Peat Free Compost Pros & Cons

What are the Pros and Cons of Peat Free Compost?

Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a novice gardener, understanding the pros and cons of peat-free compost can help you make the most sustainable and effective choices for you, your garden and the planet.

What are the advantages of using peat-free compost and are there any downsides?

Pros

  • A Sustainable Choice
    Unlike traditional peat based compost, peat free alternatives do not rely on the extraction of peat moss from fragile peat bogs. This means that using peat free compost helps conserve these vital ecosystems, which serve as carbon sinks and support a variety of plant and animal species.
  • Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
    Peat extraction and degradation release significant amounts of stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By choosing peat free compost, gardeners and horticulturists help to reduce their carbon footprint.
  • Rich in Organic Matter
    Peat-free compost is rich in organic matter derived from sustainable sources. Depending on the materials used, it can help to improve soil structure and fertility, and aid water retention and drainage, while providing a great home for nutrients that support plant growth.
  • Adaptable
    Peat free compost can be just as adaptable and multipurpose as peat-based alternatives. Our range of coir-based compost has been developed for a variety of gardening uses. Gardeners can readily adjust the pH or nutrient levels, if necessary, to meet the specific needs of their plants.

Cons

  • Varied Quality
    The quality and composition of peat-free compost can vary between different brands and products. This variability may lead to differences in performance and nutrient content. At The Coconut Compost Company, we’ve created a range that is consistently high-quality and has been developed to match different gardening needs, such as houseplants, vegetable growing and multipurpose.
  • Cost
    Peat-free compost can sometimes be more expensive than peat-based alternatives. The use of alternative organic materials and sustainable production methods may contribute to higher production costs, resulting in a slightly higher price for consumers. With bulk buy and other offers, we’re making it more affordable to make the right decision for the planet as well as your wallet.
  • pH Adjust
    While peat-free compost typically has a neutral pH, some gardeners may need to adjust the pH for specific plants. This additional step may be necessary, especially if gardeners are accustomed to using peat-based compost that naturally has a slightly acidic pH.

Where can I buy?

With easy online ordering and UK-wide delivery, we make it easy to purchase high-quality coir-based compost for your garden.

FAQs

  • What are the disadvantages of peat free compost?

    Peat free compost has improved significantly over the years with modern compost mixes matching and in some cases exceeding the quality of traditional peat mixes. However, the composition of peat free compost can vary, leading to differences in nutrient content and performance. You may need to make adjustments to the pH level of your compost to meet specific plant needs.

  • Is it better to have peat free compost?

    Choosing peat-free alternatives is a more environmentally responsible and sustainable choice, but it can also be better for your garden. Farmers and professional growers across the UK and the world now use coir to grow fruit and vegetables so it is a well-established medium. It also has the potential to improve soil structure and promote healthier plant growth. Quality matters, and at The Coconut Compost Company we’ve created a range of compost mixes that match different growing needs from our multipurpose all-rounder, to specialised compost for house plants.

  • How long does peat free compost last?

    When stored in a cool, dry place and protected from excessive moisture, peat-free compost can have a relatively long shelf life. It's important to keep the compost in a sealed container or bag to prevent it from becoming overly moist or drying out, as this can affect its quality.

  • Which plants prefer peat free compost?

    Peat free compost is ideal for most garden plants and vegetables, as well as for use as a soil conditioner, in hanging baskets and other garden uses. It is particularly well-suited for vegetables, flowering plants, herbs, and houseplants. The Coconut Compost Company range has been developed for different gardening purposes, be that vegetable growing, container gardening or improving your soil.

  • Why are my plants dying in peat free compost?

    Plants may struggle or die in peat-free compost due to factors like pH mismatches, nutrient deficiencies, inadequate moisture control, variations in microbial activity, and the quality of the chosen compost. Our composts have been developed to give your plants what they need to thrive.

  • Why should gardeners use less peat based compost?

    Many gardeners ask should I use peat free compost, and the answer is a clear YES.

    Gardeners should reduce peat-based compost use to preserve delicate ecosystems, promote sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, enhance soil health, and benefit from the adaptability of peat free alternatives.