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Understanding peat-free compost

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Understanding peat free compost  whether your own home made garden compost or purchasing premade compost is both an effective and natural way to improve your garden’s soil quality and has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what type of potting compost should you use?

Types of Peat-free Compost

When it comes to growing lush grass as well as healthy plants, compost is an essential ingredient in the recipe for success. However, with so many types of peat free compost available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Lets take a closer look at the five main types of compost and discover which one is the best choice for environmentally conscious gardeners.

Peat-based compost is the classic option, made from sphagnum moss which is found in peat bogs, it is long been prized for its ability to retain water and nutrients. But the downside to this compost is its environmental impact and its detrimental effect on climate change. The harvesting of peat for peat based products is unsustainable, damaging fragile ecosystems and contributing to habitat loss. Peat is a natural product. It is made from partially composted mosses and plants in waterlogged, acidic bogs. The formation of peat happens very slowly, over thousands of years. Peat ‘grows’ at a rate of 1mm per year. This means that 1 metre of peats takes 1000 years to form. For this reason it is being banned from sale in the UK from 2024.

Green waste composts are a more eco-friendly alternative, made from garden and landscaping waste such as leaves, grass clipping and branches. While this totally natural alternative is a step in the right direction, it does have its limitations. Green compost, which are also known as plant compost can break down quickly, meaning that the supplements they provide can be inconsistent. Also, unless the green compost is correctly certified then it could contain weed seeds, pathogens and chemicals which could harm your flora and soil. Also if the green waste is not corrected decomposed before use, then it can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.

Composted bark is another option, and is made from the bark of trees, usually pine or spruce. This type of compost provides a good source of organic materials for plants, which helps improve soil structure and retain moisture. It’s also a good option for gardeners who are looking for a compost that is slow releasing, providing a steady supply of nutrients. However, one downside of bark compost is its structure which can become compacted over time, leading to poor aeration in the soil, which can negatively affect the health of roots and limit the growth of flowers and shrubs. Overall, the bark option is a good choice for gardeners who want to provide a steady supply of nutrients for their plants, but it should be used in combination with other peat free composts to ensure the best results.

Wool compost is a unique and sustainable type of compost made from the wool of sheep. This compost provides a slow release source of nutrients for all garden vegetation, ensuring a consistent supply of essential elements over time. Its natural water-holding capacity also helps to retain moisture in the soil, reducing frequency of watering. Additionally, the structure of wool promotes better aeration in the soil, leading to healthier root growth, and preventing water logging. However, wool compost does have some potential downsides. The presence of lanolin in the wool can act as a natural pesticide and repel insects and other soil organisms that are essential for maintaining soil health. This can make it difficult got gardeners to to establish a healthy, diverse soil food web, leading to soil imbalances that can negatively effect plant growth. Overall wool compost is a great choice for slow release, sustainable and eco friendly source of nutrients for their plants, but its potential downsides should be considered before use.

Now enter coir-based compost,  which is a peat free organic compost which is made from the husks of coconuts, this type of compost is the jack of all trades when it comes to growing plants and we believe is the best peat free compost. Coir has a higher water holding capacity, meaning that greenery in your garden, whether shrubs, herbs, flowers and even weeds receive a consistent supply of moisture, reducing the frequency of watering. Its structure also promotes better aeration, leading to healthier root growth and preventing waterlogging. And the cherry on top? Coconut fibre is also a waste product from coconuts and is a renewable resource, making coir based composts the ultimate eco-friendly choice for gardeners who want to do their bit for the planet.

Why Carbon Gold Peat Free Compost?

Carbon Gold’s Soil Association approved peat free range of compost is both award winning, and environmentally friendly and has types of natural compost which is specially formulated to provide the right nutrients for growing vegetables, herbs, flowers and shrubs. Its available in both an all purpose compost and a seed compost. Both the peat free potting composts and multi purpose compost are coir based and include UK sourced biochar as well as natural biology, plant based vegetable protein and trace elements making it one of the best peat free composts for gardeners and growers alike. The use of Carbon Gold potting mixes support sustainable agriculture and helps reduce the environmental impact of peat extraction. The compost contains natural biology, trace minerals, and biochar, which is beneficial for both soil health and plant health. There are no inorganic materials in our peat free multi purpose composts and they are ideal for moisture retention.

Whether you are seed sowing, potting on, or simply want to improve your existing soil. Carbon Gold Compost is the right compost choice for gardeners, growers and landscapers , who are looking for an environmentally friendly high quality compost that provides the best results for their plants, can be used year after year while being kind to the planet.

Carbon Gold compost comes in bulk bags, as well as small 10L, 20L and 40L bags

Where to buy peat free compost

Carbon Gold’s peat-free compost can be purchased in both small bags and bulk quantities depending on your needs. You can also buy online at the Carbon Gold website or in store at select retailers both online or in garden centres throughout the UK.

When using this type of compost in your garden, it’s important to remember that less is more—so don’t apply too much at once! Instead start off by mixing small amounts into existing soil over time and see how that works before adding any more. You should also ensure you water regularly during hot weather – especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent droughts – as this will help keep your plants hydrated while they adjust to their new environment! But remember that it retains water really well because of both the biochar and the coir, so its worth checking if the soil or container requires additional watering before you add more water.

All things considered; Carbon Gold peat-free organic compost that  is the natural choice if you are looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional peat-based varieties, whether a vegetable compost, when improving your garden’s soil quality. Not only does it provide all the benefits associated with other types of compost, but it also adds additional elements such as coconut husks which add structure and improved aeration. Plus -it’s sustainably sourced too – making it perfect for eco-conscious gardeners everywhere! So why not give Carbon Gold peat free a try today? You won’t regret giving your plants the extra love they deserve!

 

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Carbon Gold

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Carbon Gold Biochar products being used in soil


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