Composting tips, advice and science.

Peat free compost pictured in greenhouse.

Many Peat-Free Composts Don’t Make the Grade Says Research Facility

12th Feb 2025 New research has shown that many bagged peat-free composts struggle to produce good results. The research was conducted at the UK’s Stockbridge Technology Centre (STC), an independent agricultural and horticultural center of excellence. The researchers bought bagged compost from a variety of sources, including online retailers, garden centers, and DIY stores. To

Many Peat-Free Composts Don’t Make the Grade Says Research Facility Read More »

My garden in the snow.

Frozen Compost? Don’t Panic—Here’s What’s Happening Inside

Even in my relatively mild climate, winter temperatures occasionally dip as low as -7°C (19°F), and the surface of compost can freeze. While it’s not a frequent occurrence here, I know many composters live in much colder regions and wonder what happens when their compost piles freeze over. Fortunately, even when your compost seems to

Frozen Compost? Don’t Panic—Here’s What’s Happening Inside Read More »

Applying compost to a vegetable garden.

Study Confirms Surface-Applied Compost Outshines Traditional Methods

28/01/24 A new study from the Czech Republic has reinforced the remarkable benefits of surface-applied compost on soil health.  Unlike traditional methods that involve tilling compost into the soil, this approach reinforces known benefits by applying stable, mature compost directly to the surface—a method that has shown significant improvements in soil properties over just two

Study Confirms Surface-Applied Compost Outshines Traditional Methods Read More »