Hortifeeds have begun a series of on-site workshops for growers to offer support with the transition to peat free growing media. Many customers have encountered issues with how to manage the change in watering and feeding requirements needed for peat free media, especially when this is being trialled alongside peat-based composts.
At a recent workshop in the West Country, Hortifeeds Agronomist Mike Wainwright was able to help steer the growers programme to ensure they get the best from peat free growing. This included advice on watering frequency and choice of fertilisers best suited to their growing situation.
Mike explains ‘With the looming ban on the use of peat in commercial ornamental growing (except in plugs), growers are needing extra support to manage the changes necessary. Peat free mixes are often much lower in calcium and magnesium than peat, but are usually much higher in potassium.’ Mike continues ‘Use of a soluble fertiliser containing calcium, such as HortiMix Soft Water Mixes will make up shortfalls in both calcium and magnesium and can also provide additional nitrogen to counteract the effects of drawdown from biological breakdown of the materials.’
Use of wetting agents is another important tool in managing this transition. Peat free growing medias are generally more free draining than peat, meaning that more water and fertilisers are required. Mike explains ‘Growers are finding that regular use of wetting agents such as HortiHydrate can help media to absorb and spread fertigation throughout the container more quickly, saving both water and fertiliser costs. HortiHydrate Bio is the natural choice as it’s sustainable, unlike most other wetting agents, which goes hand in hand with more environmentally friendly growing media choices’.