RANGE REVIEW: MADE IN BRITAIN
BRITISH PEAT-FREE RANGE SHINES IN GROWING TRIALS
We take a closer look at British growing media manufacturer Durston Garden Products’ new peat-free collection, which outperformed both peat and peat-free competitor products in recent independent growing trials, thanks to a sustainable additive material called Gro Fibre.
New formulations
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’ new peat-free Multi- Purpose Compost achieved over 70% bigger plants than a professional peat-reduced product on the market and outperformed both peat and peat-free competitor products on the market with 50 percent increased blooms.
D
urstons independently tested and trialled the formulations from its new range to ensure
Durstons’ new collection of composts is formulated using unique additives, Gro Boost and Gro Fibre – 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 three to four months. 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 percent 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.
Reliable results
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!
Durstons has been established in the UK for over 150 years. Find out more at www.
durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688.
SITTING PRETTY WITH NEW SEATING COLLECTION FROM FOREST GARDEN
Forest Garden, the leading UK manufacturer and distributor of wooden garden furniture, has launched a new seating and dining collection for Spring Summer 2025. Crafted from the finest sustainable timber, Forest Garden’s new furnishings have been designed to not only wow on the aesthetic front, but to stand up to everything the great British weather can throw at it too.
Jenny Davis, marketing manager for Forest Garden, said: “The right furniture can transform your garden into an extension of
22 DIY WEEK APRIL 2025
your home, bringing comfort and style outdoors. “Our designs are crafted to complement your lifestyle, offering wooden furniture made from
durable, beautiful natural timber that’s easy to maintain and blends effortlessly into your garden. “Whether you enjoy unwinding with a glass of wine or dining alfresco, our new furniture pieces offer the perfect solution to create your own outdoor sanctuary.” The new collection has pieces for all styles of garden, from the modern Colour Block Picnic Bench with its striking two-tone finish to the traditional Sleeper Pew Bench in all its rustic beauty. The Dining Table and Bench Set is a striking blank canvas that can be styled to suit any type of occasion, from family barbecues to
swanky soirees, while the Florida Love Seat is the perfect spot to watch the sun set on balmy summer evenings.
Jenny added: “In Britain we have to soak up every opportunity to make the most of the sunshine, and these gorgeous new garden furnishings will help homeowners enjoy their outdoor spaces on any occasion.”
The new collection is available
now from Forest Garden, with prices starting at £169.99. All products come with a 15-year Anti-Rot guarantee. Visit
www.forestgarden.co.uk to learn more.
www.diyweek.net
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