Creating wonder without costing the earth

We’re a collective of horticultural and sustainability experts on a mission to shake up the world of growing.

We exist to inspire a world that sees beginnings, not ends, by showing we can transform waste into wonder.

We’re here to:

  1. Create products that work wonders — for plants, people, and the planet — crafted from industry by-products and ingredients that would otherwise go to waste.

  2. Share expert and practical DIY advice — helping you turn the things you’d throw away into something extraordinary.

  3. Invest in community initiatives — inspiring everyone to bring wasted spaces and resources back to life.

Whether you’re planting your first seed or shaping the future of the industry, if you’re ready to turn waste into wonder for plants, people, and the planet, let’s make it happen.

INTRODUCING

THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE COMPOST

Wonderfuel is a sustainable, reliable and affordable compost carefully crafted from waste materials and by-products. Our ingredient mix has been selected and sourced to ensure the sustainability of the finished product securing a market leading ‘A’ grade from the Responsible Sourcing Scheme for Growing Media.

Our mix currently relies on some imported waste. We are hunting for alternative UK materials, such as used hops from brewing, and will introduce these as soon as they have been tested and proven.

Ingredients

Green Compost 

  • Collected by councils from household green waste bins. 

  • Thermodynamically broken-down green plant tissue. 

  • Excellent source of macronutrients and microbiological organisms. 

  • A widely available and undervalued ingredient. 

  • Currently the most sustainable ingredient available – however cannot be used at greater than 30% inclusion in a potting mix

Wood fibre 

  • A by-product from the US furniture industry. Mechanically and physically altered (heat, pressure, force) to produce fibre from chips. 

  • Single species of tree utilised ensuring most consistent form of wood fibre on the market. 

  • Low carbon dioxide CO₂ footprint due to containerised transport and 32x compression rate. 

Coir

  • A by-product from the coconut food production industry. 

  • A blend of pith and cut fibers mixed and compressed. 

  • High water holding capacity and air to water ratio which is good for root development. 

  • Low CO₂ footprint due to containerized transport and 12x compression rate. 

Composted Bark 

  • A by-product from the UK forestry industry. 

  • High water holding and buffering capacity. 

  • Stabilized before use by composting for between six to eight weeks.

A complimentary fertiliser package, wetting agent and trace elements are added to ensure efficacy of the product.

Packaging

Compost is heavy, needs to be protected from outside elements and retain its moisture. Heavy duty plastic is currently the most suitable packaging material. We have worked with our supplier to find the most sustainable option. Our packaging contains 65% post-consumer recycled plastic, uses fixed colour printing reducing ink usage by 30% and thanks to new technology uses between 15-20% less polymer than other compost packaging with no negative impact on strength and rigidity.

Production

Our compost is made, packaged and distributed in partnership with Durston’s a family run business for over 150 years and based in Somerset. Durston’s reputation for quality and service is recognised across the UK.

Using Wonderfuel

    1. Fluff up your compost which will have been compacted in transportation.

    2. Clean and dry your containers to avoid pests.

    3. Fill the containers, leaving around 1cm at the top. Don’t pack it too tightly.

    4. Gently water so that the compost feels like a wet sponge.

    5. Sow your seeds as instructed on the packet.

    6. Lightly water without disturbing the seeds.

    7. Place in a warm spot with good light, away from drafts.

    8. Check daily and keep moist but be careful not to over water.

    9. If your seeds look overcrowded, simply thin them out.

    10. Don’t forget to label your pots so you know what is growing.

    1. Make sure your container is large enough for roots to grow and has drainage holes.

    2. Fill your pots with the compost, leaving about 2.5cm of space at the top.

    3. Carefully remove your plants from their current pots by gently squeezing the sides to loosen.

    4. Place in the centre of the new pot and lightly fill round the sides with more compost. Avoid burying the stem too deep.

    5. Give your plants a good watering so the compost is moist but not soggy.

    6. Check regularly, ensuring the compost stays moist but not waterlogged. The top 2.5cm should feel dry before watering.

    7. To give plants a boost, add a diluted liquid fertiliser every few weeks.

    8. For tropical plants, mist occasionally or place a tray of water nearby to increase humidity.

    9. Rotate your plants every week for even growth.

    10. Get to know your plants by researching their specific needs.

    1. Make sure your container is large enough for roots to grow and has drainage holes. Fill your pots with compost, leaving about 2.5cm of space at the top.

    2. Carefully remove your plants from their current pots by gently squeezing the sides to loosen.

    3. Place in the centre of the new pot and lightly fill around the sides with more compost. Avoid burying the stem too deep.

    4. Give your plants a good watering so the compost is moist, not soggy.

    5. Check regularly, ensuring the compost stays moist but not waterlogged. The top 2.5cm should feel dry before watering.

    6. To give plants a boost, add a diluted liquid fertiliser every few weeks.

    7. Pots, baskets and containers can lose moisture during hot spells. Water first thing in the morning or late afternoon.

    8. Get to know your plants by researching their specific needs.

    1. Keep an eye out for pests. Check under the leaves and the base of plants. If you spot any, treat promptly with organic pest control methods.

    2. Mulch for moisture. Adding mulch, such as bark chips or straw, on top of your compost helps retain moisture and prevent weeds.

    3. Consider companion planting. Some plants grow better together. Companion planting maximises space and deters pests.

    4. Deadheading is essential for keeping your plants flowering.

    5. Hungry vegetable plants need extra fertiliser. For bumper crops, feed frequently and start feeding early.

    6. Layering for success. If planting multiple types of plants, start with taller plants in the centre or back and shorter ones in the front or sides. This looks good and ensures all plants get adequate sunlight.

    7. Use the compost bag for lining baskets and containers. Just add drainage holes and it has a new purpose.

    8. Always use fresh compost.

Safety

  • Use in a ventilated place and avoid breathing in dust.

  • Always wear gloves when gardening and wash hands after use.

  • Close bag after use to avoid drying out and to prevent contamination.

  • Store in cool dry conditions.

  • Under certain conditions, a white mould may appear on the surface of some of the compost. This is entirely normal and not harmful to humans, plants or pets.

Questions?

  • For more information on peat free growing please contact the free advice service provided by the Royal Horticultural Society email

  • For more information on Wonderfuel please email