The free email advisory service launches in time for the start of the growing season and will help gardeners navigate the use of new sustainable growing media alternatives.
Following decades of research, high quality peat-free products are now available to gardeners and to get the best out of these new alternatives a few changes to use and care may be required such as the approach to watering and in selecting the right mix for the job.
Each year, approximately 2.8 million cubic metres of bagged growing media - equivalent to 1,120 Olympic swimming pools - are sold through retail, the majority of which is sold in spring. This new advice service aims to help the UK’s 30million gardeners grow healthy plants using peat-free mixes.
In a recent survey by the RHS of UK gardeners, just over half of respondents (51.3%) reported believing to some extent that peat-free growing media gives lower quality results than that containing peat but existing RHS research has shown in nursery settings that they can reap the same, if not better results.
Peat-free media’s ‘dry on top’ appearance can mislead gardeners into overwatering which can in turn lead to plant failures, while watering little and often can keep plants blooming. Recent trials by the RHS in commercial nurseries have shown that peat-free growing media can perform comparably or better than peat-based alternatives using the same amount of water.
The RHS’ new free email advice service is supplemented by its online peat-free hub where information and growing advice can be accessed. Top tips for spring growing include:
- Choose the right growing media. In recent years many new peat-free mixes have been developed, meaning there is something to cater to every need. Read the packaging and select one that will best suit the plants growing in it, whether they’re seedlings or long-term container plants; acid-loving or houseplants.
- Water with care. Peat-free mixes will have slightly different watering needs to peat, so gardeners that are used to peat may need to alter their watering frequency and amount. Use a finger to check the moisture levels under the surface where possible, or lift the container to feel how heavy it is. For seeds, simply swapping a watering can for a mister can help maintain the right moisture levels without over- or underwatering.
- When it comes to sowing seeds and root cuttings, use specific seed and cuttings peat-free bagged options. These are milled to a finer texture which is important for smaller seeds.
- Feed your seedlings. Seed and cuttings compost contains very few nutrients, so it’s advisable to give a dilute feed – for example liquid seaweed feed - once seedlings have produced their first true leaves, and then often enough to keep plants looking healthy.
Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science, said: “We’ve launched this new peat-free advice service to support gardeners in making a smooth transition to sustainable growing media. Peat-free alternatives can deliver outstanding results, and with the right know-how, gardeners can achieve thriving plants while protecting our vital peatlands. Our trials have shown that peat-free compost can match or even outperform peat-based mixes, and we hope this service will help dispel any doubts by offering practical, expert guidance.”
Peatlands are natural boggy habitats that store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. Extracting peat destroys precious habitats, releases stored carbon and stops peatlands acting as a sponge for the landscape, increasing flood risk downstream.
For free, tailored and expert advice on growing with peat-free contact
peatfree@rhs.org.uk
For more information visit:
www.rhs.org.uk/advice/peat-free
