Naturally, we think there’s no better time than spring to tend to your garden or even try your hand at gardening for the first time. Amidst all the advice you can research ahead of time, there’s one prevailing factor that deserves far more attention: eco-friendly gardening, namely, going peat-free.
You’ve probably heard a lot of back and forth about peat-free compost but the reality is that a lot of us are still unsure what it is and why we should care. Even if you’re only just starting your gardening journey, having a basic foundation of knowledge in compost will get you far. However, what will get you even further is taking the time to understand the difference between peat and peat-free compost.
It’s no secret that gardening certainly comes with its challenges, but spending a few extra pounds on good quality peat-free compost will massively improve your chances of a thriving garden. That’s why the Miracle-Gro Premium All Purpose Peat-Free Compost should be every green thumb’s must-have this spring for gardening gro-ments galore.
What is peat?
First things first, what is peat? Peat is an organic layer of soil that consists of partially decomposed plants, such as mosses and sedges. It typically grows in conditions that are waterlogged, oxygen deficient and with high acidity, otherwise known as peat bogs.
This high acidity is what makes peat so desirable for plants that require acidic soil to thrive, including azaleas, camellia and rhododendrons. However, it is beginning to come to more people’s attention that the benefits of peat do not at all outweigh its alarming environmental impact.
For peat to be used in compost, it needs to be extracted from peat bogs that are drained, which causes damage to thousands of acres of fragile ecosystems. In recent years, it’s also been discovered that digging up peat also releases a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, ultimately contributing to climate change. Needless to say, it’s quickly becoming a no-no among gardening enthusiasts.
Knowing this, as of the end of 2023, Miracle-Gro went completely peat-free, ceasing the production of peated products across all of its ranges. This means all products include recycled ingredients and products that aren’t harmful to the environment. This was done to pave the way to more eco-friendly gardening practices, which we’re certainly all in favour of.
Why should you switch to peat-free?
Switching to peat-free means you’re not only helping wildlife but also the planet. A big misconception of peat-free compost is that it’s not as effective and can’t replicate the benefits that peat brings to budding plants. However, gardeners can rest assured that the wide blend of ingredients included in Miracle-Gro’s peat-free compost – including wood fibre, composted bark, coir, and green waste – will be beneficial to your garden and help you grow plants and produce without the risk of causing harm to the environment.
Of course, as with any new change, there will be some learning curves in adjusting to using peat-free compost in your garden – but it’s all worth it when you see the way it can change your plants and produce completely. However, to give you a little heads up of some key things to expect, be aware that peat-free compost will have a slightly bitty texture and may need to be watered more often. Be prepared to feed more often, too, while you’re at it.
The more you use it, the more you’ll get to know your plants and the best way to look after them. So, enjoy the process!
Miracle-Gro has spent the last 30 years researching and developing the perfect peat-free mix through trials and testing, favouring different ingredients that are not only effective but are sustainable and available in large enough quantities to not further impact the ecosystem – and it has all culminated now into their products that are made of only the best and quality ingredients.
From specialist composts, moisture retention, food and veg and organic right through to your all-purpose compost, Miracle-Gro has you covered. Miracle-Gro’s Premium All Purpose Peat-Free Compost is available nationwide from Amazon, B&Q, and all good garden centres.
Believe us when we say going peat-free will be your secret weapon for strong, healthy, and vibrant plants and produce this spring and all year long.
