The Compost King has trialled Pro-Grow Compost!
Mick Poultney, aka The Compost King, is a gardening expert and educator who has been actively involved in testing and promoting peat-free gardening solutions. He has extensive experience in gardening and growing trials, previously hosted free Sunday night Zoom talks across the UK, helping gardeners explore peat-free alternatives and now Chair at Colley Gate gardening club and their three trading sheds.
Mick makes his own compost at his home in Birmingham, and has tried and tested a big range different blends throughout the years, however he cannot make enough for his own potting on, raised beds, top dressing and the rest of his gardening jobs. He is always on the look out for the best composts on the market.The compost Mick currently uses is a traditional peat-based compost from Northern Ireland, with the upcoming ban he is looking for a peat free alternative.![]()
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Mick has been conducting growing trials comparing Pro-Grow Multi-Purpose Compost (peat-free) (pictured right above) against his usual peat-based compost from Northern Ireland (pictured left above).
The trial started with four nearly identical plants in small cups. Two plants were planted in Pro-Grow Multi-Purpose Compost and two in the peat based alternative. Throughout the trial the plants grew near enough identically and for the final uproot and pot on, Mick checked upturned the plants to check the root growth.
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The plants grown in the Irish, peat based compost had the roots just showing and coming through as pictured.
Whereas the plants grown in the peat free, Pro-Grow Multi-Purpose Compost, were showing significantly better root structure, meaning stronger and healthier plants!
Peat based compost, right below. Peat free Pro-Grow Multi-Purpose Compost, left below.
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Pro-Grow has been on par with the peat based compost throughout the growing season.
After four months of trialling, Mick found Pro-Grow to be a cost-effective and viable peat-free option, which has proved to be as good as, if not better, than the peat based alternative, particularly in root development.
Mick is already a fan of Pro-Grow's Rockdust, which he uses regularly in his garden, allotment, and for houseplants too! Check out Mick's video to hear more about the trial.
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Pictured from left to right, Lucy Jones Pro-Grow Sales and Logistics Manager, Mick Poultney The Compost King, Jennifer Brodie Pro-Grow Rockdust Manager and James Phillips Veolia Creative Lead: Video & Animation.
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Posted by Lucy Jones
2nd July 2025
