HortWeek has asked the industry if it can live without peat as the sector remains in legislative limbo. We reveal the true story about what is really happening in nurseries in their quest to move away from peat.
The UK's leading horticulture title, HortWeek has led discussions on peat for decades; editor Matthew Appleby chaired Parliamentary discussions on peat this year.
This report discovers if we are ready to go peat-free in the UK and overseas and examines worldwide policy and research into the biggest dilemma horticulture is facing.
We publish a plant-specific guide to using less, or no, peat, while growers share their peat-free advice and concerns
A taster of the research shows the industry says a peat-free quality standard and legislation are required to move forward.
Some 75% of those who responded to one of HortWeek's surveys, published in full as part of the report, found it "quite difficult" to get hold of peat-free plants, while a quarter are not trying to source peat-free plants yet. Houseplants, larger pot sizes of woody plants, perennials, bulbs and plugs are the most difficult plants to find peat-free. Changing plug suppliers to use peat-free plugs was cited by readers as the biggest issue when looking to grow 100% peat-free.
While Government deadlines and public pressure mount, many nurseries find themselves stuck between ambition and reality. On paper, the horticultural sector is moving toward sustainability, but behind the scenes, the transition to peat-free growing is proving more complex than it seems.
A Fragmented Landscape
Despite years of research and dozens of peat alternatives—from coir and composted bark to wood fibre blends—there is no universal replacement that works for all plant species. “There’s no silver bullet,” admits one nursery manager. “We’re trialing multiple mixes at once, and the results are unpredictable. Some plants thrive, others don’t root properly or grow too slowly for commercial viability.”
The Call for a Peat-Free Standard
Growers and suppliers alike are calling for a clear, enforceable peat-free quality standard. Without it, peat-free products vary widely in quality, consistency, and performance. “It’s the Wild West out there,” says another grower. “Some of these so-called peat-free mixes are just not up to the job. We need legislation, not just targets.”
Legislation: Progress or Pressure?
The UK Government has proposed a ban on peat in retail composts and is consulting on extending this to professional growers. But nurseries argue that legislation without support could backfire. “If we're forced to go peat-free without the right tools, we could end up importing more plants—which defeats the point environmentally,” one supplier warns.
Innovation Under Pressure
Despite challenges, innovation is thriving. Some nurseries are investing in R&D, collaborating with universities, and experimenting with biochar, green waste, and even insect frass. The shift is happening—but slowly, and often quietly.
The Bottom Line
The path to a peat-free future is being paved not just by legislation or consumer demand, but by the daily trials, errors, and breakthroughs happening in greenhouses across the country. The question remains: will policy catch up in time to support the growers who are already leading the charge?
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