"Karl Kimpton" wrote in message
news:ww21c.2120$vY.1411@newsfe1-win...
Hi, Can anyone tell me what the difference is between compost and peat
and
if it does the same thing? Many thanks.
Karl.


AFAIK peat (although burning well on the right kind of fire) does not
contain much in the way of nutrients.

It improves soil, giving it water retention and a more open structure (good
for both clay and sandy soils).

It is used to bulk out composts (which should also contain a balance of
nutrients to feed plants).

Not recommended to plant into a bale of Irish Peat (or even Irish Pete).

You can get loam based composts (John Innes 1,2,3) or compost based on other
organic fibre e.g. coir.

The demand for peat is outstripping supply, leading to a loss of natural
habitats.

Unfortunately the alternatives do not seem to perform as well as peat, so
most compost, Gro Bags etc. are still AFAIK peat based.

HTH

Dave R