What’s Peat Free Compost Made from?

At The Coconut Compost Company, we’re committed to creating the best possible peat free compost alternative for gardeners and growers.

With bulk bags, multipurpose, organic and a range of offers available, we make it easy for gardeners and growers to obtain high-quality peat free compost. Check out the delivery information to find out just how simple it is to have peat free compost delivered to your door.

If you’re still considering peat free pros and cons or why choose peat free compost, then read on to find out what goes into our products and why we believe it’s the right choice for gardeners and the planet.

What are the active ingredients of peat free compost?

A common question we’re asked is what is peat free compost made from? There are a number of potential answers to this. Peat takes hundreds of years to form, and although many reputable firms in the peat industry are trying to harvest and manage peat at a responsible, sustainable rate, demand is so high that we need to look at alternative substances.

Peat free compost can include a number of different materials as the base ingredients, such as composted bark, wood fibres, green waste and coir.

Coconut coir, derived from the fibrous husks of coconuts, is an excellent peat-free compost base as it provides superior moisture retention, aeration, and sustainability. This natural material is renowned for its suitability in potting mixes and organic soil amendments, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious gardeners.

Coconut coir surpasses peat by absorbing 30 per cent more water and re-wetting more easily after drying out. Since coir is organic and sterile, it’s an excellent choice for starting seeds. Studies also indicate coir may provide some resistance to pythium and other root diseases.

For all of these reasons and more, coir is the obvious choice for creating high-quality compost for a wide range of horticultural applications.

What we put in our compost

The Coconut Compost Company range is made from coir. This is what makes up the fibrous husks of the inner shell of the coconut and it’s used for all sorts of products, including rugs ropes and doormats.

All of our coir is both washed and buffered as is preferred by many commercial growers in the UK. This is because having your coir washed with clean water flushes out some of the unwanted sodium and chloride. Having the coir buffered will then replace a lot of the remaining potassium and any remaining sodium with calcium. Having high levels of potassium and sodium can affect the growth of your plant as can a lack of calcium, so buffering the coir solves both issues effectively.

Our coir is sourced directly from Sri Lanka, where coir blocks are compressed and put in shipping containers to reduce carbon footprint by sea freight. Coir is the only ingredient that we use, unlike other composts that often have a variety of ingredients.

By buying our products you also help to support sustainable business in Sri Lanka, providing jobs and income to local communities. As well as the direct economic benefits, we also give 10% of our profits to charities in Sri Lanka to help aid the people who need it most.

Why not take a look around our website to find out more about our compost, bulk buy discounts, available offers and delivery information?

FAQs

What is the difference between compost and peat free compost?

The main difference lies in what compost is made of. Traditional commercial compost often contains peat, which is harvested from natural peat bogs. Peat free compost, on the other hand, is created without peat and typically relies on sustainable and recyclable materials like coconut coir, to create an environmentally responsible alternative.
What are the disadvantages of peat free compost?

Peat free compost has improved significantly over the years with modern compost mixes matching and in some cases exceeding the quality of traditional peat mixes. However, the composition of peat free compost can vary, leading to differences in nutrient content and performance. You may need to make adjustments to the pH level of your compost to meet specific plant needs.
How do you make peat free compost?

Peat-free compost is typically manufactured using sustainable materials like coconut coir, composted bark, wood fibres, or green waste. The specific process varies depending on the manufacturer, and the primary material may be mixed with other ingredients to create the perfect compost for different growing purposes.
How do I know if my compost is peat free?

Check the product label or description. If it's labelled as "peat-free" or mentions the use of sustainable materials like coconut coir, you can be reasonably sure it doesn't contain peat. The Coconut Compost Company range is 100% peat free.
Why are my plants dying in peat free compost?

If your plants are struggling in peat-free compost, it can be due to a number of reasons. This may include overwatering or underwatering. Peat-free compost retains moisture differently than peat-based varieties, so adjust your watering accordingly. It’s also important to ensure your plants are receiving the right amount of light and nutrients.
Why is peat free compost rubbish?

Peat-free compost is far from rubbish! High-quality peat-free compost, like that from The Coconut Compost Company, offers numerous benefits for both your garden as well as the planet. It’s why more and more commercial growers are making the switch to sustainable peat free compost.
Is peat free compost good or bad?

Peat-free compost is a great choice for anyone wanting to balance concern for the environment with the best choice for their garden. It helps preserve peat bogs and provides a great environment for healthy plant growth. Farmers and professional growers across the UK and the world use peat free alternatives like coir to grow fruit and vegetables so it is a well-established growing medium. The quality of peat free composts can vary among brands, so selecting a quality option, such as The Coconut Compost Company's range of coir based compost can make all the difference.
Can you reuse peat free compost?

Yes, you can reuse peat-free compost. After the initial use, ensure it's adequately refreshed with additional nutrients before planting new crops or top-dressing existing ones. Alternatively, why not put your spent compost into your home compost or on your garden compost where it can break down alongside other materials to create a great soil conditioner for your garden?
Is Miracle Gro compost peat free?

Not all Miracle Gro compost is peat free. If you’re looking for a high-quality peat free compost with a low carbon footprint, then take a look at The Coconut Compost Company range.