For Peat's sake

If you're anything like me you'll get through bags of compost every year. Over the last couple of years I have seen an increase in Peat free compost but didn't really understand why it is seen as better solution for the garden than using Peat based mixtures. After a bit of online research I can tell you that the reason is that it's best for the environment to stay clear of Peat. Peat is being consumed at an alarming rate and supplies are starting to dry up. It takes a Peat bog about 10,000 years to form and as such natural Peat bogs cannot be replaced so once they have been destroyed they're lost forever.

It's a sad fact but 60% of peat use in the UK is that which is consumed by gardeners and as such I will be sticking to Peat free mixtures from now on, especially as there is no direct benefit of using peat rich compost anyway over the peat free alternatives.

(Disclaimer: This may be a well known fact but it was news to me.)