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
Jun 1
Create a cosy, sunny nook for two with our stylish bistro sets. ☀🍹 Perfect for drinks or intimate dinner all summer long. See all bistro sets on our website https://ransoms.je/product-category/garden-furniture/bistro-sets/or in store. ...
May 30
Give Dad a pizza oven that he can use in summer and winter! 🍕 The Ooni Volt 12 is a fantastic electric pizza oven that can be used outdoor and indoor. Reach temperatures up to 450 °C, and cooks a perfect traditional pizza, with delicious spotted charred crust, in just 90 seconds! This gift is fun for the whole famiy, making it the best Father`s Day gift this summer 😋
We offer free island-wide delivery, so you can get this delivered with ease before Father`s Day!
For more information and price, please see https://ransoms.je/product/ooni-volt12-electric-portable-pizza-oven/ or visit us in store.
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May 28
🔥 The ultimate Father`s Day gift this year is the Weber Slate 76cm Premium Griddle. 🔥
This is the barbecue that can do it all because of its large, edge-to-edge, high heat cooking surface; think everything from a full breakfast, to pancakes, smash burgers, seafood, stir-fry and more!
🍔 Edge-to-edge heat, rust-resistant, and pre-seasoned carbon-steel cooktop
🍖 Griddle reaches over 260°C for high-heat searing and crispy edges
🥞 Digital temperature display
🥓 Extra-large drip pan for catching grease makes cleaning up easy
🍗 Large storage area under tool shelf
We offer FREE island-wide delivery on Weber barbecues, so you can get that Father`s Day gift home without spoiling the surprise.
For pricing and more information, please see https://ransoms.je/product/weber-slate-gpd-76cm-premium-griddle/
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May 26
🌱 Do you take pride in your garden, patio, or allotment? 🌱 Take part in the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society `All Island Garden Competition` for a chance to win fab trophies and Ransoms gift vouchers! 🏆🍀
Anyone can join! 💐 There are 23 categories, including all sizes gardens, patios, allotments, new competitors, and the wonderful Young Gardeners category in which children are encouraged to enter their own grown flowers, fruit or veggies. Hotels, restaurants, and parish halls are also encouraged to join and show off the skills of their gardeners.
👉 Submit your entry by 30th June. Entry forms can be collected from the RJA&HS and the info desk at Ransoms Garden Centre, or contact Rachelle at the RJA&HS by email: r.robinson@royaljersey.co.uk
Judging will take place on 8th, 9th and 10th July.
Good luck everyone, we look forward to seeing all the amazing gardens! 🤩
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May 24
We are open on Sunday and Monday this weekend. Come and see the stunning plant area and talk plants with us, or talk pets with our lovely pet team or maybe take a walk through our gorgeous garden furniture. ...
May 24
Today is the start of National Children`s Gardening Week! 🌱🐛🌼
A fun and easy activity to do with the kids this half term is letting them create their own mini garden.
All you need are:
🪴 An old pot, perhaps recycle a plastic plant pot.
⛰ Compost or soil.
🪨 Nice rocks.
🌼 Small plants and flowers.
🧚♀️ Fun decorations.
Fill the pot with soil or compost. Put rocks down to make a path, plants small flowers or plants along the path, and decorate you mini garden with whatever fun things you can think of: fairies, dinosaurs, cars, horses, to give some examples.
Have a look at these great examples of mini gardens. Plastic pots can be found at any of the @potty_eco_pots_jersey collection points, or in our own recycled plastic pots bin by the garden centre exit doors.
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