Peat is a natural product. It is made from partially composted mosses and plants in waterlogged, acidic bogs. Over thousands of years, the formation of peat happens very slowly. Peat can grow at a rate of 1mm per year.
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Is peat free compost better than normal?
Besides peat-free composts being better for the environment and made from sustainable organic materials, it’s starting to become clear that most mixes of peat free compost are extremely high in nutrients, and are bulky, which make them great soil improvers over the long term.
Why is peat banned?
Peat needs to remain wet for it to function efficiently. Peat is a by-product of the burning of fossil fuels. It is also a waste product from the production of paper, plastics, and other products. States alone, more than 1.5 billion tons of peats are burned each year. This is equivalent to the amount of coal, oil, or natural gas burned in the U.S. for electricity.
The burning process releases large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. :
- Peat also contains heavy metals such as arsenic
- Cadmium
- Copper
- Lead
- Mercury
- Nickel
- Which are known to cause cancer
- Birth defects
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Reproductive
- Developmental problems
as well as other negative health effects.
As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of petroleum-based fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and industrial solvents in order to reduce the release of these toxic chemicals into our environment.
What is peat compost good for?
Peat-based compost can be used to grow a lot of different plants. Peat-based composts can be used for starting seeds, growing plants in pots, and spreading around plants to build and improve the soil. Peat can also be mixed with other organic materials, such as manure, to create a compost that is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which are the building blocks of plant growth.
Is peat bad for plants?
Not only is it not a traditional growing media, but it isn’t even a very good one. It contains little to no nutrients and growing in peat-based mixes ties the soil together in a way that makes it difficult for plants to take root. The first is to use a mix that contains a lot of organic matter, such as compost, manure, or a combination of the two.
That way, the plants can take advantage of all the nutrients in the mix, and they won’t have to compete with each other for nutrients. You can also try to grow your own plants, but it’s going to be a bit more labor-intensive than using a compost or manure mix to get the job done.
What can I use instead of peat compost?
Peat-free growing media are now available with materials such as bark, wood fibre, coir, and other organic materials. These materials can be used to produce a wide range of products, including compost, mulch, soil amendments, fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Some of these materials are also suitable for use in the production of biofuels.
For example, some of the materials used in these products are not biodegradable, so they must be disposed of in a way that minimises their impact on the environment. In addition, they are often expensive and difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of a small-scale growing operation. Peat is a natural material that has been used for thousands of years in many different ways.
It is also a renewable resource, which means that it does not need to be produced in order to provide food for humans and animals. Peat is often used as a soil amendment, as well as being an important source of organic material for composting and mulching.
Why does my peat free compost smell?
Compost pile is compacted – Compost piles need oxygen (aeration) to decompose the organic material properly. The compost will start to smell if the pile is too big. Compost that doesn’t have enough aeration will smell like rotten eggs.
If you don’t have a compost heap, you can make your own compost by mixing 1/2 cup of peat moss with 2 cups of water. Mix well and store in a cool, dark place. You can also buy compost from your local garden center or grocery store.
Can I buy compost with peat?
We supply a large range of peat based composts from manufacturers such as Levington, Clover, Erin, J Arthur Bowers and Durstons. It is possible to order online for delivery in the UK.
