New Products for 2022
A Boost for peat free growing There’s no doubt that users of peat-free growing media have had to adapt their watering and feeding regimes to achieve results comparable with the tried and tested peat-based products they have used for decades. Faced with the phasing out of peat by 2024, Westland have addressed the challenges with the launch of Boost, a totally new plant feed. We invited category manager Helen Amos to tell us more…
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TN: Boost is marketed as an allpurpose liquid plant feed – but presumably it’s designed to be more than ‘just another fertiliser’. HA: Without doubt, Boost is far more than ‘just another fertiliser.’ I truly believe it to be game changing. The ‘All-Purpose’ statement is to aid our consumers so that they know it can be used across the garden in all their beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets. The reality is that Boost has been designed to take plant food to a whole new level. It is the first feed optimised for both peat and peat-free composts and is a major step forward in the world of plant feeds. From a consumer perspective it meets their needs; guaranteeing four times more blooms and more fruits and vegetables compared to watering alone. This is thanks to the perfect blend of high-quality nutrients and an extra boost of potassium. It is also engineered through our unique water management system to almost
eliminate leaching, making it better for the environment, which has the added benefit of making it faster and easier to water. We have named this ‘Plantsense technology™.’ Boost also has an easy-squeeze dosing system, so application is faster and more efficient which is particularly important for drier peat free mixes. We are advising consumers to add a squeeze every time you water, making it more habitual. By simply adding Boost to the watering can, consumers can easily achieve their aspirations. GTN: Is it fair to assume that many consumers expected peat-free growing media to behave in the same way as their
Plantsense technology™ works to guarantee four times more blooms
peat-based counterparts but have been disappointed with the results? HA: My view is that our consumers’ knowledge of peat and peat-free growing media varies greatly. Boost makes water wetter almost However, whatever eliminating leaching their understanding, to save water and one thing remains promote better growth. a constant: the three moments of truth. Consumers want clarity of messaging as they look at the front and back of the bag. When they open it, they want it to look right, and most importantly they want great results. Whether
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a consumer is disappointed depends greatly on the quality of the peat-free media and it is certainly more variable than peat alone. For over 15 years, Westland has been at the forefront of peat replacement with continued investment in our highly effective peat alternative technology. This focus, along with our ongoing commitment not to use green waste, ensures Westland’s growing media are of the highest consistency and deliver sector-leading performance for gardeners. By offering a range of composts
and soil solutions that provide gardeners with high-quality peat alternatives, we can highlight the fact that those sustainable choices can achieve first class results and will not leave our consumers disappointed. GTN: What feedback has Westland had from users so far on their experience with products like New Horizon? HA: New Horizon is setting new standards in peat-free compost. Its unique blend, made from BIO3, is delivering market leading results in terms of sales growth, product performance and consumer feedback. GTN: Do you think Boost will speed up the acceptance of peat-free media so that the government’s target for phasing out peat altogether by 2024 can be met?
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