Category: Garden Care

  • Peat-free compost in the garden

    Peat has traditionally been used in many bags of multipurpose compost because it holds water well and provides a consistent growing medium. Increasing concern about peatland loss has led to a much wider choice of peat-free alternatives.

    Why avoid peat?

    Peatlands develop very slowly and store large amounts of carbon. Removing peat damages these habitats and releases stored carbon. For gardeners, choosing peat-free compost is a straightforward way to reduce demand.

    What is peat-free compost made from?

    Products vary. They may contain composted bark, wood fibre, coir, green compost or mixtures of several materials. Because the ingredients differ, peat-free composts do not all behave in exactly the same way.

    Check moisture carefully

    Some peat-free mixes can look dry on the surface while remaining moist lower down, while others may dry more quickly than traditional peat compost. Check the compost with a finger rather than watering only by appearance.

    Use the right compost for the job

    Multipurpose peat-free compost is suitable for many containers and general planting jobs. Seeds and young plants may benefit from a finer seed compost. Acid-loving plants need an appropriate ericaceous product.

    Expect products to improve

    Peat-free compost has changed considerably as manufacturers have developed new mixtures. If one product does not work well in your garden, it can be worth trying another rather than returning automatically to peat.

    Good growing still depends on water, nutrients, drainage and the needs of the plant. Peat-free compost simply provides a different starting material.

  • A simple guide to garden compost

    Making compost is one of the simplest ways to reuse garden and kitchen waste. You do not need complicated equipment. A basic compost bin or a well-kept heap is enough for most gardens.

    What can go on the compost heap?

    Grass clippings, leaves, small amounts of soft pruning material, vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and spent plants can all be composted. Mix wetter green material with drier material such as fallen leaves, small pieces of cardboard and woody stems.

    Avoid one large layer

    A thick layer of grass clippings can become wet and compacted. Mix it with drier material instead. Cutting coarse material into smaller pieces also helps it break down more quickly.

    Air and moisture

    A compost heap should be damp rather than soaking wet. If it becomes very dry, add a little water. Turning the heap occasionally introduces air and mixes material that is decomposing at different speeds.

    When is compost ready?

    Finished garden compost is dark, crumbly and has an earthy smell. Some small pieces of woody material may remain and can simply go back onto the new heap.

    Use mature compost as a soil improver around established plants or when preparing beds. It is an inexpensive way to return useful organic matter to the garden.

  • Getting ready for spring

    After winter, the garden slowly starts to wake up again. Early spring is a good time to walk around the garden and see what needs attention before growth really begins.

    Start with a simple tidy-up

    Remove broken stems, old leaves and other winter debris where necessary. There is no need to make the garden perfectly tidy. A little organic material is useful for the soil and for insects, but paths, borders and working areas can be cleared.

    Look at the soil

    If the ground is very wet, wait before working it. Walking and digging on wet soil can damage its structure. When conditions improve, loosen compacted areas carefully and add compost where the soil needs improvement.

    Check tools and pots

    Clean hand tools, sharpen cutting tools and check wooden handles. Empty pots can be cleaned before they are used again. A little preparation now makes the busy weeks of spring easier.

    Plan before planting

    Make a short list of what you want to grow this year. Think about sunny and shaded places, the space plants will need later in the season and what worked well last year.

    Spring in the garden does not need to start with a big project. A few useful jobs now can make the rest of the season much more enjoyable.