For generations, gardeners across the UK have relied on compost containing peat — prized for its fine texture, moisture retention, and ability to support healthy root growth. But as we’ve come to understand the true environmental cost of harvesting peat, it’s clear that this traditional material belongs in the past, not the future of gardening.

At Caledonian Horticulture, we’re proud to be part of that future. Our composts, topsoils, and soil improvers are made entirely peat-free, using locally recycled green materials that nourish your garden while protecting Scotland’s unique natural environment.

So what exactly does “peat-free” mean — and why does it matter so much?

What Is Peat, and Why Was It Used in Compost?

Peat is a dark, organic material formed when plants and mosses — especially sphagnum moss — slowly decompose in waterlogged conditions, usually in bogs and wetlands. Because it forms extremely slowly (about 1 millimetre per year), a peat layer just one metre deep can take over a thousand years to develop.

For decades, horticultural industries mined peat from bogs because it’s:

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Excellent at holding moisture
• Low in nutrients, making it easy to control fertilisation

These properties made peat appear ideal for growing plants in pots, seed trays, and garden beds. Unfortunately, this came with a hidden price.

The Environmental Cost of Peat

When peat is extracted, the delicate peat bogs that form it are destroyed. Peatlands are one of the world’s most important carbon stores, holding more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. Once disturbed, they release that stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to carbon release, peat extraction:

• Destroys wildlife habitats, threatening rare birds, plants, and insects
• Drains wetlands, affecting surrounding water systems
• Takes millennia to recover, meaning damage is effectively permanent on human timescales

In Scotland, where peatlands cover more than 20% of our land area, protecting these ecosystems is vital for meeting national climate goals and preserving biodiversity.

So What Does “Peat-Free” Actually Mean?

A peat-free compost contains no peat whatsoever. Instead, it uses a blend of sustainably sourced, renewable materials that mimic peat’s useful properties — providing structure, water retention, and nutrients — without harming the environment.

At Caledonian Horticulture, our peat-free composts are made from recycled green waste collected across central Scotland. This includes:

• Garden trimmings (grass, leaves, branches)
• Organic matter from landscaping and local councils
• Composted bark and wood fibre
• Soil improvers made through controlled aerobic composting

These materials are composted at high temperatures to kill weed seeds and pathogens, then screened, matured, and blended to create a rich, crumbly compost that feeds the soil naturally.

Benefits of Peat-Free Compost for Gardeners

Going peat-free isn’t just about sustainability — it’s also about healthier soil and stronger plants. Here’s how:

1. Builds Living, Healthy Soil

Peat-free composts contain a diverse range of organic materials that feed soil microorganisms. These microbes help break down nutrients, improving soil fertility over time — something peat can’t do on its own.

2. Improves Soil Structure

Blends of green compost, wood fibre, and fine bark help aerate compacted soils, improving root growth and drainage — especially useful in Scotland’s heavier clay soils.

3. Supports Water Balance

While peat holds water well, it can also become hydrophobic (repelling water) when dry. Peat-free composts tend to rewet more easily and maintain a more stable moisture balance.

4. Feeds Plants Naturally

Our Caledonian composts are rich in slow-release organic nutrients, providing steady feeding for vegetables, flowers, and lawns without synthetic fertilisers.

5. Reduces Carbon Footprint

Every bag of peat-free compost means less peat extracted, less carbon released, and less waste going to landfill — a triple win for the planet.

Tips for Gardening with Peat-Free Compost

Switching to peat-free compost is easy — but there are a few tips to help you get the best results:

1. Water mindfully – Peat-free compost may dry out slightly quicker in containers. Check regularly and water thoroughly when needed.
2. Feed when necessary – Because it’s based on natural materials, a liquid or organic feed during the growing season helps replenish nutrients.
3. Mix for your needs – Combine peat-free compost with Caledonian Topsoil for raised beds or Soil Improver for heavy or depleted ground.
4. Mulch for moisture – A layer of Caledonian Mulch helps conserve water and reduce weeds — perfect for Scottish summers and beyond.

A Simple Choice with a Lasting Impact

Choosing peat-free compost is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways gardeners can help combat climate change and protect Scotland’s landscapes.

Every bag of Caledonian Peat-Free Compost represents a circular, sustainable approach: turning local green waste into garden gold, enriching your soil, and keeping our peatlands intact for generations to come.

At Caledonian Horticulture, we believe that great gardens shouldn’t cost the earth — and with peat-free compost, they don’t have to.