Research
Peat and the gardener
Peat use by gardeners has become a significant issue in recent years because of the environmental damage caused as a result of peat extraction. Commercial extraction methods have a major impact on the areas from where the peat is worked and environmental groups are very concerned that this is destroying rare wildlife habitats. Because much of the peat extracted in the UK is destined for horticultural markets, campaigners argue that one way for the environmental damage to be reduced would be for gardeners to make better use of alternative materials instead.
Peat alternatives are already employed very successfully for purposes such as soil conditioning and mulching, but for use in growing media (seed and potting composts) peat remains one of the most 'user-friendly' and robust materials gardeners have at their disposal. Over the last 10 years however, research and development by growing media manufacturers has meant that better quality 'peat-free' and 'reduced-peat' growing media are now available to the gardener.
To access the RHS Conservation and Environment Guideline Leaflet Peat and the gardener click here
Work at Wisley
Evaluation and characterisation of a range of garden mulching materials
Soil acidification without peat
Peat-free and reduced-peat growing media
Further reading
This is just one topic covered by the Society's monthly journal for members, The Garden, and recent articles of interest are listed below.
Pickering, J. 2000, September. Low-peat performers. The Garden (RHS) 125(9):676-678
Pickering, J. 1997, June. An alternative to peat? The Garden (RHS) 122(6): 428-429.
Pollock, M. 1993, October. Peat and the gardener - an update. The Garden (RHS) 118(10): 454-457.
Links
National Trust Environment and Conservation website