Peat-free case studies: Hampshire Carnivorous Plants
Matt Soper of Hampshire Carnivorous Plants shares their peat-free progress
Have you made the transition to peat-free? If you’d like to share your story to help and inspire other growers, please get in touch.
Many growers and nurseries in the UK are already 100% peat-free, or are well on their way. Hampshire Carnivorous Plants have shared their progress with us to help other growers learn about their experiences and the solutions they found along the way.
So what are Matt’s top tips for growing carnivorous plants peat-free?
Growing peat-free – in conversation with Matt Soper, Owner
When did you start your transition and when are you aiming to be peat-free?
Hampshire Carnivorous Plants have tested different peat-free growing media to improve growth over the last 15 years, as we know that going peat-free is better environmentally.
Are more customers asking for peat-free plants?
More were asking three years ago; we think this may be because some mixes are inconsistent so people did not want to risk losing a whole collection after trying one type of peat-free mix. The results from sphagnum are exceptional, but it is expensive and not always easy to obtain in larger quantities.
We have been trialling Sarracenia with success and are now moving on to trialling some of the tricky sundews and Venus flytraps. So far, our trials have shown that some of the peat-free media available are inconsistent but our work is paying off, and we have found the right mix for some of our varieties.
What peat-free medium has been most successful for you?
Sphagnum moss above all else, and in addition, cork granules are good and inert, but a bit expensive. Pine
When potting peat-free for RHS Chelsea, I used a mix of sustainably sourced sphagnum, composted pine bark and cork. We also have two new products we are now trialling which look good so far – fingers crossed.
Our plants need to be re-potted more often, because the medium containing pine bark rotted. Otherwise, we don’t feed and the plants are always stood in water, so that remained the same.
What are your top tips for those starting out growing peat-free?
Our top tip from our trials and years of experience is that when growing carnivorous plants peat-free, you will need to re-pot more often – we suggest every two years.
Plants are growing well for our display at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, which will include Sarracenia growing peat-free, and we will select the best of the best just before the Show.
