Peatfree

Peatfree refers to growing media, composts, and horticultural products that do not contain peat. Peat is harvested from bogs and moorlands, and its extraction raises environmental concerns because it damages peatland ecosystems and releases stored carbon. Peat-free products substitute peat with alternatives such as coir (coconut fibre), wood fibre, composted bark, agricultural or forestry residues, recycled fibers, perlite, vermiculite, mineral wool, or biochar.

Peat-free growing media aim to reduce reliance on peat-based substrates, align with sustainability goals, and respond to consumer and policy pressures. They are used in potting mixes, seed starting mixes, and professional cultivation. The performance of peat-free media depends on formulation and crop; properties such as water retention, aeration, cation exchange capacity, and pH can differ from peat-based media. As a result, peat-free mixes may require different irrigation regimes, fertilization, or crop management. Some products may have higher or lower costs, varying availability, and different aging characteristics. Compatibility with equipment and long-term storage are considerations as well.

Market and regulation: many markets promote peat-free options through sustainability schemes and, in some regions, regulation or incentives to phase out peat in horticulture. Labels such as peat-free indicate that no peat is present in the product, although some blends may be peat-reduced.

Environmental impact: adopting peat-free growing media can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from peatlands, protect biodiversity, and encourage recycling and use of agricultural byproducts, but life-cycle impacts depend on transport, production, and disposal.