Royal Horticultural Society postpones peat ban deadlines at floral exhibitions, attributing the delay to the British Government's alleged "legislation void"
A Changed Tune on Peat-Free Shows
Looks like the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is pushing back its aim to make its flower shows, including the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, peat-free by the end of 2025. The reason for this shift? A legislative vacuum, apparently.
In August 2022, the government announced a ban on the retail sale of peat by the end of 2024. Then, in March 2023, an announcement was made regarding a peat ban for commercial growers by the end of 2026, with certain exceptions. However, the 2024 ban didn't materialize, as there was a change in government.
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Initially, the RHS aimed to go completely peat-free across all its operations by 2026. But now, 40% of nurseries in the RHS floral marquee at shows are allowed to sell "peat starter plants." These plants begin life in a small peat plug before being grown peat-free.
RHS Director General, Clare Matterson CBE, explained: "While some nurseries have made great strides in going peat-free, it's counterproductive not to support those still investing in their transition. As a gardening charity, it's our duty to help them, not punish them, during this transition period."
She further added: "In the absence of any legislation on peat, the playing field isn't level for those leading the charge. The RHS, as a charity, can't navigate this alone. Despite the lack of legislation, we've made considerable progress, but it's disheartening that we had to make this decision today."
Over the last 12 years, the RHS has invested £2.5 million in peat-free research, engaged with over 850 nurseries in workshops, and provided tailored advice for over 200 retailers. Major research projects with growing media manufacturers and commercial nurseries are currently underway.
From 2026, all show gardens, judged floral displays, and trade stands at RHS flower shows will be No New Peat plants. Starting from 2026, there will be no Peat Plants across RHS Operations. Efforts are being made to transition its five gardens at Bridgewater, Wisley, Rosemoor, Hyde Hall, and Harlow Carr to No New Peat plants by June this year, with the aim to make its retail outlets peat-free by the end of 2025.
The RHS is urging for funding for research and development into technology and potting compost alternatives and clear legislation. Clare Matterson says: "Without legislation on peat, scant funding for research or knowledge transfer, and minimal support for our voluntary peat-free ambitions, we need the government to step in and help UK horticulture continue to lead the way in transitioning to a peat-free future."
The current state of peat-free initiatives indicates an ongoing transition, but not complete enforcement, as a ban. The Peat Free Partnership is actively promoting the successes of growers, compost manufacturers, and retailers who have made the switch to peat-free media, providing proof of progress and commercial viability in the sector as of mid-2025.
Regarding the specific 2024 ban on peat-use, it seems that it wasn’t enforced, likely due to implementation challenges and a focus on encouraging commercial transition rather than immediate prohibition. The horticultural industry is being guided towards adopting peat-free media through showcasing success stories, rather than strict enforcement at this time.
In conclusion, the peat ban for commercial growers in the UK is not yet strictly imposed, and the transition towards peat-free growing media is driven by partnership initiatives that highlight success stories rather than immediate prohibition. The controversial 2024 peat ban was not enforced, possibly due to implementation challenges and a phased approach focused on encouraging commercial adaptation to peat-free media. Broader environmental and regulatory measures are evolving, but haven't yet mandated strict peat bans or penalties as of mid-2025. This suggests a transitional phase in the UK horticulture sector, moving toward peat-free media with ongoing efforts, rather than an enforced peat ban as of 2024.
- The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has invested significant resources in horticulture, spearheading research on peat-free alternatives and engaging with numerous nurseries in the pursuit of a peat-free future.
- Climate change and environmental well-being are amongst the key concerns addressed by the RHS, as they strive for health-and-wellness not just for plants, but also for our environment.
- Despite the delayed peat ban for commercial growers, the RHS continues to advocate for legislation and funding to drive the transition to peat-free growing media, ultimately supporting the larger goal of fitness-and-exercise for our planet.
- Nutrition plays a vital role in the RHS's efforts, as they strive to provide varied and nutrient-rich plants through the use of peat-free compost, ensuring the continued success of our gardens and our planet's ecosystems.
- As the RHS navigates the complexities of climate-change and the transition to peat-free growing media, they are engaging in environmental-science research, working closely with growing media manufacturers, commercial nurseries, and researchers to create a sustainable future for horticulture.
