In This Issue
"we need the horticultural sector to be prosperous"
Warning of plant shortages for UK gardeners by 2027 if a ban on peat is brought forward
20 days until Glee 2023 - register now and read the Glee Daily News Issue 1 here
Get fired up for the Fire Food and Outdoor Living Evening at SOLEX 2023
Hozelock expands alternative hose offering
Zest launches new products ahead of Glee
Groves launches peat free multi-purpose compost
World champion pit-master, Diva Q, to host Traeger BBQ masterclasses
Handy to launch partnership with AVA pressure washer specialist at Glee
Are you ready for Glee 2023? The future looks bright for garden retail
Can you support Greenfingers with a Glee Product Promotion?
Don't miss your chance to enter the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund
Hands-on training helps to lay some foundations in landscape industry
Recruitment of 120 jobs begins at Dobbies’ flagship store in Northern Ireland
EGO launches enhanced multi-tool and grass trimmer
New RHS-endorsed planting tools from Burgon & Ball
British Garden Centres’ signature Hydrangea Red Butterfly is now available in store
Dobbies celebrates National Children’s Gardening Week with the launch of its new ambassador search
A Summer of Shows, Jonathan Stobart Interview and thoughts for the future from John Stanley & Sid Raisch in GTN May issue, read on-line here
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
GIMA appoints new Membership & Marketing Co-ordinator
Description entries for Best KVBC Novelty PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt
The HTA shines spotlight on Member and Advocacy Success at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Glee visitors invited to GCA’s stand at the show
Enter the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2024
The best of last week's
Chelsea 2023 - trade and trends
GCA’s April figures show an ‘encouraging’ sales increase
Agapanthus 'Black Jack' crowned Plant of the Year
Unlock New Opportunities: Partner with Osprey for Rapid EV Charging
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
Send us your news and great ideas

Contact us with your news.

Email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 07973 504214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Groves launches peat free multi-purpose compost

 

More and more gardeners are going peat free in a bid to tackle climate change.

 

This comes ahead of the complete ban on the sale of peat-based composts in England next year. In a pioneering move and as part of its commitment to the environment, Groves Nursery and Garden Centre has launched its own 100 per cent peat-free, multi-purpose compost – the first garden centre in West Dorset to do so.

 

Created from a unique combination of Forest Gold wood fibre, composted bark, and clay, Groves multi-purpose compost is a proven all-rounder.

The family-run garden centre has been testing the special blend of compost in its own nurseries for more than a year.

Now they use it exclusively for everything from seed sowing to striking cuttings, potting on, and filling containers and baskets.

Charlie Groves, managing director at Groves Garden Centre, said: ‘I’m proud to say we’re now 100 per cent peat free here at Groves. Taking the essential step to reformulating our much-loved, multi-purpose compost is a great milestone for us and the environment. We’ve tested and tested and tested it in our own nurseries to get the formula just right. We were finding other peat-free composts were drying out too quickly so the added wetting agent in ours has been a real game changer. Our compost is free draining, but still holds onto moisture as a result. The bark provides excellent aeration and drainage and we’ve added essential nutrients to last for three months.’

For those gardeners who have found going peat free frustrating, Mr Groves had the following advice: ‘Going peat free has been a learning curve for us all,’ he said
‘We’ve found the key is to water slightly more frequently and to feed more frequently too. I would advise feeding containers and hanging baskets every week in the growing season and seedlings when the first true leaves come through. We use our compost for everything but mix it with vermiculite for seed sowing. The look and feel might be slightly different to what everyone is used to, but we’ve found that working the compost through your fingers helps.’

 

Groves is committed to being a peat-free centre, not only to protect Peatlands across the UK and Europe, but also to prevent tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Peatlands act as a store for carbon so when dug up, this carbon is released and contributes to greenhouse gas levels. Peatlands also provide a rich habitat for a number of animals and birds.

 

At £8.99 a bag or £15 for two, using Groves 100 per cent Peat-Free, Multi-Purpose compost is also an affordable way to do your bit for the climate. And for those wanting to cut down on car journeys, Groves offers free local delivery on orders over £40.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Del.icio.us Digg | Comment (0)
Comment
Name:*

Email Address:*

Comment:*