Growing Greener with Peat-Free Gardening

Peat, sometimes referred to as peat moss, is an accumulation of fallen vegetation such as trees, branches, leaves, shrubs, sedges, and other plant material that forms naturally over thousands of years at the bottom of wetland areas known as peatlands. These areas grow barely one millimeter a year, meaning they don’t easily regenerate. Despite their environmental significance, an estimated 25% of peatlands around the world have been systematically destroyed. Alarmingly, this figure is higher than 80% in the United Kingdom, prompting the government to phase out peat use in horticulture and gardening by 2026.

Coir derived from coconut waste has gained popularity due to its versatility. Similarly, composting garden waste or food scraps is an easy and inexpensive way to build healthier soil for plants to grow in. In addition, wood fibers and bark, byproducts of the timber industry, provide similar benefits. They are long-lasting and widely used as mulching materials in gardens, especially during the spring.

Harriet Thompson, a new generation of “ecopreneurs,” is another inspiring advocate of the peat-free movement. According to a 2023 RHS survey, approximately 29% of horticultural businesses have successfully transitioned to alternative peat-free plant-growing solutions. With the United Kingdom leading by example, more countries, notably the Netherlands, have implemented policies to shift toward more sustainable practices.

When growing plants in peat-free mixes, you’ll notice that these materials generally have a lower water-holding capacity than peat. Using pots made of paper or coir, both recyclable materials, helps to absorb more water and stimulates plant growth while reducing plastic waste. Although it takes time for leaves to decompose into dark, crumbly compost, leaf mold compost is the best natural soil conditioner for any garden.