Garden Centres across the United Kingdom will need to diversify by 2024 after new rules will see the sale of peat compost banned by 2024. 

The ruling will come into force in a bid to reduce climate change. Digging up peatlands is proven to have a highly damaging effect on carbon storage, in addition to the fact that these areas are often used as homes by wildlife and have other benefits including flood protection.  

This news has been well-received by many gardeners, although some have even called for the Government to ban peat compost sales by the end of this year! But what are the alternatives? 

Peat-based compost has become popular because it's cheap to buy, boasts good moisture-holding properties and contains everything plants need to grow. But that doesn't mean there aren't any equally adequate alternatives.

At Stax, we understand and support the Government's ruling and already stock a selection of peat-free composts from brands including Miracle-Gro and Ambassador. 

Peat-free options contain wood-based materials such as paper waste or composted bark, but you can rest assured that they still contain all the trace elements needed to grow strong and healthy plants.

We can only applaud the Government's efforts to reduce carbon emissions and conserve wildlife. 

Some other measures being talked about at the moment include plans to increase tree-planting by 2024. If it were to go ahead, nurseries across the UK could receive around £20 million for to grow native trees.