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
Oct 29
 
		
	
						This time of year can be a stressful one for many pets. 🎆🐶 🐱 After the potential stress brought on by Halloween, there will be Bonfire Night celebrations happening. Here are our tips and helpful products to help reduce stress:
🐶 Try Pet Remedy. We`ve had so much great feedback from our customers trying Pet Remedy over the past few years during Bonfire Night. Available as a calming spray, plug diffuser, wipes, and atomiser, they release an all-natural blend of essential oils that travels along the brain`s neurotransmitters to help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets. 
🐱 Use calming treats. There are several treats with calming natural ingredients available that can help them relax. Ask our team which treats have calming ingredients.
🦜 Create a safe space. This could be a crate or a quiet room. Make sure the space has your pet`s favourite toys and treats and that it`s as dark and quiet as possible.
🐾 Stay calm yourself. Pets can pick up on our emotions, so it`s important to stay calm and reassuring during the fireworks. If you`re stressed, your pet is likely to be stressed too.
Our pet department team will happily advise you on all calming products available. Pop by and ask for a free sample of the Pet Remedy calming wipes.
						
							...
						
					
Oct 28
 
		
	
						✨ This is your pet`s new favourite day out! ✨ Win a £25 gift card ⬇️
We worked hard the past few months to create an improved and easier to shop Pet & Wildlife department. Packed with quality food and essentials at the best prices, and all the toys and accessories your furry, feathered, or scaled family members will love. ❤️ Bring your pet for the best day out!
Thank you to local videographer @callum.thorne for capturing the improved department so beautifully. And thanks to Bindi @islandcollie for being a pawfect model.
✨ Like, share, and comment for a chance to WIN a £25 Ransoms gift card!
To Enter:
- LIKE this post.
- SHARE this post to your story.
- COMMENT below with the name of your pet.
Good luck! The winner will be chosen and announced on Monday 10th Nov.
						
							...
						
					
Oct 27
 
		
	
						There is only ONE WEEK left to take a photo with Richard Le Sueur`s giant pumpkin that sits at the Garden Centre entrance. 🎃 Bring your kids, pets, or nan to Ransoms -> snap the cutest, funniest, or spookiest photo -> submit it in the comments below or tag us in your posts (don`t use stories, as they disappear).
Three winners of a £25 Ransoms gift card will be picked on Monday, November 3rd!
Here are some spooky poochies that have entered to inspire you! 🐶👻
						
							...
						
					
Oct 25
 
		
	Thank you to all the families who join us for this year`s Halloween Hunt! 🎃👻 So many amazing costumes! Here are just a handful of the wonderful fancy dresses we saw during the event, but if we missed you, feel free to post your Halloween Hunt photos in the comments below! 👇😊 ...
Oct 24
 
		
	
						Our outside plant team has fantastic fresh seasonal stock to get your outdoor space looking stunning with some much needed colour. 🌺🎄
This season`s superstars are Camellia (about to bloom!), Skimmia in two colours, and beautiful Christmas trees in pots. Pop some string lights in the latter and make dark evenings feel cosy. ✨
We`re here for you Monday to Saturday, 9am - 6pm.
						
							...
						
					
Oct 23
 
		
	
						Snap, Share, and Win! 📸🎃
We`ve got some spooktacular photo opportunities dotted around the shop for everyone to enjoy! 👻 Whether you`re a little monster or a seasoned ghost hunter, all ages can snap a photo in these locations:
👹 Find Beetlegeuse lurking in the back of our Pet & Wildlife department.
🦇 Stick your head through our spooky head-through-hole on the main path, just past the Clothing Dept.
🧙♀️ Catch Elphaba casting spells in the Garden Care department.
✨ Win a £25 Ransoms gift card ✨
- Take a photo at any of our photo spots.
- Post it on social media.
- Tag us! 
These photo ops are only here until Hallow`s Eve (31st Oct), so don`t miss out! 🎃 Winners will be announced the week after Halloween.
						
							...
						
					
Sign up for the Ransoms Newsletter
Find out about what’s happening at the Garden Centre, Tearoom and The Potting Shed, with gardening information & tips, giveaways, news and more. Newsletters are sent out every 1-2 months.
Ransoms Garden Centre is committed to complying with the General Data Protection Regulation and we understand the importance of keeping your personal data safe, private and secure. No information collected by us for the purpose of newsletter signups or prize draw entries will be sold, rented or loaned to any third parties or companies. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information explaining how we store and manage data, please see our full Privacy Notice.