WHAT IS PEAT?
Peat is the surface organic layer of soil that has been created out of partially decomposed organic matter, derived mainly from plant material. It is accumulated under conditions of water logging, oxygen deficiency, high acidity and nutrient deficiency. It has been added to bags of compost for years and favoured by gardeners for it’s free-draining yet moist conditions, perfect for growing with.
WHY IS PEAT SO BAD?
Peat comes from peat bogs. These bogs store about a third of the Worlds Carbon and by digging them up, we are releasing tonnes and tonnes of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon is one of the main Greenhouse gases which is causing the current Climate Crisis.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Don’t buy peat! As is usually the case, things don’t seem to change unless we, the consumer, force it to. Whilst manufactures make their money from digging up the peatlands and selling it to us in bags of compost, why would they stop? So be proactive. Look on the back of compost bags for the big 0% peat.
WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF PEAT?
The fact is, peat is a fantastic growing material. But, there are things you can do to improve your soil conditions without using it. Adding manure, rotted down plants and even wood shavings to your soil all help to improve your soils condition. Mulch your soil once of twice a year to start seeing a difference.
It really is possible to garden without the use of peat, and to grow an amazingly productive variety of crops.
And no, one person cannot change the World. But together, we are many. If we all individually took the time and initiative to make changes to the way we live and garden, together we will make a difference to Climate Change. Discarding peat from your garden is a great place to start.
