This Gardeners’ World TV programme gave an excellent overview of why peat is so important to climate change – and how gardeners can act to reduce their impact on it by opting for peat free compost.
Peat bogs store carbon in a highly efficient way, as phenolic compounds slow down decomposition of plant material, locking up carbon dioxide in the long term - or until the peat bog dries out or is harvested for compost.
Under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, the Government target is for a 90% reduction in peat use by 2010, however according to the Gardeners’ World programme, we are unlikely to meet that target until 2026.
The Wildlife Trusts’ advice sheet on Gardening without Peat (PDF file) provides a good written overview, or there is RHS advice on this topic, or Which? reviews of peat free compost.
Around two thirds of peat use is by amateur gardeners, with commercial horticulture accounting for the remainder. As gardeners we are therefore in a very strong position to reduce the amount of peat extracted for compost, by buying peat free alternatives.
A new campaign to phase out peat in compost by 2020 has been announced by Defra - including tips from Diarmuid Gavin. This is a key area where gardeners can take action to benefit the environment and reduce climate change impacts – visit our Peat Page for more information.
Which? Gardening recommend New Horizon Peat Free grow bag and multi-purpose compost. This year (for the first time) the performance of the peat-free grow bag compost exceeded that of peat based compost when used in containers, and almost matched peat based grow bags. It is available locally from New Hopetoun Gardens – or you could support Linlithgow DIY shop by buying reduced peat compost (including free local delivery). Homebase peat free compost did so poorly in tests it was rated a ‘don’t buy’ by Which?
