2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans
Going peat-free is a positive action that each of us can take to protect our peatlands, safeguard nature, and protect our planet. When you are buying plants, before you make a purchase ask if the plants were raised in peat-free compost. When buying compost, check the packaging to see whether the growing media contains any peat – look to buy growing media and composts that are 100% peat-free. The only place for peat is in a peat bog.
Why Peat-Free?
Although peat has been widely used as an ingredient in commercial compost for a great many years now, it might surprise you to hear that most plants do not need to be grown in a peat-based compost in order to grow or perform well. In fact, most plants perform better when they are grown in a peat-free compost.
If you’re wondering why it’s important to use peat-free compost, you’ll find more information on this topic, here. See more articles I’ve written about peatlands, by clicking here.
Buying Peat-Free Compost
Compost packaging can be confusing. Some compost brands’ labelling make their products appear very green and environmentally friendly, thanks to the images, colours, and the wording on the pack. However, I’m sorry to say that today, the vast majority of composts that are offered for sale in the UK, contain peat. If you want to purchase a peat-free compost, check that the packaging states that the growing media is peat-free – if you don’t see the words ‘peat-free’ or 100% peat-free’ on the pack – choose another growing media.
Using this Compost Trial Report
At the very top of this page, you’ll find a series of headings in red text; simply click on a heading to save time scrolling and whizz over to another section of this Compost Trial Report (NB: Please note that if you don’t reach your intended destination – click on the upwards facing arrow and try again – this is such a large document that the pictures and tables take a while to load so this doesn’t always work first time!).
At the bottom right-hand-side of the page, you’ll see an arrow – if you click on the arrow, you’ll be returned back to the top of the page. I hope this makes it easier for you to manoeuvre through this Compost Trial Report and speedily find all the information you require. If for any reason the headings are out of sync with the text, this is due to the fact that there is so much information and so many pictures in this report that it takes a while for everything on the page to load; consequently, you may need to go back up to the top of the report and try again – it should work correctly the second time.
Trialled Composts
Each of the composts that I chose for this Compost Trial were sourced at the same time, so as to avoid using old composts, which might have been depleted of nutrients, and to ensure a fair trial of every compost type.
I trialled the following peat-free composts and compost blends in my 2022 Compost Trial:
- Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
- Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
- Dalefoot Composts Wool Potting Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- 50:50 mix of Dalefoot Composts Double Strength Wool Compost and homemade compost from my compost heap (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
- Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium (Peat-Free Compost)
- Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
Compost Costs
The lowest priced growing medium that featured in this Compost Trial was Petersfield Supreme Growing Medium, which is priced at £0.15 per litre; however, this is just the cost of the compost – I paid £50 to have the Petersfield Supreme Growing Medium delivered to me. Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost is just one pence higher at £0.16 per litre; if you can purchase this product from a garden centre you can save paying for a delivery charge.
The most expensive growing medium (per-litre) that featured in this Compost Trial is Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost.
What The Manufacturers Say About Each Compost Type……
Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
On their website, Bathgate Silica describe this product as:
Uniquely formulated Peat Free Multi Purpose Compost containing a blend of natural products enriched with essential nutrition and trace elements for healthy plant development and sustained growth.
To see every article I’ve written about Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost, please click here.
Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
On their website, Bathgate Horticulture describe this product as:
A premium compost blend formulated with natural seaweed extracts, volcanic minerals, rock dust and naturally occurring strains of beneficial bacteria and fungi. This unique formulation stimulates growth, enhances plant development and improves resistance to disease with the added benefit of slow release nutrients and natural trace elements. This unique formulation, contains a blend of natural ingredients and is manufactured to our strict standards. Suitable for a wide range of ornamentals and edibles.
To see every article I’ve written that mentions Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost, please click here.
Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
On their website, Coco & Coir describe Coco & Coir Bloom All Purpose Compost as:
Natural 100% peat free coir compost based on coir pith with added nutrients. Coco Bloom is the perfect potting compost, creating the ideal rooting and growing conditions for all plants growing in containers. Soil Association Approved Compost.
NPK enriched to provide everything a plant needs for enhanced growth. Added trace elements have been incorporated to provide the most balanced and complete blend of nutrients possible.
Results speak for themselves. Maximum flowering, fruiting and vegetable production, while using a sustainable product that is eco-friendly and doesn’t cause further damage to our peatland.
To read every article I’ve written about Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost, please click here.
50:50 mix of Dalefoot Composts Double Strength Wool Compost and homemade compost from my compost heap (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
On their website, Dalefoot Composts describe their Double Strength Wool Compost as:
No other growing media has such a high concentration of naturally derived nutrients for improved plant size and quality. Now with added Comfrey! – the organic gardeners best friend – a ‘dynamic accumulator’ packed with nutrients is added into the Wool Compost range. Comfrey’s ‘Bocking 14’ variety has high levels of potassium, phosphorous & nitrogen for healthy plant growth, larger flowers & bigger crops.
Super rich mulch to boost soils
Mix into soil for greedy vegetables (eg. courgettes)
Aids water retention for dry, sandy soils.
To see every article I’ve written about Dalefoot Double Strength Wool Compost, please click here.
Dalefoot Composts Wool Potting Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
On their website, Dalefoot Composts describe their Wool Compost for Potting as:
This general purpose compost is ideal for growing in pots, tubs and hanging baskets where water retention is key. No need to add extra feed or water retaining gels. Now with added Comfrey! – the organic gardeners best friend – a ‘dynamic accumulator’ packed with nutrients is added into the Wool Compost range. Comfrey’s ‘Bocking 14’ variety has high levels of potassium, phosphorous & nitrogen for healthy plant growth, larger flowers & bigger crops.
Use in containers, hanging baskets and raised beds
Reduced watering
No need to feed
Peat-free
Soil Association approved
To see every article I’ve written about Dalefoot Wool Potting Compost, please click here.
Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
On their website, Dalefoot Composts describe their Wool Compost for Tomatoes as:
Super-strength compost containing all the must-have nutrients needed to grow organic, succulent, aromatic tomatoes throughout the year without additional tomato feed. Now with added Comfrey! – the organic gardeners best friend – a ‘dynamic accumulator’ packed with nutrients is added into the Wool Compost range. Comfrey’s ‘Bocking 14’ variety has high levels of potassium, phosphorous & nitrogen for healthy plant growth, larger flowers & bigger crops.
Use as a grow bag or in pots
Reduced watering
No need to feed – feeds tomatoes throughout the season without additional feed!
Peat-free
Soil Association approved
To see every article I’ve written about Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes, please click here.
Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
On their website, Dalefoot Composts describe Wool Potting Compost for Vegetables & Salads as:
Perfect for “grow your own” organic vegetables, salad and fruit in an allotment, raised beds, containers or windowsill. Now with added Comfrey! – the organic gardeners best friend – a ‘dynamic accumulator’ packed with nutrients is added into the Wool Compost range. Comfrey’s ‘Bocking 14’ variety has high levels of potassium, phosphorous & nitrogen for healthy plant growth, larger flowers & bigger crops.
- Reduced watering
- Feeds throughout the growing season
- Peat-free
- Soil Association approved
Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
Online Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost is described as:
Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost 50ltr
The first carbon neutral, peat-free compost!
Peat-free multi-purpose compost with a balanced, mineral fertiliser.
> Peat Free
> Carbon Neutral
Ideal for:
> Sowing seed and cuttings
> Hanging baskets, tubs and containers
> Beds and borders
> Fruit and vegetable growing
Made naturally from:
COIR – A by-product from the coconut which has a low pH and has great water and nutrient holding capacity for the plants.
BARK – A by-product of timber production which helps keep the compost open to allow strong roots to develop.
FIBREGRO-N – A recycled wood fibre rather than virgin timber that reduces the weight of the product and releases nitrogen for healthy green leaves.
GREEN COMPOST – Made from recycled garden waste that has been composted, screened and tested to PAS100 standards.
AND just the right amount of plant food with added trace elements
Southern Trident, the manufacturers of Harmony Gardens are a Carbon Neutral Company and a Responsible Sourcing Scheme Accredited Member.
To see every article I’ve written about Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost, please click here.
Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
On their website, Heart of Eden All-Purpose Natural Compost is described as:
All-Purpose Natural Compost is an environmentally friendly all-rounder product, suitable for indoor plants and outdoors in your garden. It can be used for sowing seeds, rooting cuttings and filling pots, hanging baskets and tubs. All-Purpose Natural Compost is based on premium quality ingredients, enriched with naturally occurring nutrients and balanced fertiliser levels to ensure healthy and vigorous plants at all stages of growth and under a variety of situations, for use all year round.
This product is free from peat, which is an increasingly rare natural resource. Peat bogs are an invaluable habitat for flora and fauna and an important store of carbon – destroying them to make garden compost contributes to battling climate change.
USES
Fertiliser to encourage healthy growth
Gives plants and seeds a great start when sowed
Allows flowers and vegetables to flourish and grow
AVAILABLE IN
50ltr pre-packed bags.
No additional fertiliser is needed.
To see every article I’ve written about Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost, please click here.
Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium (Peat-free Compost)
Petersfield describe this product on their website as:
General seed and potting, close texture, excellent water retention, especially under protection.
To see every article I’ve written about Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium, please click here.
Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
On their website Pete’s Peat Free describe their Multipurpose Compost as:
This unique Compost is derived from a by-product of Vermiculture (worm farming). It has been specifically formulated by professional growers and is packed with naturally produced NPK, Macro nutrients and has excellent water retaining properties.
Great for Seeds, Potting, Fruit & Vegetables
Contains natural organic fertiliser
100% peat free
No green waste incorporated
100% Organic
To see every article I’ve written that mentions Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost, please click here.
Compost Trial: Growing French Beans
I started this Compost Trial on the 24th July 2022, when four Dwarf French Bean ‘Mistik’ and four Dwarf French Bean ‘Adoration’ seeds were sown in each container of compost.
Dwarf French Bean ‘Adoration’
The Thompson & Morgan Dwarf French Bean ‘Adoration’ seeds that I used for this Compost Trial were purchased from my local garden centre. This variety is recommended for container growing and produces yellow coloured French beans. ‘Adoration’ is described as a compact French bean that grows 45cm (18inch) tall. I sowed this seed in the last couple of weeks of the recommended sowing period.
Dwarf French Bean ‘Mistik’
The Thompson & Morgan Dwarf French Bean ‘Mistik’ seeds that I used for this Compost Trial were purchased from my local garden centre. This variety is recommended for container growing and produces purple coloured French beans. ‘Mistik’ is described as a compact French bean that grows 45cm (18inch) tall. I sowed this seed in the last couple of weeks of the recommended sowing period.
Germination Rates
The first French Beans to germinate emerged on the 29th July 2022 – five days after the seeds were sown.
Weather Conditions
When I started this Compost Trial on the 24th July 2022, we were enduring an extended heatwave. The week before I started this Compost Trial, record-breaking temperatures were recorded in my area. We also were in an extended period of drought. The first rainfall of this Compost Trial fell on the 16th August 2022, when we enjoyed 20 minutes of light to medium rainfall.
The heavens opened on the 17th August 2022, when we experienced an afternoon of extremely heavy rain. The rainfall was powerful enough that it snapped the stems of many of my edible plants stems, including many of my chilli peppers and melons! The dwarf French bean plants that were grown for this Compost Trial were not damaged by the power of this bought of heavy rain. The following week we also were blessed by a morning of steady rainfall, and by the beginning of September 2022, we experienced heavy rain, thunder, and lightening for three consecutive nights. I am aware that due to heavy rain fall, there were at least two occasions when the liquid fertiliser that was administered to the plants in this Compost Trial would have effectively been washed through the containers later that evening.
The weather seemed to stabilise by September and remained steady during the remainder of this month. October 2022 was weather was unseasonably warm; as was November. During November 2022, we experienced persistent downpours and very heavy rain.
Irrigation
The dwarf French bean plants that were grown for this Compost Trial were watered by the rain and by hand, during dry periods. There was no set time to water the plants – the French bean plants that were grown for this Compost Trial were only watered when they needed watering. Pots were accessed individually and watered as necessary, and their irrigation recorded.
Fertiliser
During this Compost Trial, the French bean plants that were grown in the composts listed below received no additional fertiliser at any time:
- Dalefoot Composts Wool Potting Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- 50:50 mix of Dalefoot Composts Double Strength Wool Compost and homemade compost from my compost heap (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
The French bean plants grown in the composts listed below did receive fertiliser:
- Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
- Bathgate Horticulture Champions Blend Peat Free Extra Large Planter (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
- Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
- Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium (Peat-Free Compost)
The French bean plants that were grown in the composts above were first given fertiliser on the 29th August 2022. All of these plants were given a dose of Will & Al’s Natural Plant Food Company Beanstalk Fertiliser for Fruit & Vegetables on the following dates:
- 29th August 2022
- 5th September 2022
- 12th September 2022
- 20th September 2022
- 26th September 2022
- 2nd October 2022
- 9th October 2022
- 16th October 2022
- 23rd October 2022
- 30th October 2022
The French bean plants that were grown in the composts below were first given fertiliser on the 26th September 2022.
- Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
The French bean plants that were grown in the composts above were first given fertiliser on the 26th September 2022. All of these plants were given a dose of Will & Al’s Natural Plant Food Company Beanstalk Fertiliser for Fruit & Vegetables on the following dates:
- 26th September 2022
- 2nd October 2022
- 9th October 2022
- 16th October 2022
- 23rd October 2022
- 30th October 2022
NB: Fertiliser was only applied when it wasn’t raining. However, I am conscious that due to heavy rain fall, there were two occasions (in August and September 2022) when the liquid fertiliser that was administered to the plants in this Compost Trial would have effectively been washed through the pots by the rain the following day.
Dwarf French Bean Plants
Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
Bathgate Horticulture Champions Blend Peat Free Extra Large Planter (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
Dalefoot Composts Wool Potting Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
50:50 mix of Dalefoot Composts Double Strength Wool Compost and homemade compost from my compost heap (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free, Organic Compost)
Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium (Peat-Free Compost)
Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost (Peat-Free Compost)
Wildlife
Birds
Slugs and Snails
The dwarf French bean plants that were grown in containers of Bathgate Horticulture Champions Blend Peat Free Compost were greatly affected by slugs and snails during this Compost Trial. These dwarf French bean plants were effectively demolished by slugs and snails at an early stage of growth, before they had the chance to produce a harvest.
Compost Trial Results
Harvesting Dates
The dwarf French beans that were grown for this Compost Trial were harvested on the following dates:
- 9th October 2022
- 16th October 2022
- 30th October 2022
- 20th November 2022
Total Weight of French Beans Produced by the Dwarf French Bean Plants Grown in Each Compost Type
Total Number of French Beans Produced by the Dwarf French Bean Plants Grown in Each Compost Type
This chart shows the number of French beans harvested from the dwarf French bean plants grown in each trialled compost during this Compost Trial.
Average Weight of French Beans Produced Per Plant
Average Number of French Beans Harvested Per Plant
How Did Each Dwarf French Bean Variety Grow in Each Trialled Compost?
Weight of French Beans Grown in Each Trialled Compost by Dwarf French Bean Variety
Number of French Beans Grown in Each Trialled Compost by Dwarf French Bean Variety
How Does Each Compost Compare to the Top-Performing Compost in this Compost Trial?
Conclusions
- Dwarf French Beans can be grown successfully in containers of peat-free compost.
- The highest germination rate in this Compost Trial was 100%. This was achieved by the dwarf French bean seeds sown in containers filled with Dalefoot Wool Potting Compost.
- The lowest germination rate in this Compost Trial was 71%. This was achieved by the dwarf French bean seeds sown in containers filled with Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes.
- The dwarf French beans that were grown in Heart of Eden All Purpose produced 20% more beans than the dwarf French beans grown in the second placed compost.
- The dwarf French bean plants raised in the winning compost did not receive any additional fertiliser during this Compost Trial.
- The heaviest harvest of French beans was produced by the plants raised in Heart of Eden All Purpose Compost.
- The dwarf French bean plants grown in Heart of Eden All Purpose Compost produced the largest number of French beans during this Compost Trial.
- The plants grown in Heart of Eden All Purpose Compost produced the largest number of ‘Mistik’ French beans, the heaviest harvest of ‘Mistik’ French beans, and the second largest harvest of ‘Adoration’ French beans.
- The dwarf French bean plants grown in Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost produced the largest number of ‘Adoration’ French beans and heaviest harvest of ‘Adoration’ French beans.
- Slugs and snails effectively demolished the dwarf French bean plants that were grown in Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost, Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes, and a 50:50 blend of Dalefoot Composts Double Strength Wool Compost and my homemade garden compost; these plants did not produce a harvest.
Compost Rankings
Final Compost Ranking: Harvest per Plant
Rank
Conclusions
1
Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost came top of my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans!
The dwarf French bean plants that were raised in Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost received no additional fertiliser at any stage of this Compost Trial.
The dwarf French bean plants that were raised in this peat-free growing media produced a significantly larger harvest of French beans that any of the other composts featured in this Compost Trial; the heaviest harvest and greatest number of French beans were produced by the plants grown in this growing medium. Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost produced the largest harvest of ‘Mistik’ French beans and the second largest harvest of ‘Adoration’ French beans, during this Compost Trial.
I achieved an 88% germination rate using Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost when I sowed the dwarf French bean seeds for this Compost Trial.
Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost is a peat-free growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information on Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost.
To see every article I’ve written about Heart of Eden All Purpose Natural Compost, please click here.
2
Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost came second in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans!
During this Compost Trial, the second heaviest harvest of French beans were produced by the dwarf French bean plants grown in Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost; this compost produced both the largest number of ‘Adoration’ French beans and the heaviest harvest of ‘Adoration’ French beans in this Trial.
I achieved a 92% germination rate when I sowed the dwarf French beans seeds in Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost for this Compost Trial.
Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost is a peat-free, organic compost. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information on Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost.
To see every article I’ve written about Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost, please click here.
3
Bathgate Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost came in third place in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans. This compost was hot on the heals of Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost, producing just 6% fewer French beans than the dwarf French bean plants grown in the second placed compost.
I achieved an 88% germination rate when I sowed dwarf French Beans seeds in Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost for this Compost Trial.
Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost is a peat-free growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information about Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost.
To see every article I’ve written about Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost, please click here.
4
Petersfield Supreme Growing Medium came fourth in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans. The dwarf French bean plants that were grown in Petersfield Supreme Growing Medium produced 64% as many French beans as the top-performing compost.
I achieved an 83% germination rate of when I sowed dwarf French beans seeds in Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium for this Compost Trial.
Petersfield Supreme Growing Medium is a peat-free growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information on Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium.
To see every article I’ve written about Petersfield Peat Free Supreme Growing Medium, please click here.
5
Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost came fifth in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans. The dwarf French bean plants that were grown in Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost produced 49% fewer beans than the plants grown in the top-performing compost.
I achieved a 92% germination rate when I sowed dwarf French beans seeds in Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost for this Compost Trial.
Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost is a peat-free growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information about Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost.
To read every article I’ve written about Coco & Coir Coco Bloom All Purpose Compost, please click here.
6
Dalefoot Wool Potting Compost came sixth in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans. The dwarf French bean plants that were grown in Dalefoot Wool Potting Compost produced 52% fewer beans than the dwarf French beans grown in the top-performing compost, during this Compost Trial.
I achieved an amazing 100% germination rate when I sowed dwarf French beans seeds in Dalefoot Composts Wool Potting Compost for this Compost Trial.
Dalefoot Composts Wool Potting Compost is a peat-free, organic growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information about Dalefoot Composts Wool Potting Compost.
To see every article I’ve written about Dalefoot Wool Potting Compost, please click here.
7
Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost came seventh in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans. The dwarf French bean plants that were grown in Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost produced 38% as large a harvest as the dwarf French bean plants that were grown in the top-performing compost, during this Compost Trial.
I achieved a 92% germination rate when I sowed dwarf French beans seeds in Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost for this Compost Trial; this was the joint second highest germination rate for this Trial.
Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost is a peat-free growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information about Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost.
To see every article I’ve written that mentions Pete’s Peat Free Multipurpose Compost, please click here.
8
Dalefoot Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads came eighth in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans. The dwarf French bean plants that were grown in Dalefoot Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads produced 37% as large a harvest as the dwarf French beans grown in the top-performing compost, during this Compost Trial.
I achieved a 79% germination rate of when I sowed dwarf French bean seeds in Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads for this Compost Trial.
Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads is a peat-free, organic growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information on Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Vegetables & Salads.
9
Bathgate Horticulture Champions Blend Peat Free came in joint ninth place in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans.
I achieved a 79% germination rate when I sowed dwarf French beans seeds in Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost for this Compost Trial.
Sadly, the dwarf French bean plants that were growing in Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost were demolished by slugs and snails and were not able to produce a harvest.
Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost is a peat-free, organic growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information on Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost.
To see every article I’ve written that mentions Bathgate Horticulture Peat Free Champions Blend Compost, please click here.
9
My 50:50 blend of Dalefoot Double Strength Wool Compost and home-made garden compost came in joint ninth place in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans.
I achieved a 79% germination rate when I sowed dwarf French bean seeds in a 50:50 blend of Dalefoot Double Strength Wool Compost and my homemade garden compost for this Compost Trial.
Sadly, the dwarf French bean plants that were growing in 50:50 blend of Dalefoot Double Strength Wool Compost and home-made garden compost were demolished by slugs and snails and were not able to produce a harvest.
Dalefoot Double Strength Wool Compost is a peat-free, organic growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information on Dalefoot Compost Double Strength Wool Compost.
To see every article I’ve written about Dalefoot Double Strength Wool Compost, please click here.
9
Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes came in joint ninth place in my 2022 Compost Trial: Growing Dwarf French Beans.
I achieved a 71% germination rate when I sowed dwarf French bean seeds in Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes for this Compost Trial.
Sadly, the dwarf French bean plants that were growing in Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes were demolished by slugs and snails and were not able to produce a harvest.
Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes is a peat-free, organic growing medium. Here’s a link to their website where you’ll find more information on Dalefoot Composts Wool Compost for Tomatoes.
To see every article I’ve written about Dalefoot Wool Compost for Tomatoes, please click here.
More Trial Reports
More Compost Trial Reports
To see all of my Compost Trials, please click here.
To read advice on planting up containers, please click here.
Vegetable Trials
To see all of my Vegetable Trials, please click here.
Tomato Trials
To see all of my Tomato Trials, please click here.
Container Trials
To see all of my Container Trials, please click here.
Flower Trials
To see all of my articles about Flower Trials, please click here.
Fruit Trials
To see all of my articles about my Fruit Trials, please click here.
Slug and Snail Trials
To see the results of my Slug and Snail Trial and discover the best methods of protecting your plants from slugs and snails, please click here.
To read about using nematodes to protect your plants from slugs and snails, please click here.
Scented Daffodil Trial Reports
To see the results of my second Scented Daffodil Trial, please click here.
To read the results of my Scented Daffodil Container Trial, please click here.
To read the results of my first Scented Daffodil Trial, please click here.
Sweet Pea Trial Reports
To read the results of my third Sweet Pea Trial, please click here.
To read the results of my second Sweet Pea Trial, please click here.
To read the results of my first Sweet Pea Trial, please click here.
Terrarium, Vivarium, and Orchidarium Trials
To see my Tall Orchidarium being set up for the first time, please click here.
To see how my Orchidarium was created, please click here.
To see the design of my Rainforest Terrarium, please click here.
To read the first part of my White Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium Trial, please click here.
To read the first part of my Madagascar BiOrbAir Terrarium Trial, please click here.
To read the first part of my Miniature Orchid BiOrbAir Terrarium Trial, please click here.
To see a planting list of ferns, orchids, and other plants that are perfectly suited to growing inside terrariums and bottle gardens, please click here.
To read about the general care I give to my orchids and terrarium plants, and the general maintenance I give to my BiOrbAir terrariums, please click here.
To read how I track the temperature, humidity, and light conditions inside my terrariums, please click here.
Lisa G
February 5, 2023 at 5:37pmThank you, Beth, another thorough trial! Great to see Bob, too 🙂
I think there will be lots more jockeying for position, as more products/ formulations come onto the market in the future.
I just wish more products were easier for gardeners to get locally now. At most you may a choice between 1 or 2 products at GC at the moment (not even the full range from any one supplier). I know I have to drive many miles at the moment to buy what I want. And many home gardeners will not be able to afford to buy/store pallets or large numbers of bags (plus postage!), and will rely on their local retailer, as they had for decades.
Experienced gardeners are just starting to figure out which product to purchase and what they like. It will be very confusing, especially for the new gardeners who think a bag is a bag is a bag… (never mind the labelling issues still confusing them). And I think retailers will be in the same boat: what product range do they commit to stocking, etc. as users are going to be slow to tell them what they want to see available, as they don’t know yet.
With a choice of 1 or 2 (at most) products and prices being high until market forces catch up, this can lead to users not being happy with peat-free products on the whole, when it may be the specific product they chose or indeed, the one that was available to them at their local GC/usual retailer.
I think it may be a while before the dust settles. Such a shame that the hort. industry did not get this in motion years ago, to allow time for the manufacturers to get R&D & distribution ramped up and users educated.
Pumpkin Beth
February 5, 2023 at 6:19pmHello Lisa
It’s great to hear from you. I agree with you – the horticultural industry should have taken positive action to help nurseries and garden centres go peat-free decades ago. Everyone of us who goes peat-free will make a difference. Customers need to ask their local nursery and garden centre for peat-free compost and plants raised peat-free.
I hope to encourage more gardeners to start up compost heaps in their gardens. Home composting and community composting schemes offer us great opportunities to make fantastic compost and save money.
Best wishes
Beth