In a significant move for sustainable gardening, G Plants has announced a comprehensive shift towards peat-free products.
Committed to environmental responsibility, the company is hoping to achieve complete peat-free status by the end of 2025, aligning with the upcoming DEFRA peat ban in England.
Studies and research conducted by G Plants has revealed some exciting discoveries about the relationship between soil types, seeds, and plants, as well as growth outcomes which will pioneer G Plants' offering in the future from autumn 2024.
Growing medium trials
Since January 2024, all new product development has been firmly focused on creating peat-free solutions with a core emphasis on making it easy to grow your own flowers and produce at home – all while using recyclable packaging and biodegradable or reusable components.
The G Plants study shed light on the growth progress of various seeds in different soil mediums, offering valuable insights for both gardeners and growers. The research focused on peat-free soil, coir brick medium, and granulated coir, comparing their effectiveness in nurturing a variety of plants in the G Plants portfolio.
The research, which began in February of this year revealed that tomato seeds thrived best in peat-free soil, exhibiting healthy development and vibrant green foliage. While cosmos seeds initially showed promise in all mediums, they suffered setbacks after transplanting. Basil seeds demonstrated significant growth in coir while struggling in peat-free soil. Notably, seeds planted in granulated coir displayed slower germination rates and had less vibrant leaves compared to other options.
Peat-free soil emerged as the clear winner for tomato seed growth. Cosmos seeds also showed a preference for this peat-free alternative. While the coir brick initially produced slower germination for basil seeds, G Plants will continue to test. Granulated coir, despite initial concerns, ultimately yielded positive results, indicating the need for sufficient observation time.
Coir as a medium: Benefits and Considerations
The G Plants team also delved into the advantages and challenges of using coir soil, which offers a pH-neutral range (5.2 to 6.8), ideal for many plants, excellent water retention, drainage, and aeration, promoting healthy root systems. Coir's inherent anti-fungal properties and ability to reduce pest risk further enhance its appeal.
However, the study identified potential drawbacks associated with coir. Improperly rinsed coir may contain high salt levels, hindering plant growth. The coir growing medium also can lock out essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron, essential for optimal plant health.
High-performance peat-free gardening
Using the knowledge they gained from their research, G Plants has a mission to phase out peat moss and transition to high-quality peat-free composts for their grow sets, making it easy for even novice gardeners to grow plants and food in their own homes. The new peat-free mix, carefully planned by G Plants' gardening experts, uses eco-friendly materials, removing this ensures plants grow well in all settings, letting British gardeners create thriving outdoor and indoor gardens without harming the environment.
The peat-free products for autumn and winter 2024 include the BEES® Gifts Novelty French Bulldogs, Green Ribbon Daffodil Sphere, BEES® Gifts Seed Shaker Tubes, Bee Friends® ECO-Pack Seed Bombs and Seed Shakers, with more to follow as the season progresses.
Daniel Howarth, Managing Director at G Plants said: “At G Plants, we care about healthy gardens and a healthy planet. Switching to peat-free products by the end of 2025 is a big step towards a greener future for everyone. We're confident these new options will still give retailers the sales they expect and gardeners the great results they deserve, all while protecting our valuable peatlands. We're constantly researching and developing peat-free growing mediums, and this emphasises G Plants' ongoing commitment to innovation and providing the best possible options for gardeners.”
Retailers interested in stocking G Plants' new Autumn/Winter range are encouraged to contact the G Plants Sales team at sales@gplants.com or phone 01254 790350. For more information about G Plants and its range of eco-friendly gardening solutions, please visit www.gplants.com
