Blog & Latest News
Our good friend Elliot Neep who is a brilliant photographer and writer, visited our production site at Tetbury recently and as you can see from his blog post at http://www.thegardeningkind.com he enjoyed himself enormously and loved what he saw. To whet your appetite Elliot writes: What’s Really in the Bag? A Tour Behind the Compost…
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The Heritage Seed Library’s lead horticulturist, Marcin Salnikow, shares how SylvaGrow peat-free compost is used to grow its National Collection of Heritage Vegetables The Heritage Seed Library (HSL), based at Garden Organic, near Coventry, is a vital resource – and the only living library in the UK dedicated to conserving heritage and heirloom…
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In this blog we are looking at wormeries. Our Horticultural Technician, Meg Evans, explains what a wormery is, its benefits to your garden, what worms to use and how to feed them. What is a wormery? Wormeries are closed systems in which organic matter is broken down into nutrient rich compost and liquid feed via…
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In recognition of outstanding contributions to horticultural science and sustainability, the prestigious Veitch Memorial Medal has been awarded to Melcourt’s Senior Associate Catherine Dawson, a trailblazer in the field of soil science and a horticultural innovator. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Dawson’s transformative work has played a key role in revolutionising…
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Read on for guidance on installing them and how to enjoy all the benefits they can bring. Raised beds are freestanding growing plots built above ground level. They offer numerous advantages for gardeners of all levels. Benefits of Raised Beds Improved Accessibility: Raised beds can make gardening easier for people with limited mobility. Enhanced Soil…
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We are very proud to announce that Melcourt has become a Platinum Plus Corporate Partner of horticultural charity Perennial. Formerly known as the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society, Perennial is the UK’s only charity supporting all those working with plants, as well as those who have retired, who dedicate their passion, time and energy to keeping…
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We are all aware that we should no longer be using peat. But how do we judge that the alternatives are any less environmentally damaging? Nowadays a much greater variety of ingredients is being used in growing media than ever before. This can present management challenges but also, how can the consumer negotiate this…
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Our Managing Director Andy Chalmers retires and Operations Director Nikki Burton takes over in January 2025 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Nikki Burton as Managing Director from January 2025. Andy Chalmers, will retire as MD on 31st December 2024 after a huge contribution to Melcourt since 1991. Andy has been involved in…
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One of our longest-serving members of staff has retired after 32 years-service with Melcourt. Elaine Rose joined us at the end of 1992 and has worked in our sales department since then with unstinting efficiency and attention to detail. Customers will miss Elaine’s cheery personality and she will be much-missed within Tetbury headquarters office. We…
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Many composts on sale in garden centres are labelled ‘with added John Innes’. Our own SylvaGrow with added John Innes https://melcourt.co.uk/products/sylvagrow-with-added-john-innes/ is no exception. But why do so many products have this added extra ingredient and what exactly is it? We explained in a previous blog the origins and nature of John Innes composts –…
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We were recently contacted by volunteers facilitated by the Zurich Trust who were tasked with creating a sensory garden for Nyland School in Swindon. The school, part of the White Horse Federation group of schools, teaches primary-aged children who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Their aim was to turn an area of worn…
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We are delighted to report that the newest addition to the SylvaGrow range of peat-free composts won the RHS-sponsored Best New Peat-Free Product award against some stiff competition at the South West Growers show this week. SylvaGrow Seed Compost is a fine, low nutrient blend specifically designed for the needs of germinating seeds and for…
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