March Newsletter
March 2, 2020
Welcome to March 2020
It’s sow time! OK, so you may have already started off a few chillies and sweet peas, but March is the true start of the busy sowing months. In fact, it’s a busy month for all things gardening, not just seeds. Onion sets need to be planted, winter weeding completed, bare-root trees planted and, should the rain ever stop, the lawn could do with a first mow.
Continue ReadingFor Peat’s Sake
February 27, 2020
How and why we have gone peat-free in 2020!
Going Peat Free
This year we have worked tirelessly to ensure that all of the plants we grow ourselves are 100% peat-free! With climate change being at the forefront of everybody’s minds, businesses have been left to question whether they are doing enough? Well, whenever we look at new and innovative ways to improve our sustainability we try to go one step further.
Because of this, Dobies is at the forefront of an industry-wide transformation! For over 120 years our customers have enjoyed high quality and ethically sourced products. We know we’re not absolutely perfect when it comes to sustainability but we have taken huge steps to becoming a lot better. Now that we’ve started, there’s no stopping us!
Dobies Home-Grown Plants are 100% peat-free
In our nursery in Devon, we have switched to 100% peat-free compost! We’re proud to have achieved this 10 years ahead of the government guidelines – it means next year we’ll be growing close to 1 million plants in peat-free compost.
Because of our efforts to go 100% peat-free, we have helped to push the industry forward. We have worked closely with our growing partners to remove peat from all of our value and garden ready flower plug plants too. With this included it means that 95% of the compost used to grow our plants will be peat-free and we’re working very closely with our other partners to remove peat from that final 5% as soon as possible.
Why Going Peat Free Matters
Undisturbed, peat bogs absorb and store huge amounts of carbon. It’s also a rich and vital habitat for plants, insects and many more species of wildlife. Peat bog mass is being extracted 60 times faster than it lays down, meaning that at this rate it is extremely unsustainable.
Going Peat Free In Your Garden
How can I go peat-free? You might be asking, well you can start by ordering peat-free compost. A totally natural and ecologically friendly product. Your plants will still grow strong and luscious with the knowledge that you are doing your part towards protecting our planet.
Look out for this icon! When you see it, it means the product is 100% peat free and you’ll save 5% off!
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
Totally Tomatoes Terminology
February 24, 2020
What does Cordon Tomato mean? Well, you’re in the right place to find out! Below we explain some of the terminology surrounding totally tasty tomatoes.
Firstly, there is nothing more satisfying than growing your own tomato plants. From smaller cherry tomatoes all the way up to beefsteak tomatoes and everything in between! But what’s the difference?
Tomatoes are an extremely versatile fruit that can be used in many different dishes so having a couple of plants in your garden can be extremely beneficial. Some varieties of tomatoes will happily grow in window sills or even hanging baskets. From planting tomato seeds, to fully-fledged potted varieties the opportunities for beautifully delicious tomatoes to be homegrown are endless.
Veranda Red
February 18, 2020
Bred in Britain, the patio tomato packed with flavour!
There is nothing better than picking a tomato that you have grown yourself! Especially when it tastes as good as the Veranda Red.
As tomato plants go, it doesn’t get much better than the Veranda Red. Taking 15 years to perfect, this plant was truly a labour of love. However, now it’s here and it’s ready to rock your cherry tomato world!
February Newsletter
January 29, 2020
February is not well-loved. When did you ever hear anyone say it was their favourite month? In February 1587, Mary Queen of Scots lost her head and in 1958 the first parking meters appeared in London. And on top of that, it is often cold, dark, dank and damp. But (thank goodness for a but) the days are getting longer, and the first hints of spring are showing.
Snowdrops and early daffodils are in bloom as are hellebores and, here in Devon, our county flower, the primrose, is cheerfully brightening the grass verges and woodland.