Enrich the Earth brings the horticulture sector together to boost peat-free gardening

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, with the UK as a leading contributor to emissions from their degradation. Over 80% of our peatlands are damaged and these ecosystems are critical for biodiversity, with 1 in 6 species now at risk of extinction. 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.

Commenting on the new initiative the Government’s Nature Minister, Mary Creagh MP, stated:

“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.”

Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections, added:

“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. We are pleased to be able to offer a dedicated peat-free email, so anyone can get in touch with our expert advisors if they have further questions about using these composts. Gardeners can follow this guidance on the leaflets to get the best from peat-free compost and take an important action for our planet.”

Enrich the Earth is committed to creating greater collaboration within the horticultural sector bringing organisations together to deliver the scale of change required for a more sustainable industry.

We are delighted to have created a coalition of expert organisations — retailers, manufacturers, growing media manufacturers, growers, conservation charities, and trade bodies — 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 include the Horticultural Trades Association, the Garden Centre Association, DEFRA and the British Growers Association in addition to the RHS which has created a free, bespoke advisory email service for people wanting specific advice on peat-free growing.

The need for more consistent and accurate advice was revealed in independent research we commissioned which revealed that whilst 67% of gardeners care about sustainable composts, only 30% say they consistently buy peat-free. This 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.