New guide and free expert advice to using peat-free compost launches
As the growing season approaches, a coalition of expert organisations – retailers, manufacturers, growing media manufacturers, growers, conservation charities, and trade bodies – have united to create clear guidance on how to grow successfully using peat-free compost in a bid to help accelerate the UK’s transition away from peat.
The 20 organisations, brought together by environmental innovator Sizzle, include DEFRA, the Horticultural Trades Association, Garden Centre Association, British Growers Association and the RHS.
This comes in the wake of recent legislative delays[1] and new research commissioned by Sizzle[2] which reveals that while 67% of gardeners care about sustainable composts, only 30% say they consistently buy peat-free.2This new guidance seeks to close this gap and make it easier for gardeners to make sustainable choices.
Lack of education and familiarity with how to use peat-free compost are key barriers. The research suggests over one in five gardeners (from novices to experts) are confused about the differences between compost types and what makes them sustainable. Additionally, 43% of gardeners stick to composts they know, a trend especially prevalent among those over 55 and more experienced gardeners. The new guidance aims to alleviate these concerns, giving consumers advice on choosing the right compost for their needs and addressing common issues with peat-free products, including overwatering, underfeeding and incorrect storage.
Increasing the use of peat-free compost is essential as peat extraction is highly damaging to the environment. Peatlands are the world’s largest carbon store,[3] with the UK as a leading contributor to emissions from their degradation.[4] Sadly, over 80% of our peatlands are damaged,5 and these ecosystems are critical for biodiversity, with 1 in 6 species now at risk of extinction.4 Despite this and 88% of amateur gardeners supporting a complete retail sales ban on peat-based products, many gardeners continue to buy peat-based compost.[5]
Nature Minister, Mary Creagh, said: “Our peatlands play a crucial role in our ecosystems, acting as our largest terrestrial carbon store, as well providing vital habitats for our wildlife.
“This kind of collaboration across the horticulture sector is key to protecting our peatlands for the future. Gardeners are keen to do their bit to preserve our wonderful landscapes and this new guidance will help to bridge the knowledge gap and make peat free gardening achievable.”
Peter Burks from The Garden Centre Association exclaimed “The Garden Centre Association is determined to provide our customers with the best advice on how to use these new peat free composts successfully. It is so important for all gardeners to have confidence in the products that are now available to them to ensure they continue having a great time growing plants in their homes and gardens.”
Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections, remarked“It is a really positive step to have come together with so many organisations to help provide these top tips for gardeners, to make sure they can grow successfully peat-free. At the RHS, we know the simple action of choosing peat-free compost keeps peat in the ground, where it has a vital role in storing carbon, regulating water in the landscape and as a habitat for wildlife. Gardeners can follow this guidance on the leaflets to get the best from peat-free compost and take an important action for our planet.
Andy Smith at The Responsible Sourcing Scheme added “Providing accessible, accurate information about peat-free composts is essential to building consumer confidence and supporting a successful transition to more sustainable gardening practices. By working collaboratively with retailers, manufacturers, NGOs, and industry bodies, we can help ensure that gardeners receive the guidance they need to select and use peat-free products effectively.”
The guidance will be rolled out starting 18 February at The Garden Press Event.
What can you do to help share education on peat-free practices?
Help us to raise awareness of this new guidance, which can be found Here or Download and share our social media graphics/leaflet using the hashtag #PeatFreeSuccess so that achievements and / or questions from the public can be tracked to continuously improve the advice provided.
For bespoke advisory email support on peat-free gardening contact: peatfree@rhs.org.uk
[1] on the prohibition of sales of peat and peat-containing products . On 6th November 2024, Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, put forward the Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill. Under plans outlined in the Bill, there would be a ban on selling horticultural peat by the end of 2025*with exemptions to allow for a phased, fair transition for professional growers.* Having passed its first reading, the Bill was due to be presented in more detail at its second reading on Friday 24th January, where MPs were to decide whether it can proceed to the next stage, however this has been delayed until the 4th July 2025.) https://www.somersetwildlife.org/news/somerset-wildlife-trust-urge-uk-government-fulfil-promise-ban-sale-peat
[2] Conducted for Sizzle Innovation, an organisation which explores fresh solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges, by Censuswide, July- August 2024, among a sample of 3002 Respondents with access to a garden, broken down into limited, amateur, keen to knowledgeable gardeners. The data was weighted against the gender/age/region fallout of a nationally representative sample of 2,002 UK adults who have access to a garden, collected between 09.08.2024-12.08.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
[3] https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/last-chance-ban-sale-peat
Analysis of the failure of voluntary measures to halt peat use in UK horticulture between 1990 and 2020, Nigel Doar, Head of Science & Research, The Wildlife Trusts February 2022, https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/last-chance-ban-sale-peat
[4] https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/uk-government-confirms-ban-all-peat-based-gardening-products-will-not-be-implemented-until
[5] https://consult.defra.gov.uk/soils-and-peatlands/endingtheretailsaleofpeatinhorticulture/