With the growing season in full swing and compost bags flying off the shelves, GIMA members take a look at what’s happening in the growing media sector, whilst showcasing some of the latest innovations to create opportunities in the category.
Peat-free performance
“When peat-free becomes the norm, there will be no room for substandard growing media formulations that boast green credentials but don’t meet gardeners’ expectations,” says Durston Garden Products Director, Dan Durston. “Growing without peat shouldn’t be seen as a compromise, which is why we spent years researching and developing our peat-free range of outdoor and indoor composts, so that gardeners benefit from high-performance formulations with an optimum nutrient profile that deliver outstanding results, consistently.” Durstons Advanced Peat Free composts produced up to 70% bigger plants and up to 50% more blooms compared with peat-free and peat-reduced competitor composts in independent growing trials, enabling garden retailers to confidently support their customers in the transition to peat-free growing.
Meanwhile, Melcourt has championed peat-free growing for over 40 years, combining in-depth knowledge of raw materials with rigorous R&D and strict auditing. Launched in January 2026, the new SylvaGrow Indoor Range brings this expertise to the houseplant category. Endorsed by the RHS and a GLEE 2025 award winner, the range includes targeted formulations for houseplants, orchids and cacti, supplied in handy 5L packs that are resealable, reusable and recyclable. It offers retailers a clear opportunity to meet sustained demand for indoor growing.
For those consumers seeking further sustainable options, such as making their own compost at home, retailers can create opportunities by stocking solutions that make the process as easy as possible. Lava-lite’s Composter+ helps gardeners turn everyday waste into powerful, planet-friendly compost. Designed for efficiency and ease, the composter rapidly transforms food scraps into nutrient rich soil, reducing landfill waste and lowering the user’s carbon footprint.
Made from 100% natural, eco-friendly volcanic material, it offers a sustainable way to compost while working in harmony with nature. Natural odour control keeps the surrounding space fresh, making it perfect for homes of any size. “Composting has never been this effortless,” says Lava-lite, as it strives to help gardeners grow healthier plants and live greener.
Boosting soil health
“For garden centre retailers, soil improvers must deliver both performance and added value for increasingly eco-conscious customers,” explains SBM Life Science Brand Manager, Angharad James. “While quality compost provides the foundation, nutrient availability remains a common challenge – particularly in alkaline soils where elements like iron can become locked up, leading to poor plant performance.
Angharad continues: “Complementary products, such as seaweed-based biostimulants, including Maxicrop All Purpose Growth Stimulant and Maxicrop Growth Stimulant + Sequestered Iron, offer a strong upselling opportunity by enhancing nutrient uptake, improving soil health and boosting plant resilience, resulting in improved plant quality and higher yields. Organic, sustainably sourced solutions also help retailers meet demand for greener products while driving sales through effective, problem-solving add-ons.”
Dr.Soil promises a range of soil improvers ‘made simple’, enabling gardeners to create the perfect mix for their space by mixing their own. “To create the best growing medium for your plants, you need to start with the finest ingredients,” says the company. “That is why we have carefully selected top-quality materials and packed them in handy 1-litre units – easy to lift, store, and use. Ideal for hobby gardeners with experience, but simple enough for anyone to enjoy.” Dr.Soil – Soil Improvers can be mixed with garden soil or other substrates to significantly boost plant health and nutrition. They make potting and repotting easier, while improving aeration, drainage, and nutrient absorption. Unlike ordinary mixes, they will not compact or exhaust quickly, but instead provide a stable, fertile environment for vigorous plant growth. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants, Dr.Soil Mix-Your-Own products create the perfect conditions for healthy roots, lush foliage, and long-lasting vitality.
“Healthy plants start with healthy soil, and even the best soil needs support,” says Sipcam Marketing Manager, Lydia Grayston. “Ecofective Nourish & Bloom All Purpose Granular Plant Food is the ideal product for gardeners who want to nurture both soil and plants sustainably. With its SoilActivator technology, a single application delivers stronger roots, healthier growth, and abundant blooms. Containing seven strains of beneficial bacteria, tired soil is revitalised, creating the perfect conditions for roots to thrive. It works with any soil, reviving tired earth and unlocking nature’s potential.” Nourish & Bloom granules feed plants for up to six months, giving time-starved gardeners the freedom to ‘feed and forget’.
For those gardeners who want to improve soil health without the use of chemicals, Hortiwool Garden Pads are a great solution. Made from 100% pure British wool – a renewable, responsibly sourced and fully compostable material – they provide natural weed suppression, improve moisture retention and help regulate soil temperature, reducing the need for watering and chemical inputs. As the wool breaks down, it enriches the soil with nutrients, supporting long-term soil health. Manufactured in the UK, Hortiwool’s products offer an authentic, eco-conscious solution that meets rising consumer demand for sustainable gardening.
Comments are closed.