Olivers Growing Media
Our vision is to supply our customers with a professional grade, 100% peat-free compost that we know is reliable for growing a large selection of plants. We have been trialling peat-free growing media on our Production Nursery and believe we have found the best possible blend of compost and nutrients to give you a high quality dependable product. As with any compost, as the plants develop and grow they use up nutrients contained within the compost so they will need additional feeds. We recommend using Miracle-Gro® feed as your plants develop to ensure they stay healthy and vigorous.
Why Peat-Free? Peatlands store carbon, control flooding and create homes for wildlife. When peat is extracted from these special landscapes they’re damaged forever. In recent years the need to conserve this diminishing natural resource, as well as the flora and fauna that depend on it, has been recognised. Peat bogs are also an important carbon sink: destroying them to make gardens contributes to climate change. The effects of extraction are virtually irreplaceable as peatlands take thousands of years to form. Defra estimates that 2.96 million cubic metres of peat is used in the UK annually, of which 99% is used as growing media and 70% of which is used by gardeners.
Olivers Professional Multi-Purpose 100% Peat-Free Compost
A high-quality growing media, developed and used on our professional nursery. Perfect for pricking out, potting on, and growing bedding plants, houseplants, vegetables, and herbs. Contains organic and controlled-release feed, lasting up to 6 months, to establish strong, healthy roots.
Olivers Professional Rose, Tree & Shrub 100% Peat-Free Compost
A premium compost, developed on our professional nursery, ideal for planting roses, trees, shrubs, and perennials. Enriched with organic and controlled-release feed, lasting up to 9 months. Its open structure ensures healthy root growth and efficient movement of water and nutrients.
Olivers Professional Tub and Basket 100% Peat-Free Compost
A high-quality compost designed for hanging baskets and containers. Contains higher levels of feed than multi-purpose compost, with organic and controlled-release nutrients lasting up to 6 months for season-long flowering. Includes a water-retaining agent to help prevent under-watering and promote strong root development.
Olivers Professional Tomato & Vegetable Planter 100% Peat-Free
After extensive trials in 2022 and 2023, we’ve developed a specially balanced growbag for fruit and vegetable crops. Our blend provides the right mix of nutrients for strong growth, ensuring you get the same high-quality compost used on our professional nursery for outstanding results.
Olivers Top Soil
Dug form our own land and screened to remove large stones and clods over 12mm. Ideal for topping up borders, building raised beds or creating new lawns.
Olivers Eco Compost
Composted recycled plant material that adds organic matter to the soil, helping to release nutrients to plants. Ideal for planting trees, mulching, and improving soil structure. Retains moisture and supports plant health. Also available in loose tipped loads – please contact for details.
Manure
Using manure in the garden offers numerous benefits, as it is packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphates that plants require. Manure acts as a natural fertiliser, promoting healthy, green plants while improving soil structure and moisture retention. It’s especially beneficial for different soil types: for sandy soils, it helps with water retention; for clay soils, it breaks them up to improve drainage; and for poor soils, it adds valuable nutrients. However, it’s important to use well-rotted manure that is at least two years old, as fresh manure may still contain weed seeds and higher levels of nitrogen and phosphates, which could burn plant roots. Manure is available in loose tipped loads as well as bags, offering convenient options for gardeners.
You can shop our growing media here. Not sure which option is right for you? Check out the chart below.
