CASE STUDIES

Nursery stock production in reduced peat growing media

The objectives of the trials were to assess the efficacy of reduced-peat growing media for production of container grown ornamental nursery stock including roses, herbaceous perennials, Ivy-leaved Geranium, Sweet Pea and the patio ornamental Senetti® in normal commercial production for wholesale and retail sales.

Reduced-peat (RP) compost mixes were supplied by White Moss Horticulture with a ratio of 30% composted green material to 70% peat (mix for Sandymere Nurseries) or with a ratio of 40% composted green material to 60% peat (mix for Ness Botanic Gardens). The composted green material was manufactured to BSI PAS 100 (2005) specification. More than 13,000 litres of reduced peat growing medium was used in total. Four organisations collaborated to deliver the project. Growing media were supplied by White Moss Horticulture to Sandymere Nurseries who have grown spring stock, Sweet Pea, Ivy-leaved Geranium and a patio pot plant Senetti® and to Ness Botanic Gardens who have grown roses and herbaceous hardy perennials. Ecological Restoration Consultants undertook design of the trials, plant performance evaluation, collection and analysis of data and production of reports for WRAP.

Horticultural Trials of reduced-peat growing media. Final Report


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