RHS Predicts 90% of Growers Will Ditch Peat by 2028 in Major Green Shift

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has forecasted that 90% of growers will switch to peat-free practices within the next five years.

This comes as the nation pushes to protect its dwindling peatlands, which are vital carbon sinks and play a crucial role in tackling climate change.

Peat, once a staple in horticulture, is being phased out as more sustainable alternatives like coir and composted bark are gaining traction.

The move is part of broader efforts to restore the UK’s degraded peatlands, which have been heavily impacted by agricultural activities and peat extraction.

With government backing and industry collaboration, this transition is expected to make a significant environmental impact by 2028.

The shift follows the RHS’s own decision to stop selling peat-based products in 2019. Now, with growing consumer awareness and innovations in peat-free growing media, the industry is on track to eliminate peat use across the majority of horticultural operations.

This change is seen as crucial to meeting the UK’s net-zero carbon goals and ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and the industry.