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Peat sales to gardeners in England and Wales to be banned by 2024

KiliKili Posts: 1,104
in The potting shed
Interesting article


'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.

George Bernard Shaw'

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  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Kili said:
    Interesting article


    "However, the government consultation also contains measures that fall short of an outright ban, "
    Devon.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Peat does not, as yet, seem to be a concern here or in Ireland.  The gardening club is offering to do a bulk order at a wholesale supplier to nurseries of special compost for sowing and cuttings - 10% perlite, 20% black peat and 70% blonde Irish peat.  
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    It is a concern in Ireland, @Obelixx.  Bord na Mona stopped all peat extraction in Ireland in 2020, so now it's just the stockpiled peat which is being used up.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Good @Liriodendron.   I wonder where that 20% of black stuff comes from.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410


    …..looks like a very real danger of the can being kicked further down the road yet again.

    All that we gardeners can do is to refuse to buy peat.  I admit I was late to convert, but since 2019 I have been peat free.  No problems with results here.  We can’t rely on Govts to do the right thing (in any circumstance 🙄) so lets do our bit to reduce the consumer demand for peat 👍🏻.
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    I'll keep using peat based or peat reduced compost until its unavailable or economically unviable , its still likely be widely available after 2024 . Its consistently better / cheaper than peat free I rarely get a rubbish bag of peat based compost, I've never had a good bag of peat free compost mind I haven't tried that many variety's as plants have failed / poor results in previous attempts which puts me off . 
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    Oh dear 🙄 …. and there was me thinking that gardeners could be part of the solution rather than part of the continuing problem 😵‍💫

    There are loads of articles out there about how to succeed with peat free …. Jack Wallington is a good place to start.

    I work/volunteer in a garden that is open to the public, and so appearances really matter.  They use only peat free compost.  The gardens look great 👍🏻. 

    Time to make the change.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I won't be ordering any of the special stuff thru the garden club but I have to say the commercial alternatives here are not great.  Every single bag I've bought in the 5 years we've been here has been riddled with viable weed seeds.

    I can buy pure peat and peat based composts which are clearly labelled but there are no "peat free" labels here so who knows what's in it all? 
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    In the UK it is really easy to identify peat free now ….its all over their packaging.  Almost as if they wanted us to be able to spot the difference 😀
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410
    And if you’re still uncertain, look out for Sylvagrow (Melcourt) or Horizon Peat free ……other brands are available (she said in true BBC style)
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