Last updated: 12 August 2026
New restrictions came into force in 2026 regarding the presence of peat at RHS Shows and the use of peat by RHS plant suppliers. Below is our peat-use policy and definitions for RHS suppliers and Shows exhibitors from January 2026 onwards.
The RHS Peat-Free Team are here to help – if you have any questions or have any areas you are finding especially challenging, please get in touch. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Exhibiting plants from 2026
Plants that are part of Show Gardens, judged floral displays and tradestands, must be ‘no new peat’ plants (plants grown entirely peat-free, or plants containing peat that was already in the production cycle before the end of 2025). Designers and exhibitors must check the status of plants before bringing them to RHS Shows and will be asked to sign a declaration confirming they meet our criteria.
This does not mean that nurseries producing plants for use in Show Gardens must be 100% peat-free; only the plants that are exhibited or sold through the RHS.
Selling plants from 2026–2028
Up until the end of 2028, exhibitors will be permitted to sell plants that started their life (as a plug plant or liner) in peat. These ‘peat starter plants’ must have been grown on in peat-free media and are only permitted to be sold, not form part of a display.
Some exhibitors sell small plants that have not been potted on since propagation. If they were propagated in peat before 31/12/25, they would qualify as ‘no new peat’ plants and can be sold. However, if plants were propagated in peat or bought as plugs after 31/12/25 they must be potted on into peat-free growing media to qualify for the exemption
Peat-free dispensation for Shows from 2027
Under exceptional, limited and evidence-based circumstances that prevent compliance with the peat-free policy, the RHS may extend the ‘peat starter plant’ exemption across wider RHS Show activity. This dispensation will apply only to named plants or plant groups and must be agreed in advance and approved through a clear, auditable and transparent process. We have created full guidance on using the peat-free dispensation so exhibitors can check their eligibility.
Definitions
‘No new peat’ plants – plants grown entirely peat free or older plants containing peat which was already in the production cycle before 31 December 2025.
‘Peat starter plants’ – plants which started their life in peat (as a plug plant or liner) but have since been grown peat-free.
‘Peat plants’ – plants grown in peat or peat-reduced media since 31 December 2025.
Legacy peat policy – legacy peat covers any peat that is already in the production cycle up to 31/12/25. Plants containing no peat at all or only legacy peat are ‘no new peat’ plants. This means any potting action from 1 January 2026 onwards must use peat-free growing media in order for the plants to be exhibited through the RHS.
Legacy peat that was already in the system before 01/01/26 is not time-limited and will not become non-compliant at any future date, so plants grown in legacy peat may be used in RHS Shows for years to come.
Please note, the RHS policy only covers rootballed (or bareroot) plants if they are later containerised, so plants grown in the ground in areas with peaty soils are compliant.
Awards
Only exhibitors using entirely ‘no new peat’ plants will be eligible for the RHS President’s Award.
For more information on our policies and definitions from 2026, read more about the RHS Peat-Free Policy.
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