Peat in Gardening

Peat is widely used in gardening and has been a key part of composts and growing materials for many years. In the UK, 70% of peat sold is used in retail gardening. It is popular for several reasons.

Peat, derived from acidic and sterile bogs, is prized in gardening for its weed and disease-free nature. Its inert quality ensures reliable results due to the absence of microbial activity. With a naturally low pH, peat benefits acid-loving plants such as blackberries, parsley, potatoes, and raspberries. Its structure contains air pockets that enhance oxygen flow to plant roots and improve drainage, while its ability to retain up to 20 times its dry weight in moisture helps maintain optimal water levels for plants

Peatlands and Climate Change

Peat bogs play a vital role in the fight against climate change by storing large amounts of carbon, making them "carbon sinks." While peatlands have few nutrients and only specialized plants like sphagnum moss and cotton grass can grow there, the carbon in these plants remains trapped for a long time. However, human activities like draining peat bogs and harvesting peat for farming and gardening are turning these carbon sinks into carbon sources, which contributes to climate change.

Peat Ban 2024

The UK peat ban is a policy introduced by the UK government to phase out the sale of peat for use in gardening and horticulture in England and Wales by 2024. The main goal is to protect the country’s peatlands, which are crucial for biodiversity, water management, and combating climate change.

The ban on peat sales aims to protect 1 million acres of peatlands, which are important for storing carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Peatlands absorb carbon, and when harvested, they release it, worsening climate change. Since peat forms very slowly—about 1 cm per decade—its extraction is unsustainable. Peat bogs also support rare plants, birds, and insects. By banning peat sales, the government hopes to preserve these ecosystems and limit carbon release, helping fight global warming.

This policy represents a significant step toward environmental protection and sustainable land use in the UK.