t forget your feathered garden friends! 🐦❤️ Our visual merchandiser, Matt, has created a beautiful garden slice display in the Pet & Wildlife Department, filled with feeding tables, nest boxes, and feeders, to help remind our customers it`s time to help birds fatten up for the coming winter.
Explore our full range of bird care products at the back of the Pet & Wildlife Department.
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Sep 2
💥 FURTHER REDUCTIONS! 💥 Come grab a lovely bargain for your home. We have further reduced our home furniture sale, with up to 75% off selected pieces!
Don`t miss out, many items being the last one left! We`re open Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm.
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Sep 1
We`re excited to announce the August winner of our FIRST monthly Ransoms Rewards prize draw! 🥁🥁🥁
A huge congratulations to 🎉 David I. Foster 🎉 who has won a £25 gift card to spend with us. We`ve sent you an email with details on how to claim your prize.
Would you also like to be in it for a chance to win a £25 gift card? Just sign up to Ransoms Rewards, make a purchase in the Garden Centre, and you`ll be automatically entered into the prize draw for the same month as your purchase. Signing up can be done through link in bio.
Ransoms Rewards gives you points with every purchase, special perks and offers sent to your email, plus an entry into our monthly prize draw for active members. ✨
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Aug 31
‼️NOW GONE‼️
♻️🌿 This big, beautiful, disease-free Olive tree is FREE to collect from our our save-it-from-the-dump recycling area! ♻️🌿
Items in our recycling area still have a lot of life in them; please help us recycle by reusing them! No reservations, no delivery. Collection only, early bird gets the worm. Thank you.
This reduce, reuse, recycle area can be found at the back of our overflow car park, past our warehouse. We`re open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 6pm. Collection only within these hours!
This area is not intended for anyone other than Ransoms to dispose of their items. CCTV is in operation at all times.
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