Peat-free compost: what the transition means for results in the border

Peatlands store large volumes of carbon and support distinct habitats, which is why extraction for horticulture has come under regulatory pressure. For gardeners the practical question is how the replacement mixes behave.

Watering behaviour

Many peat-free mixes look dry at the surface while remaining moist below, which prompts over-watering by anyone judging by appearance. Weight of the pot, or a finger below the surface, is a more reliable check.

Feeding

• Nutrient charge in bagged mixes is finite; container plants usually need feeding sooner than in peat-based media.
• Composition varies widely between brands, so a routine developed for one product may not transfer.
• Storage matters: opened bags left wet through a season change in structure.