Peatlands are precious which are home to rare and unusual plants, birds, and insects. Peat formation is made from decaying plants in soil that is waterlogged. The key component of peat is a moss called sphagnum, which forms multi coloured carpets across the landscape and breaks down very slowly under the waterlogged conditions.
For years many people did not understand the significance of Peat, so it was extracted for horticulture ( gardening and growing) but this is having a very negative impact on our whole eco system, and Scientists are encouraging us to stop using this precious soil.
Did you know from the end of 2024, peat compost sold in bags for us to use in our garden will be banned in England and in Wales.
So why should we all stop using Peat ?
Peatlands support a rare range of threatened species and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Our peatlands store more carbon than the whole of the forest of the UK France and Germany combined.
Peat is a preserver! The lack of Oxygen within peat slows down the process of decomposition.
When Peatlands are drained stored carbon is released into the atmosphere.
Sadly peatlands in the UK are amongst the most damaged in the world.
So what can we all do ?
Peat Free Purchasing – only ever purchase compost that is clearly labelled as “peat free”. If this is not visible on the bag of compost, then it is likely to contain peat.
Top Tips for gardening
Vegetable water is rich in nitrogen, why not try watering your plants with your leftover cooking water ?
Composts that contain wool are great for improving water retention.
An organic tomato feed can be used as a feed for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Why not recycled your teabags – tea is a great natural fertiliser, simply sprinkle the loose tea leaves around the base of your plants.
Don’t run water through your pots, this rinses away precious nutrients, try adding ice cubes and let them naturally melt slowly so no water runs out of the bottom.
