Next time you need fresh soil for your flower bed, balcony box or herb pot on the windowsill, make sure that it is peat-free.
Environmentalists are keen to make small-scale gardeners aware of the difference they can make to the protection of some of Europe's most fragile ecosystems.
Peat extraction for gardening is leading to the destruction of raised bogs across Europe and threatening important habitats for rare animals and plants. Peatlands also store a lot of carbon, and large amounts of CO2 are released into the atmosphere when they are disturbed by commercial exploitation. So, you can also do your bit for climate protection by going peat-free with your plants.
Look for clear labelling: Peat-free soil will be labelled as such. The term "organic soil", on the other hand, is no guarantee that the soil is peat-free. And soil advertised as "peat-reduced" or "low peat" may still contain a lot of peat. According to Germany's Agency for Renewable Resources (FNR), they can contain as much as 70% peat.
If the labelling is not clear, a look at the ingredients will help. In peat-free soils, alternative raw materials such as green compost, wood fibres, bark humus or coconut products are used as replacements for peat.
Use compost instead: But the best thing to do if you have a garden is not to buy any soil at all, but to work with your own compost. Sustainable gardening experts will often advise making your own potting soil by mixing sieved, mature compost that is more than a year old with plant fibres like wood or bark humus. These help ensure good aeration of the soil.
Soils from regional composting plants are also a good alternative, though you should look carefully at the labels. Some composting centres sell peat-free soil, but also compost where peat has been added.
Compost is not suitable for all plants, however. Rhododendrons, lavender and strawberries, for example, don't do well in it. This is because it is often rich in salt and has a high pH value. If the plants need a more acidic, low-lime or mineral substrate, it is better to use special peat-free soils.
Water differently: Watering plants in peat-free soil more often and in smaller quantities, because potting soil without peat stores and retains less water. The best thing to do before watering is to feel with your finger about two to three centimetres deep to see if the soil is dry, and if you need to water. A container with a water reservoir can also be useful.
The volume, nutrient content and pH value of peat-free soils can change during storage, so it is best to use them straight away if possible. Once opened, it's important to close the soil bags tightly and store them in a dry and not too warm place.
