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Environment and greener living
Choosing peat-free soils and fertilisers
Peat only started being widely used in gardens in the 1950s, but its use has increased, leading to the destruction of many natural habitats. Fortunately, there are alternatives to peat which work just as well or even better.
The wider issue
Peat bogs provide unique wildlife habitats and are valuable stores of carbon. Globally, peat bogs hold more carbon than the world’s forests. When peat is extracted, carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Large areas of these important habitats have been damaged in the UK and abroad by the commercial use of peat. Although some UK peatlands are now protected, many in Europe are not, and this is where most of the UK's garden peat comes from.
Choose alternatives to peat
The National Trust has a policy of gardening without peat, and selling plants that are grown without its use
Choosing alternatives to peat when you buy soils and fertilisers is one of the most important things you can do to make your garden greener.
Peat-free products are widely available at high street stores and garden centres. Check that the bag says “peat-free” or ask an assistant if it’s not clear.
There are alternative options for the various uses of peat in the garden.
Mulch
If you’re looking for mulch (material placed on top of soil to keep down weeds and conserve moisture) consider bark or leaf mould based materials. These work much better than peat, which breaks down too easily.
Growing media
When you want to grow plants and seedlings, look for products that contain bark, wood, coconut fibre or spent mushroom compost (this is compost previously used by mushroom growers). These alternatives can work as well as peat, provided you follow the feeding and watering instructions.
Soil conditioner
Try improving your soil with conditioners based on wood waste, leaf mould, farmyard manure or home compost.
Get advice on peat-free products
Peat-free products are widely available at high street stores and garden centres
The Wildlife Trusts produce a leaflet with information about where to buy peat-free products. If you can't download the PDF file from the link below, you can request a copy by phoning 0870 036 7711. They can also tell you about visiting a peatland reserve near you to see what you've helped look after. Follow the Wildlife Trusts link in 'More useful links' for more information.
Natural England produces a downloadable document on composting and peat-free gardening. If you can't download the PDF file from the link below, it may be available as a leaflet from: Natural England, Enquiry Service, Northminster House, Peterborough, PE1 1UA. Telephone 0845 600 3078 or email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Start making your own compost
Having a compost bin or starting a compost heap means you can use your kitchen and garden waste to improve your soil. It’s a greener way of gardening because:
- you can avoid using peat
- you don’t have to rely on artificial fertilisers, which take a lot of energy to make and can cause water pollution
- you throw less away
- you can save money
Some councils provide composting bins or sell them at reduced prices.
