The transition away from peat use in horticulture is in progress. The move is seen as a necessary part of fighting climate change and biodiversity loss. But for us gardeners, it does mean making some adjustments.
Understandably, the key concern for many gardeners is their ability to continue raising healthy plants. In the clamour to bring enough peat-free composts to the market, many substandard products were unfortunately produced. This isn’t particularly surprising, given the time it takes to develop a high-quality peat-free compost. The composting process alone takes at least three months, and then the mixes must be tested by having plants sown into them and each batch then has to be compared withoutstripped their ability to supply it. However, as time passes, more and more quality options will become available. Recipes will be honed, and processes refined. Also, our ability to choose good quality products will improve as we learn what to look for.
