Peat-free FAQs

Why should I stop using compost containing peat?
Globally, peatlands are the largest natural terrestrial carbon store. We are rapidly destroying these precious carbon stores for horticulture, fuel and land conversion and the peat market is expected to continue to grow.

In the UK, amateur gardeners use an estimated 3 billion litres of peat each year! It can take a whole year for peat bogs to build up by 1 millimetre, which means that it cannot replenish itself once it's been harvested.

Over 94% of the UK’s lowland peat bogs have been destroyed or damaged and we now import most of our peat from other countries.

How do I know if a compost contains peat? 
Check the labelling on the bag of soil carefully. Often compost can be called 'peat reduced' and still contain a high proportion of peat. The label should clearly say 'peat-free'.

When I buy plants, does the soil they come with contain peat? 
Most plants are grown using peat compost. However, a few plant nurseries avoid peat and these plants should be labelled as 'peat-free'.

Does peat-free compost work as well as compost containing peat? 
For avid gardeners concerned about the performance of peat alternatives, there is plenty of advice online documenting the use of peat-free alternatives. If you've got the space, you can even make your own compost!

If this is such a big issue, why is there no accreditation system or legal barrier to selling peat-based compost? 
In 2011, the UK government set targets to phase out peat use in gardens by 2020 - this hasn't happened. The government have recently responded to a petition to legislate a ban on compost containing peat, which is less than inspiring for the short-term. We need to let stores and the government know that we don't want to buy peat-based plants and composts.

If you have any other questions about the peat-free movement, add your comment below and we'll try and find the answer to your question.