Peat-Free Gardening: A Step Towards Sustainable Growing

The horticulture industry is making a significant push toward peat-free gardening, and the latest initiative is proof that collaboration can drive meaningful change. With 20 organizations, including DEFRA, the RHS, and the Horticultural Trades Association, joining forces, a new set of clear, practical guidelines has been launched to help gardeners successfully transition to peat-free compost.

At Agriton UK, we welcome this movement toward sustainable gardening. Peatlands are vital carbon sinks, and their degradation contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions. Despite this, recent research shows that while 67% of gardeners support sustainable compost, only 30% consistently buy peat-free. A major barrier? Lack of awareness and confidence in how to use it.

This new guidance aims to bridge that gap, offering expert advice on watering, feeding, and storing peat-free compost to ensure plants thrive. The message is clear: using peat-free compost isn’t about compromise—it’s about learning new techniques to work with different materials that can be just as effective.

Why Does Peat-Free Matter?

Peatlands store more carbon than all the world's forests combined, making their preservation crucial for climate action. The continued extraction of peat for gardening releases stored carbon, worsening climate change. In the UK, over 80% of our peatlands are already damaged, contributing to biodiversity loss and habitat destruction.

The horticulture industry has long debated the need for a peat ban, but delays in legislation have left much of the responsibility on retailers, growers, and consumers to make the switch voluntarily. With peat-free alternatives now widely available and better than ever, there’s never been a more important time to embrace them.

How to Get the Best from Peat-Free Compost

Making the transition requires some adjustments. Here are the key takeaways from the new peat-free guidelines:

✅ Choose the Right Compost – Whether you're sowing seeds, potting plants, or improving soil, different mixes are available to suit each purpose. Understanding what to use when will help you achieve the best results.

✅ Adjust Your Watering Routine – Peat-free compost retains moisture differently. The surface may look dry while the lower layers remain damp, so always check moisture levels before watering.

✅ Feed Your Plants Regularly – Peat-free composts contain fewer naturally occurring nutrients than peat-based mixes. Keep an eye on plant health and introduce a balanced feed as needed.

✅ Store Compost Properly – Keep bags in a cool, dry place to maintain quality and effectiveness.

Spreading the Word

The horticulture industry is actively pushing for better education around peat-free gardening. You can support this movement by sharing guidance, trying peat-free compost yourself, and encouraging others to make the switch. The campaign is also rolling out across social media under #PeatFreeSuccess—a great way for gardeners to exchange tips and experiences.

At Agriton, we’re proud to support environmentally responsible solutions, and we encourage gardeners to explore peat-free options alongside other sustainable gardening practices like Bokashi composting. If you’re looking for an effective way to recycle food waste into nutrient-rich compost, our Bokashi systems are a great companion to peat-free gardening.

The shift away from peat is happening. Will you be part of the change?