With the goalposts for a peat-free future in the garden industry perpetually moving and retailers still committed to supplying customers that haven’t yet made the switch, Durston Garden Products offer garden centres a peat-based growing media offer from a responsible supplier.

As Defra minister Mark Spencer admitted this month that the Government body has “not made a final decision at this stage” about removing peat from the sector, it throws yet further confusion into the arena around the upcoming 2024 ban on peat in retail. Whether this deadline remains in place or not, retailers continue to see demand for peat-based products in the meantime.

Whilst we know that we are definitively moving towards a peat-free future and steps are being taken to phase out the use of this natural resource, Durstons wants to help retailers sate the current appetite for peat-based growing media as responsibly as possible.

Best practices

Unlike some peat providers, who have been accused of decimating bogs due to irresponsible practices, Durstons have always strived to farm peat responsibly and with due care taken to protect the surrounding area.

Natural topsoil onsite is responsibly managed, so that this vital natural resource is not damaged or lost during the farming process and is carefully replaced once extraction has taken place. It is never taken offsite.

The family-run supplier also employs a sympathetic strategy to minimise impact by farming in strips and leaving vegetation in place in between each of these sections.

“As a business, our main focus going forward is on developing and perfecting our peat-free ranges, as that is where the future of gardening lies”, explains Durstons director Dan Durston. “However, we recognise that retailers still want to service customers who will demand peat products until a ban is finally enforced and we want to help them do in the most sustainable way possible and with respect for the natural landscape.”

He continues: “We strive to act as responsibly as possible in bringing peat-based products to market. We are extremely strict in the way we operate to minimise the impact on local wildlife and release of carbon. It is a careful process that we use, and we aren’t moveable on that! Conservation is important, which is why we have also worked hard over the years to restore peat bogs, creating areas of natural regeneration and important habitats for wildlife.”

The responsible choice

The peat content in all of Durstons’ products has been reduced in line with regulations but continue to deliver outstanding results, thanks in no small part to Durstons’ unique GRO-BOOST additive.

Durstons were also one of the first growing media brands to introduce 100% recyclable packaging and has also incorporated 30% recycled material into the make-up of their compost bags.

Durston boasts a comprehensive offer to suit all gardeners, including multi-purpose and specialist composts, plus grow bags, soil improvers and decorative bark. Firm favourites with retailers include Durstons’ Multi-Purpose Compostand Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes; both premium products that boast excellent nutrient content and deliver consistently impressive results.

For garden centres seeking a value product, Durston’s Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost provides all the nutrients needed to establish and actively promote healthy growth in seeds, cuttings, young plants, flowers and vegetables, for an extremely competitive price point.

The company has also invested heavily in developing a comprehensive peat-free offer that delivers consistent results. Investment in this peat-free family of products and their GRO BOOST technology is ongoing, as Durstons is keen to help retailers build consumer confidence in peat-free products that really work.

Responsible and reliable

With pre-season orders in full flow now, Durstons have great stock availability at their state-of-the-art facility in Somerset and are primed to help retailers reap rewards in the growing media category.

Dan Durston concludes: “We can help you shape your compost offer and service your customers – whatever their expectations – with quality products that achieve real growing success. We may take care in the way we source our raw materials but that in no way impacts our ability to meet demand. We can still deliver the volumes you want and keep your compost sales soaring in 2024!”

Find out more

Durstons has been established for over 150 years. Find out more at www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688.