Page 42 - ALG Issue 3 2024

SOUTHERN
ALL
PEAT-FREE
ALL
GOOD?
Comparison of yields from three makes of peat-free compost growing Phaseolus Coccineus in pots on hard standing. Outdoor trial at Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire, 27 June–25 September 2023
peat-free compost from 2021 and compared the yield with results from two further makes in the hope of arriving at a reliable growing system to recommend to growers to use with the frame.
SCHEME OF TRIAL
Layout
See photographs below.
This was Trial 6 in a series of annual trials of using a system enabling climbing runner beans to be grown other than in cultivated ground (for example in schoolrooms, occupational therapy units, hard standing areas in community and therapy gardens).
The system comprises a self-assembly support frame with compost, pot,
saucer, seeds, and fertilisers. It is hoped that, through visibility in these settings, households without a garden may be encouraged to grow this popular vegetable – on patios, balconies, and decking (A recent Which?Gardening report1* on a
survey of over 4,500 gardeners stated runner beans to be the second most popular vegetable (grown by ovr 50%) after tomatoes (75%)).
The frame design provides for the plants to grow mainly horizontally; the height is set at a suitable height for children of primary school age and for adults needing to remain seated – taking up minimal space.
While the focus of the trial was on the yields from each substrate, they (and other elements) were also assessed on suitability for the uses described above where areas need to be kept clean and dry as far as possible.
Cultivation-wise, the most important year to year change was a switch to using some peat-free substrates in 2019, and then peat-free only in 2021, when three makes of peat-free compost from reputable producers were used and yields compared.
A large difference was noted between highest and lowest with the lowest being barely satisfactory at 566g per plant. Now, two years later, peat-free composts are still said to be ‘unreliable and inconsistent, resulting in poor or no growth’ (Article by Editor, Simply Vegetables, Autumn edition 2023).
In Hor ticulture Week (2 Nov 2023) The Responsible Sourcing Scheme for Growing Media called for industry-wide standards legislation.
This year’s trial used the most successful
Pots running east to west.
Line 1
Homebase peat-free compost with Osmocote slow-release fertilser. Line 2
Incredipeatfree compost with Incredicrop slowrelease fertiliser. Line 3
Miracle-Gro all-purpose premium peat-free compost with Miracle-Gro slowrelease fertiliser.
42 | Issue 3 2024 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener