High quality natural growing medium made from coconut fibre. A uniform, consistent, high quality horticultural growing medium, which ensures good germination of seed, and vigorous root, plant and flower development.

Palm Peat is manufactured entirely from coconut fibre, a renewable resource and compares most favourably with the best imported and locally produced growing medium.

Users:

• Production of flower, herb & vegetable seedlings.
• Growing of seedlings & cuttings.
• Potting and re-potting of indoor & outdoor plants.
• Mixing in existing soil.
• Hanging baskets
• Mulch.

Benefits:

• Excellent water & air retention.
• Free of weeds, pests & insect organisms.
• Balanced pH of between 5.4 & 6.8.

How to use it:

Step 1:

Fill a 10-litre bucket with 5 litres of warm water and place the Palm Peat brick in the water.

Step 2:

Allow 10 minutes for the Palm Peat brick to soak up the water and expand.

Step 3:

Once the water has been absorbed, break up the expanded Palm Peat. Your Palm Peat is now ready to use.

What exactly is compost used for - and in what application? If you are confused about this – you are not alone!
In this article, we hope to shed some light on some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to compost and its uses.

The biggest confusion is that compost is regarded as fertiliser. Although all compost sold has to be registered with the Department of Agriculture as a “Fertiliser group 2” and all bagged compost must have the registration number visible on the front of the bag, it should not be confused with chemical fertilisers. Compost is an organic soil amendment and can be regarded as a soil conditioner. By adding compost to our gardens, we create the right environment for all the beneficial bacteria to find a home in our garden soil. The good bacteria in our garden soils will suppress the bad ones and restore the natural balance, making available all the nutrients in the soil and compost.

When conditions are favourable earthworms will return to your garden soil and these awesome little underground workers will manufacture the best organic fertiliser your plants could ask for, all for free. Healthy soil equals healthy plants - and if it is your vegetable garden or fruit orchid, we’re talking about there should be no compromise when it comes to healthy eating.

Another frequently asked questions is - how much compost to apply to your garden and how to go about it. In this case more is always better. For a first application a layer of compost 5cm thick should be applied and dug into the soil 20cm to 30cm deep. Thereafter we suggest at least one application a year of no less than 2cm. This can be spread on top of the soil to act as a mulch or it could be dug into the soil.

The biggest advantage of adding ample compost to your soil is the increased water holding capacity. By adding loads of compost to your garden you will see your garden grow and your water bill shrink.

Organic and inorganic fertilisers provide plants with the nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong. However, each contains different ingredients and supplies these nutrients in different ways.

Organic fertilisers work over time to create a healthy growing environment, while inorganic fertilisers provide rapid nutrition. Determining which is better for your plants depends largely on the needs of your plants and your preferences in terms of cost and environmental impact.

Both organic and inorganic fertilisers have their perks as well as their drawbacks. While there is no right or wrong fertiliser to use, there are those that will work better for you and your garden.

Organic fertiliser

• Organic fertilisers contain only plant or animal-based materials that are either a by-product or end product of naturally occurring processes, such as manures, leaves, and compost. Then microorganisms found in the soil decompose the organic material, making its nutrients readily available to the plants.
• Organic fertilisers decrease the danger of over-fertilisation because the nutrients are released slowly. The slow release of these nutrients also means they will be available over a longer period of time and less applications will be required. Organic fertiliser improves your soil. It does this by escalating the soils ability to hold water and nutrients. It decreases erosion and soil crusting caused by rain and wind. Using organic fertiliser adds more natural nutrients, feeds important microbes in the soil and improves the structure of the soil.
• Organic fertilizers often cost more than inorganic fertilisers, but over time, this extra cost may be outweighed by the benefits it provides. Organic fertilisers continue to improve the soil long after the plants have taken the nutrients they need. Therefore, the longer your soil is fed with organic fertilisers, the better its composition and texture. So, while inorganic fertiliser may be cheaper in the short term, it adds less to the soil in the long term.

Inorganic fertilisers

• Inorganic fertilisers are sometimes completely, or at least partially, comprised of man-made materials. Normally, manufacturers combine specific kinds as well as amounts of different elements. This is according to the growing condition that is needed, as well as the crop that is provided.
• Inorganic fertilisers have the necessary amounts of the three main nutrients that your plants require to help them to survive and flourish. They also release quickly so that your plants are able to get the nutrients they need as soon as possible. If there is an emergency and you need to get your plant fertilised as soon as possible, inorganic will be the right choice for you.
• Inorganic fertilisers can sometimes leach, which happens when irrigation or rain gets below the plant root level.
• Excessive use of inorganic fertilisers can lead to a build-up of salts in the soil, causing damage to the plant. Inorganic fertilisers are generally manufactured using fossil fuels.

Chemical fertilisers

Chemical fertilisers do nothing to build your soil. Using only chemical fertiliser over time will deplete your soil of valuable microbes. Frequently, organic matter in the form of manure or compost is added to the soil to remedy this problem.