Home gardeners across Germany now have a reliable new resource to better understand the quality of the potting soils they purchase, thanks to a joint initiative from the Industrieverband Garten (IVG) and the Gütegemeinschaft Substrate für Pflanzen e.V. (GGS).Helping consumers make informed choices in the gardenEach year, 8 to 9 million cubic meters of potting substrates are produced and sold in Germany for hobby and professional gardening. Yet for consumers, it can be challenging to evaluate whether the products they buy act…

Whether you're planting balcony flowers or growing vegetables in your backyard, choosing the right potting soil can make all the difference in your gardening success. But how can you really tell what’s inside that bag of soil? A new guide from the Gütegemeinschaft Substrate für Pflanzen e.V. (GGS) and the Industrieverband Garten (IVG) e.V. helps consumers better understand quality standards and testing methods for hobby gardening substrates.Why potting soil quality matters more than everEvery year, Germany produces between 8…

German home improvement lovers have a new reason to celebrate. Sonderpreis Baumarkt, one of the fastest-growing discount hardware store chains in the country, has officially joined the German DIY Retail Association (BHB). This move not only strengthens the network of retail members to 25 but also brings BHB’s market coverage to an impressive 98 percent across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.A Discount Powerhouse Grows Even StrongerWith its headquarters in Neustadt near Coburg, Sonderpreis Baumarkt has grown rapidly since i…

For families who love spending time outdoors but hate battling stubborn weeds, there's finally a solution that checks every box: effective, fast, safe, and simple. Spruce, a new weed & grass killer developed by P&G Ventures, is redefining outdoor maintenance for homeowners who want results—without the hassle or worry.A New Kind of Weed Killer for Real LifeWeeds are the unwelcome guests in every yard, yet the choices to eliminate them have long been frustrating. Between back-breaking pulling or waiting days to see if a …

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 8, 2025 - BHB-GardenSummit: Where Strategy Meets SustainabilityWhen market conditions get tough, strategy becomes everything. For retailers in the garden and DIY sector, the BHB-GardenSummit has established itself as an essential touchpoint for fine-tuning brand strategies and staying competitive. Now in its 10th edition, this compact, high-impact event is once again rounding off the spoga+gafa trade fair. It’s set to take place on June 26 at 1:30 p.m. at the Congress Centrum Nord, Koelnmesse.A Must-Attend Event for Garden Retail Le…

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – Weber, the global leader in BBQ innovation, is ushering in a new era of outdoor grilling with the launch of two advanced pellet grill models, SMOQUE® and SEARWOOD®. These state-of-the-art grills replace the previous SMOKEFIRE® series and are designed to elevate the grilling experience with enhanced features and cutting-edge technology.A New Era of Pellet GrillingThe introduction of the SMOQUE® and SEARWOOD® pellet grills marks a significant evolution in Weber's commitment to high-performance cooking. Designed to cater to di…

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – The horticultural industry is increasingly shifting towards sustainable practices, with a significant focus on reducing peat extraction. This movement is driven by the need to conserve finite resources and mitigate climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions. A promising alternative gaining traction is the use of wood fibers in growing media.The Rise of Wood Fiber in HorticultureUtilizing domestic wood raw materials, such as untreated sawmill waste like wood chips, peelings, and milling chips, offers a viable solution to…

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – The landscape of gardening is evolving, with a significant shift towards sustainable practices. One of the most prominent changes is the growing availability and adoption of peat-free potting soils. This article will guide you through the essentials of selecting, using, and maintaining peat-free soils, ensuring your garden thrives while contributing to environmental preservation.Understanding Peat-Free OptionsPay Attention to Labeling When PurchasingAs peat-free soils become increasingly prevalent in garden centers, ha…

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – The move towards eco-conscious gardening is gaining momentum, and a critical component of this shift is understanding why peat should be avoided. Why not use peat when gardening? The answer lies in its profound impact on our planet's carbon storage and biodiversity.The Role of Peatlands in Carbon StoragePeat is formed in moors by the deposition of incompletely decomposed plant biomass, such as sphagnum moss. These moor soils are exceptionally rich in carbon. As stated, “although they cover only about three percent of t…

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 28, 2025 – After a period of decline, customer satisfaction with hardware and DIY stores in Germany has rebounded significantly in January 2025, according to the latest Customer Monitor Germany findings. This resurgence is attributed to a combination of factors, including improved price-performance ratios and enhanced in-store experiences.Key Drivers of Increased SatisfactionThe recent survey highlights several key areas where customers have noticed positive changes. Notably, improvements in cleanliness, the perceived design of s…