As we try to implement planet-friendly changes in our lives, it’s important to look beyond what we can achieve within our homes and start to consider sustainable actions we can also take in the garden. As well as turning off lights and reducing food waste, substituting our gardening materials for sustainable alternatives is critical. Using peat-free compost is an effective and easy way of doing just that.
But what exactly is peat-free compost, and why is it the best solution for your soil? We’ve composed this handy guide outlining the best peat-free composts we offer.
What is peat in compost and why is it used?
Primarily found in wetlands such as moors, swamps and bogs, peat is a layer of soft organic material formed from partially decomposed plant matter. Due to its uncanny ability to absorb water and nutrients, it was once a key component in many composts.
However, the harvesting of peat releases large quantities of carbon dioxide, leads to habitat and wildlife loss, and can increase flooding risk. Due to its slow regrowth rate, peat is also classed as a non-renewable energy source. Therefore, we must prioritise peat-free compost and sustainable gardening solutions.
So, what is peat-free compost?
Peat-free compost typically contains organic matter such as grass, tree clippings and manure alongside natural materials like bark and wood chippings. These materials are then blended to ensure optimum drainage, balanced water retention and excellent airflow for roots.
It’s been a staple among the shelves of garden centres for years, so as a part of our effort to reduce the amount of peat used in composts, we offer a range of peat-free composts to ensure that your garden is getting the best quality without harming the planet.
What are our top five best peat-free composts?
Now you’re all clued up, let’s discover what peat-free compost is and what makes it the best garden compost.
From compost bins to plant pots, lawnmowers to grass trimmers, we have everything you need to help realise your ultimate garden transformation! Explore our range of gardening tools to get your project underway today.
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Buy now with Homebase Homebase Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost - 50L | Homebase
Buy now with free deliveryIdeal for all-around garden use, this peat-free compost can be used to nurture both flowers and vegetables. It also won the Which? Best Buy award for best garden compost in April 2021, so it’s already a celebrated favourite.
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Buy now with Homebase Homebase Essentials Peat Free Organic Garden Compost - 40L | Homebase
Buy now with free deliveryAn organic compost ideal for everyday use, this peat free formula is perfect for your lawn beds and borders and enhances your existing soil with added organic matter. Great for mulching and improving drainage, this isn’t the one to choose if you’re looking for seed-sowing compost as it’s made for improving your current soil structure or existing compost.
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Buy now with Homebase Homebase Peat Free Houseplant Compost - 10L | Homebase
Buy now with free deliveryOur peat-free houseplant compost is bursting with all the nutrients your houseplants need to grow stronger and greener. Our compost is compatible with all houseplants, from succulents to spider plants, monsteras to moth orchids. As it’s formulated with nitrogen for leaf and shoot growth, phosphate for strong root development and potassium for more flowers and fruit, it’s the best garden compost to promote plant health and disease resistance.
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Buy now with Homebase Westland Peat Free Multi Purpose Compost with John Innes - 50L | Homebase
Buy now with free deliveryFormulated with sphagnum moss and high-quality loam, Westland’s peat-free improves soil quality to allow your shrubs and plants to thrive. If you’re looking for a supportive base for your mulch, Westland’s compost creates air channels to improve root growth and retain nutrients and moisture to ensure your flora thrives.
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Buy now with Homebase New Horizon Peat Free All Veg Compost - 50L | Homebase
Buy now with free deliveryIf you’re looking for the best compost to nurture your veg in, the New Horizon compost offers a blend of fertilising ingredients to let your vegetable patch bloom. It features BIO3 – a combination of Biofibre, West+ Wood fibre and Coir+. It’s also 100% peat-free and 100% sustainable, this is the best garden compost for tomatoes, chillies, root crops, herbs, and even potatoes.
