Sharing his garden ideas on his blog (opens in new tab), the horticultural expert lists three crucial reasons for avoiding the material, but admits that only one of these reasons is ‘good enough on its own’. However, the combination of all three offers overwhelming evidence to step away from the problematic organic matter.
Why you should never use peat in your garden – according to Monty Don
Here, Monty explains why he recommends avoiding peat – and what you can use instead.
1. The environmental impact
If you are into permaculture gardening, you’ll already have taken many steps to make your backyard more eco-friendly. But the first – and easiest – step towards a more sustainable garden begins when you stop using peat, the garden expert suggests. This is because peat, left in its place in the ground, is a ‘carbon sink’ that is ‘as effective as forest or meadow,’ so it is vital not to interrupt its placement and spread it across your borders. ‘When we rip it up by the thousands of tons with huge machinery, we are actively increasing global warming. If you buy it, then you are part of that process,’ Monty warns.
2. Its impact on ecosystems
Alongside its effects on the environment, Monty similarly explains what happens to the ecosystem when you bring peat into your garden. Emphasizing his sustainable garden ideas, he explains that ‘peat bogs are a unique habitat and ecosystem that establishes very slowly,’ so it is important to ensure it is uninterrupted. ‘A huge variety of flora and fauna depend upon them, and even if they are left to reestablish, this is an incredibly slow process. Peat can take a year to increase by just one millimeter. That is about one inch every 25 years,’ he explains. However, vast extraction machinery can remove meters of peat at a time – meaning it can ‘destroy thousands of years of habitat’ in seconds. ‘No garden is worth that,’ Monty adds.
3. There are effective alternatives
Monty also suggests making your own leaf mold by combining garden compost with your fallen autumnal leaves – a solution that is almost entirely free. ‘Check before you buy and only purchase composts that are clearly labeled Peat-Free,’ he adds. These three pointers have reshaped our cottage garden ideas for good – because who can argue with Monty?
