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 7
🎃 The first batch of Jersey-grown pumpkins has arrived! 🎃
Whether you choose to carve them or simply display them on your doorstep, when you buy local pumpkins, you are making a sustainable choice and are helping our Jersey farmers 🇯🇪🧡
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Oct 6
🎃 Richard Le Sueur`s giant, prize-winning pumpkin is on display at our entrance again this year! 🎃
This year it`s a colossal 395lbs (though Richard says it`s a small one!) and was once again a winner at the RJA&HS Autumn Show this past weekend. 🍂
A huge thank you to Richard for letting us host this spectacular pumpkin for everyone to enjoy 🧡 In return we make a donation to the Motor Neurone Disease Association on behalf of Richard, and in November, chef Jose at the Tearooms will turn the pumpkin into a big soup, which will be saved and served during The Shelter Trust Annual Soup Kitchen in December 🍲
🎃 Win a £25 Gift Card! 🎃
Come up and take a photo with the giant pumpkin for a chance to win a £25 Ransoms Gift Card in our photo competition!
How to enter:
🧡 Take a cute, funny, or spooky photo of yourself, your family, or your pets with the pumpkin at the garden centre entrance.
🧡 Post the photo on Instagram or Facebook, and make sure to tag Ransoms Garden Centre in the photo, or post0 in the comments below. Please don`t use `Stories` as they might disappear before we see them!
🧡 The 3 best photos will each win a £25 gift card! ✨ Winners will be announced on Monday 3rd November.
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Oct 5
Has your home transformed into a haunted house yet? 🎃👻 The run-up to Halloween is almost as fun as the day itself, and we have everything you need to go screaming-mad with doomed decorations! 🕷️🕸️
From spooky skeletons to webs and witches, stop by our Halloween area and get haunting! 🧛
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Oct 4
🩷 We`re proudly taking part in the ABC Jersey - Breast Cancer Support Pink Window Parade! 🩷 100 local businesses across Jersey are going pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and early detection during Pink October.
Check out the ABC Jersey - Breast Cancer Support facebook page to see all events and learn how you can help raise awareness this month.
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Oct 3
Our canopy offers respite from the wind and rain this weekend, with benches filled with informal garden inspiration. Let nature thrive in your outdoor space this Autumn; come get inspired by our natural garden displays.
Ask Andy and his fantastic team for tips and advice.
We`re open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 6pm.
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Oct 2
🎄Pre-order your fresh Christmas tree and receive a gift voucher 🎁
Taking pre-orders now! 🌟 Get a premium-quality fresh Nordmann Christmas tree this year, delivered straight to your door with absolutely no faff!
Simply pre-order yours now to take advantage of these benefits:
🎄 Guaranteed Tree: Secure your perfect tree before they sell out.
🎄 FREE Island-Wide Delivery: We`ll deliver on your chosen date, avoiding the last-minute rush! (We even pre-drill your tree for EasyFix stands). Early pre-orders get first choice on delivery dates.
🎄 £5 Gift Voucher: Pre-orders receive a £5 gift voucher on delivery to use in our Garden Centre—including on lovely new Christmas decorations!
⭐️🎄 Order online: https://ransoms.je/product-category/fresh-christmas-trees 🎄⭐️
(Trees due to arrive w/c 17th November. Delivery dates are subject to availability.)
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