When it comes to potting soils, it makes perfect sense to look for peat-free products
When lignite is mined, an organic raw material also comes to light that has not yet been completely carbonized and interferes with further processing. This raw material, which is wood residue millions of years old, is separated: xylitol.
Xylitol has similar properties to peat, rots very slowly and has a fibrous structure with an acidity level favorable for plant growth. Other positive features are low salt and pollutant content, freedom from weeds, and a favorable influence on the soil climate. The only disadvantage compared to peat is a lower water storage capacity, which, however, can be compensated by a higher content of mature compost.
In the open-cast mines of Europe, especially in Europe, this water- and nutrient-binding material is available in almost unlimited quantities and has been successfully added to soil mixtures for some years. In addition, peat-free xylitol soils are not necessarily more expensive than conventional potting soil, since the raw material is mined in open-cast lignite mines at a similarly low cost as peat.
I have 30 years of experience and i started this website to see if i could try and share my knowledge to help you.
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I have worked as a horticulture specialist lead gardener, garden landscaper, and of course i am a hobby gardener at home in my own garden.
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