Peat is a natural product. It is formed from partially composted mosses and plants in waterlogged, acidic bogs. These bogs or ‘peatlands’ are extremely important because they absorb and store carbon; reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere is vital to tackling climate change.

Extracting these bogs to get the peat results in carbon being released and although Peat composts are fantastic for fertilising our crops they have a negative impact on our environment, therefore more and more gardeners are opting for ‘peat-free’ composts. Peat-free potting composts are 100% natural and contain mixtures of various different organic materials that don’t harm the environment – e.g. composted bark, coir (coconut fibre), woodfibre and green compost.

The development of peat-free composts has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years and is nor a great alternative. Along with being more ‘green’, peat-free composts are great for holding moisture well and releasing nutrients slowly and over a long period of time, which is ideal for planters and containers.