The RHS Sustainable Horticulture Conference 2026

Now in its fourth year, the RHS conference is broadening its focus beyond peat-free growing to consider the wider challenges and opportunities facing sustainable horticulture. Taking place at RHS Garden Wisley , the event will bring together growers, buyers, garden retailers and industry experts provide an opportunity to hear the latest research, share practical experience and connect with others across the industry. Attendees should leave with practical ideas and renewed confidence to champion sustainable choices in their own businesses.

The day will open with Growing the Future: Turning Sustainability into Customer Demand, presented by Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group , and Tammy Woodhouse, former Managing Director of Millbrook Garden Centres . The session will explore how growers and retailers can communicate the value of sustainably produced plants and turn environmental responsibility into a commercial advantage.

Mike Burks said: "As garden centres, we're at the heart of the transition to a horticultural industry where sustainability is no longer a niche concern but fundamental to its future. Moving to peat-free production has been a significant change for our sector, but it's also an opportunity to demonstrate innovation, resilience, and the quality of British-grown plants. In our talk, we'll explore how the industry can build on those achievements by communicating the value of sustainable production to retailers and customers, helping to turn environmental responsibility into a genuine commercial advantage while building confidence in sustainably grown plants. I'm looking forward to sharing our experiences and discussing how we can continue to strengthen a thriving, sustainable future for horticulture."

Tammy Woodhouse added: "The transition to more sustainable horticulture presents an exciting opportunity for growers and retailers alike. We'll look at how the industry can better market and sell sustainably grown plants, helping customers understand the positive impact of their purchasing decisions while showcasing the quality, performance and value these plants deliver. 

Practical workshops and industry insight

Alongside talks and updates from the RHS , the conference will feature a programme of breakout workshops covering some of the key issues facing professional growers and retailers.

Sessions will include: 

• tailored fertigation for sustainable growing
• managing peat-free production
• trialling plants and climate-resilient cultivars
• holistic growing and integrated pest management (IPM

There will also be opportunities to explore: 

• funding innovation and grant opportunities for ornamental growers
• the skills gap and apprenticeships
• plant health legislation
• the sustainability and quality assessment of growing media

The programme is designed to offer practical information that attendees can take back to their own businesses, alongside opportunities to ask questions and learn from organisations working directly in these areas.

Sharing knowledge and making connections

The conference will also provide plenty of time for networking, with trade stands open throughout the day and opportunities to meet growing media manufacturers, suppliers, researchers and other horticultural businesses.

As the horticultural industry continues to develop new approaches to sustainable growing, the conference provides an opportunity to understand the latest developments, explore practical solutions and consider how sustainability can become part of a successful customer proposition.

The Sustainable Horticulture and Peat-Free Conference takes place on 26 November 2026 at RHS Garden Wisley . The event is aimed at professional growers, buyers and garden retailers, both within the RHS supply chain and across the wider horticultural industry.

Places are available by contacting the RHS peat-free team at peatfreeworkshops@rhs.org.uk and you can find the full agenda here .