In a bid to help gardeners achieve better results from peat-free compost, British growing media producer, Durston Garden Products Ltd are collaborating with horticultural retailers, manufacturers, NGOs and trade bodies to provide consistent guidance and messaging.

Keen to help accelerate the UK’s transition away from peat and arm gardeners with the right knowledge to grow successfully, the partnership has launched a new concise peat-free guide that has been agreed by 20 horticultural organisations, including Durstons, the British Growers Association, Bulrush Horticulture, Defra, Garden Centre Association (GCA), the Gardens Group, and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

The move fosters greater collaboration right across the horticulture sector, with the key aim of cutting through confusion in the compost sector and helping gardeners make more sustainable choices.

The need for more consistent and reliable advice was highlighted by new research, which found that more than one in five gardeners – from complete novices to expert growers – are confused about different compost types and what makes them sustainable.

The independent research, commissioned by Enrich the Earth, also showed that many gardeners are reluctant to make a switch, with 43% stating that they stick to composts they know. Unsurprisingly, this trend was particularly prevalent amongst those over the age of 55 and the more experienced gardeners surveyed. Equally, whilst 67% of gardeners said they care about sustainable composts, only 30% consistently buy peat-free.

Durstons have been vocal about their commitment to a peat-free future for years now and are working to plug the knowledge gap amongst consumers and retailers alike. The family-run business welcomes the industry’s collaboration to boost peat-free gardening and offer gardeners the helping hand they need. The timing is particularly important, as nearly 90% of amateur gardeners say they support a complete ban on the sale of peat products, however, many continue to buy peat-based compost.

Durston Garden Products Ltd Director, Dan Durston explains: “We have spent years researching and developing peat-free alternatives that really work. Finally, we have a peat-free collection that we are extremely proud of; one that is outperforming peat-free and peat-reduced competitors in independent trials and helping gardeners achieve outstanding results. However, we know that there is a distinct lack of education around peat-free, with inaccurate and inconsistent information available for growers.

Unfortunately, this has lead to gardeners not achieving the results they want or shying away from peat-free altogether, which isn’t great news for anybody. The ongoing delays and uncertainty over the peat ban haven’t helped but we do know a commercial ban is inevitable, so it is vital we do what we can now to remove gardeners’ reliance on peat.

“We were delighted to join the peat-free partnership and come together with key players in the industry to give gardeners the support they need and bring us all a step closer to a peat-free future.”

The campaign is also being supported by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which has made its new free advisory service available for gardeners if they have any questions about peat-free growing (peatfree@rhs.org.uk), whilst the conversation can be tracked under the hashtag #peatfreesuccess.

Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science and Collections, added: “It is a really positive step to have come together with so many organisations to help provide these top tips for gardeners, to make sure they can grow successfully peat-free. At the RHS, we know the simple action of choosing peat-free compost keeps peat in the ground, where it has a vital role in storing carbon, regulating water in the landscape and as a habitat for wildlife. We are pleased to be able to offer a dedicated peat-free email, so anyone can get in touch with our expert advisors if they have further questions about using these composts. Gardeners can follow this guidance on the leaflets to get the best from peat-free compost and take an important action for our planet.”

www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk