Future-proofing production at Coles Nurseries

As the UK moves toward a peat-free future, Coles Nurseries – Britain’s largest nursery stock producer – is ahead of the curve. With all its production now 30% peat-reduced, the company’s recent peat-free trials have given the production team the confidence to embrace a future without peat, as and when the legislation comes into force.

A trusted one-stop-shop for high-quality hardy nursery stock and trees, Coles Nurseries has been a cornerstone of the UK horticulture industry since 1913. From its 550-acre base – at four sites at Thurnby, Gaddesby, Syston and Deeping near Peterborough – the nursery produces over 1.2 million trees and 2.4 million shrubs annually. Offering shrubs in 9cm pots, to trees with 25-30cm girths – and everything in-between – it serves landscapers and amenity professionals nationwide.

The nursery has worked with Osmocote and Levington Advance mixes for over two decades. For its nursery stock and trees in containers, Coles relies on a 30% peat reduced Levington Advance mix containing 30% Fibagro Advance woodfibre, manufacture from FSC certified raw materials – a byproduct from the timber industry.

The nutrition package is built around Osmocote Exact Standard, with 12- 14 month longevity, plus Micromax Premium, ICL’s complete trace element package, and Osmoform N.  With an 8- 10 week release, this slow-release base fertiliser stimulates early rooting and helps compensate for any Nitrogen lockup from the woodfibre.

Smarter nutrition

Working with Operations Manager Ian Edwards and his team, ICL’s Carl Mason has used the AngelaWeb 3.0 precision nutrition software to produce tailored nutrition programmes for each site.

“AngelaWeb takes into account the water source, and hence the water quality, as well as the crop,” says Carl. “For instance, Gaddesby relies on a reservoir fed by a stream and grows hardy nursery stock, while Syston uses hard mains water and grows herbaceous plants. Where the water is hard, we recommend slightly higher rates of Osmocote Exact 12-14m. This helps alleviate any potential issues – reducing reliance on supplementary feeding with water soluble fertilisers. Minimising any potential leaching issues, it is better for the environment.”

“During the season, should a nutrient deficiency arise or a crop need pushing on, Coles relies on our Universol water-soluble range. Universol Yellow aids establishment by boosting root and shoot bud growth, Universol Green provides a nitrogen boost for growth, and Universol Violet toughens stock for autumn.  At Coles, they optimise hard water by neutralising the bicarbonate using acid. For growers not acidifying their water, we would recommend using a hard water Universol option.“

“Universol works really well and doesn’t cause sediment, so no blocked nozzles,” says Ian Edwards. “In spring, we assess any crops carried over winter and topdress with Osmocote Topdress FT.”

Aarron Speed (Nursery Manager at Thurnby site), Ian Edwards (Operations Manager at Coles Nurseries) and Carl Mason (ICL)

Getting ahead with peat-free

In preparation for the peat ban, Ian has trialled several mixes from various suppliers to gain experience.

“This is an ongoing project,” says Ian. “We’ve worked with ICL to reduce peat usage and trialled Levington Advance Sustain peat-free mixes. When the ban takes effect, we’ll be ready to switch with minimal fuss. Right now, peat-free mixes are more expensive, and demand isn’t high in our sector, so we’re taking a pragmatic approach.

“In general, Levington Advance Sustain mixes have been straightforward. Some tree species found it a bit warm, likely due to composted wood products.

“Our in-house trials let us refine our watering regime. A ‘little and often’ method works best, and overall, we’re using a similar volume to peat-reduced mixes.”

Ian is impressed with Osmocote 5 controlled release fertiliser (CRF), designed for sustainable media. Its S-shaped release curve delivers nutrients as needed, with improved trace elements.

“We’ve seen better performance in trees and shrubs using Osmocote 5,” he says. “Some hungry species needed extra feeding.

“This work with Carl has been invaluable. It’s not just the media’s performance, but the full package – great technical support and reliable customer service. With limited site storage, dependable deliveries are crucial. In addition, our 100-strong team benefits from the training Carl and Andrew Wilson (ICL Technical Manager) provide. They tailor content to our needs, which we find really beneficial.”