For many decades, peat compost has been the norm. However, the extraction of peat contributes to environmental damage – from habitat loss to impacting upon climate change, meaning that it is no longer not a sustainable material that we should be using.
A ban on peat compost is due to be debated in parliament by DEFRA, with the hopes of protecting peat landscapes, while in the meantime it is being voluntarily phased out by most gardeners. The majority of composts now available to buy are peat-free and there is a strong UK demand for peat-free plants, that is helping to encourage more people to make the switch.
What is Peat-Free Compost?
Peat-free compost is a growing medium for plants which is made entirely from sustainable, recycled organic materials rather than harvested peat.
It is important to move away from peat composts, as they rely on harvested peat from ancient bogs that takes over thousands of years to accumulate and is non-renewable. Not only does harvesting peat damage these ancient landscapes, but peat bogs store carbon dioxide, which is released into the atmosphere when harvested, worsening climate change.
What is Peat-Free Compost Made Of?
Most peat-free composts are made up of a mixture of organic materials including seeds, ericaceous, general purpose and tree, shrub and rose composts. Here are some of the most common materials you may find in peat-free compost:
- Wood Fibre: Easily tailored to suit different types of compost, it can help to improve drainage
- Green waste: Local councils and some private contractors collect and compost garden and food waste, as it has a high nutrient content and producers have to abide by industry standards for quality
- Composted Bark: It is very stable and porous, so can help keep composts loose and aerated
- Coir (coconut fibre): This waste product is mainly imported from Sri Lanka and India. It has excellent water holding properties whilst still allowing for good drainage.
- Sheep Wool: Wool increases water retention and acts as a source of slow-release nitrogen and other trace elements
- Bracken: This invasive plant can be sustainably harvested, making a great soil conditioner and is often used in ericaceous composts
Some composts may contain added nutrients such as John Innes 2 and 3. These may be mineral fertilisers or granular fertilisers. Most companies keep their recipes secret so may just say ‘with added nutrition’ on their packaging. Some composts contain moisture retaining gels or granules and are useful for summer containers and hanging baskets. These composts will often be labelled as ‘Moisture Control’
The Responsible Sourcing Scheme
The Horticultural Industry has created a ‘Responsible Sourcing Scheme’ for composts and soil mixes, with the aim of enabling people to check the environmental rating of a particular compost. It is a voluntary scheme, but many members have begun showing the logo on the front of their packaging, to indicate they as a manufacturer is an accredited member of the scheme.
As the scheme is still relatively new, not many manufacturers have their rating on the packaging. Instead, there is often a QR code you can scan to look up the individual products and learn more about their rating.
How Do I Use Peat-Free Compost?
Peat-free compost contains different ingredients from compost, so it needs to be handled a little differently.
If you have used peat-free compost in the past and your plants didn’t thrive, it could be because you maybe used the same methods you would as if it is traditional compost. The key thing to remember is that peat-free compost behaves differently, so a few simple adjustments are needed when using it in your garden.
Each manufacturer uses their own blend of materials, so not all peat-free composts are the same. One mix might retain more moisture, another might dry out more quickly. Learning how your chosen compost behaves will help you get the most from it and keep your plants growing strong!
Choose the Right Compost For the Job
Peat-free composts often contain larger particles than peat-based ones, such as visible fibres or small twigs. This texture can cause issues when sowing seeds, as they may fall between gaps and struggle to make good contact with the compost, which is essential for successful germination.
For sowing small seeds, we recommend choosing a fine-grade seed compost, as it will provide the close contact and even texture needed for successful germination. For sowing larger seeds, such as peas or beans, a multipurpose compost that has been sieved to remove the roughest particles should work well.
Assess Moisture Levels
Peat-free compost can often look dry on the surface, even when it is still damp underneath. Instead of watering based on the surface appearance, you can check moisture levels by gently pushing your finger down the side of your pot to feel deeper down the soil.
If your seedlings stay too wet, they may ‘dampen off’, a fungal issue that can cause seeds to rot. Using a spray bottle to mist compost can also help to prevent overwatering.
Feed Earlier
Peat-free compost does not retain nutrients as well as its peat alternatives, so your plants may need feeding sooner. Unless the packaging states that a long-lasting fertiliser is included, it’s a good idea to start feeding about four weeks after sowing, or once the first true leaves appear.
Making feeding part of your weekly routine helps keep plants healthy. We recommend using a general seaweed feed to begin with, switching to a high-potash tomato feed once your plants start flowering or fruiting.
When planting up hanging baskets or larger plants that are going to stay in the pot, consider mixing in a controlled-release fertiliser. These slow-release granules supply nutrients over the season, giving your plants a steady source of food.
Don’t Panic About Mushrooms
Most peat-free composts include wood chip or wood fibre, which naturally encourages fungal activity, including the appearance of small mushrooms in pots or containers.
There’s no need for concern. These fungi are a normal part of the soil biome and won’t harm your plants. In fact, they’re a good sign that your compost is alive with microbial activity. If you’d prefer not to see them, simply pick them off and add them to your compost heap.
Combat Fungus gnats: Fungus gnats (also known as sciarid flies) can be a real nuisance indoors and can damage small seedlings. They love peat-free composts. You can try any or all of the following chemical-free methods.
Things to Look Out For
Fungal gnats (sciarid flies) love peat free composts, and can be a nuisance indoors. There are multiple ways of treating them, for example by placing a carnivorous plant nearby. The dew-covered leaves will attract the flies, trap and digest them. Biological controls such as fly kits can target both larvae and flies in compost, that can help to break the cycle. Adding a layer of horticultural grit to the surface of your pots can prevent flies reaching the compost, leaving them unable to lay eggs.
If you are struggling to find the right texture of peat-free compost for your needs, don’t be afraid to mix up your own custom mix. Combining different composts or adding ingredients like loam, sand, or grit can help you achieve the right texture and drainage for potting on. Mixing in leaf mould or home-made compost is also a great way to improve structure and boost microbial life. However, avoid using home-made compost for seed sowing — it hasn’t been sterilised and may contain fungal spores or pests that could harm seedlings.
Try out a few different brands of bagged peat-free compost. Once you find one that performs well for your plants and growing style, it’s worth sticking with it, as consistency can make a big difference to your results.
Make the Switch with Confidence
Changing to peat-free compost does require a few adjustments, but with the right techniques, you’ll soon see great results. Following our tips can help to make the transition smoothly and keep your plants thriving.
Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today or shop online to explore our selection of peat-free composts. Our friendly, knowlegdable team are always on hand to help with any gardening queries you may have.
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