RHS backing peat ban plans
16:52 22nd December 2010
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is behind the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra) planned consultation on banning peat from horticulture products.
Used in compost for decades, peat is a valuable carbon storage material and its extraction can also damage lowland habitats.
The RHS has been campaigning for years for garden and greenhouse fans to switch to more eco-friendly alternatives and the news that Defra is considering phasing peat-based products out over the next decade is a bonus.
RHS head of science Roger Williams explained: "The RHS has been concerned about the potential damage to the environment and so has been conducting scientific research into peat-free alternatives."
The charity has managed to cut the amount of peat it uses in its growing media and soil conditioners to less than 0.7 per cent.
Growers looking for alternatives can use a mixture of organic and inorganic materials and Mr Williams explained that following the instructions on such products should help ensure success.
In other news, the RHS has revealed that it is to introduce a new Artisan Garden category to the Chelsea Flower Show next year.
