Durstons independently tested and trialled the formulations from their exciting new range to ensure they would deliver a reliable and repeatable positive growing experience for gardeners… and the results did not disappoint.

Within the trials, overseen by peat-free expert Simon Blackhurst (SJBQC Ltd), Durstons’ brand-new peat-free Multi-Purpose Compost:

• achieved over 70% bigger plants than a professional peat-reduced product on the market
• outperformed both peat and peat-free competitor products on the market
• increased blooms by 50%

Another stand out in the trials was their new peat-free Tub & Basket Compost, which:

• achieved over 150% bigger plants than a professional peat-reduced product
• outperformed both peat-based and peat-free competitors on the market
• increased blooms by 50%

Durstons’ remarkable new collection of composts is formulated using their unique additives, Gro Boost and Gro Fibre – revolutionary ingredients that are exclusive to Durstons in the UK – and enhanced with a nutrient package that provides 14 vital nutrients plus feed that lasts up to 3-4 months.

Top-performing ingredients

Some gardeners can be put off by the appearance of peat-free growing media and the inconsistency in terms of texture. This isn’t something you need to worry about with the Durstons range. The great thing about incorporating Gro Fibre, which is made from a single species of pine, is that it helps create a consistently fluffy compost that won’t shrink or slump. Gardeners will find it a pleasure to use!

Gro Fibre also supports moisture retention and doesn’t lock nutrients, like some other peat-free growing media on the market. The end result is a compost that delivers a reliably impressive performance, year in, year out!

Meanwhile, Gro Boost is made from high quality composted materials and produced locally at Durstons’ site. It has a strong water holding capacity, boasts a beneficial microbiological profile together with both major and minor nutrients, is 100% natural and renewable, and is vegan friendly.

The result is an outstanding peat-free compost that provides better air space and greater moisture availability, enabling plants to establish strong roots, quickly.

Outshining competitor products

The ability of Durstons’ peat-free range to deliver consistently impressive results and easily outperform competitor products is a huge win for gardeners looking for a reliable way to grow successfully without peat.

Discussing the trials, ‘compost connoisseur’ Simon Blackhurst said: “One of the biggest problems with peat-free is nutrient availability, with Nitrogen often becoming ‘locked up’ and, therefore, not available to the plant when the compost is used. However, this is not an issue with Durstons’ new peat-free range, thanks to the patented process used to produce Gro Fibre.

“The composts performed exceptionally well in the trials, and the inclusion of Gro Fibre made a significant contribution. The use of a single species of tree means Durstons are able to offer a consistent raw material, whereas some other brands are reliant on several different supply chains, which can cause variability in stability, chemical profile and fibre size. Durstons are extremely excited about the results of the trials and the range they have formulated.”

Durstons Director, Dan Durston said: “We are delighted with the findings of the tests and growing trials, and it just confirms our confidence in this new range. For years now we have been committed to helping gardeners move away from peat by providing them with a compost they can rely on and enjoy using. We can promise consistency in terms of texture, appearance and results, and we think gardeners are going to love it!

“We knew we had created something exciting with this new peat-free collection and we are not surprised it outperformed other products on the market. This range is guaranteed to build confidence in peat free and help gardeners achieve real success with their growing endeavours.”

A little bit of science…

Nitrogen lock-up is a major issue with many peat-free composts on the market due to natural decomposition of wood-based raw materials via microbes in the substrate. Their life cycle locks Nitrogen, which is then not available to the plant when the compost is used. Some products now claim to use ‘stabilised’ wood fibres to prevent this, but industry experts are still seeing nutrient deficiencies in mixes.

Find out more

Durstons have been established for over 150 years. Find out more at www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688.