What is Peat Free Compost?

Over recent decades, the horticulture industry has grown increasingly aware of the environmental consequences associated with peat extraction from natural bogs. Gardeners and professional growers are embracing peat-free alternatives to minimise their ecological footprint, help preserve peat bogs and to champion planet-friendly gardening practices. Coir-based compost is a popular alternative to peat-based commercial composts.

What Does Peat Free Compost Mean and What’s the Difference?

Peat Free Compost Meaning

Peat free compost is a growing medium that does not contain peat moss or has been extracted from natural peat bogs. Instead, it’s composed of various organic materials and sustainable components. The Coconut Compost Company peat-free compost range, from multipurpose to house plant compost, has been developed to meet a range of growing needs and contains coir, a fibre found in coconut husks.

What’s The Difference?

The principal difference between peat-based and peat free compost is that the latter does not contain peat moss. In the past, peat was widely used across the horticultural industry but over the years, awareness of the environmental damage done by peat extraction led to the development of more sustainable alternatives. Peat free compost uses renewable resources that do not deplete natural peat bogs. By eliminating peat from compost mixes, peat-free compost reduces the environmental impact of gardening.

FAQs

  • What is the difference between compost and peat free compost?

    Compost is a broad term that covers a wide range of growing media, from home-produced compost made from compostable materials such as vegetable peeling and garden waste to commercial products containing peat. Peat free compost usually refers to commercially available compost that does not contain peat moss. They are developed for various horticultural purposes, including potting, gardening and soil conditioning. You can find more information about gardening with peat-free compost on our website.

  • What is the benefit of peat-free compost?

    Peat free composts have a range of benefits for the horticulture industry and domestic gardeners. They reduce the environmental impact of peat extraction which destroys fragile peat bogs and contributes to climate change. Peat free compost is made from sustainable materials, enhances soil health and is versatile in supporting a more environmentally conscious approach to gardening. Going peat free is good for both your garden and the planet.

  • What are the disadvantages of peat free compost?

    Many gardeners considering peat-free compost ask does it dry out quicker, perhaps having had an experience of an earlier peat-free alternative. These days, peat-free compost mixes retain moisture for longer while aiding aeration. Coir-based compost is high in lignin which gives the finished compost a better structure and aids moisture and nutrient retention.

  • 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. It is particularly well-suited for vegetables, flowering plants, herbs, and houseplants. Farmers and professional growers across the UK and the globe now use coir to grow fruit and vegetables so it is a well-established medium. The Coconut Compost Company range has been developed to meet a range of different horticultural purposes without causing damage to the precious ecosystem and the climate.