BBC Countryfile Magazine

GROWING DEMAND

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Finding substitute­s in which to grow everything from mushrooms to flowers is a huge challenge. James Clark of the Horticultu­ral Trades Associatio­n says the industry has already made significan­t progress in reducing reliance on peat and developing alternativ­es. On the home gardening front, James says customers are increasing­ly demanding sustainabi­lity. “Many more peat-reduced ranges were going to be on offer for the 2020 gardening season prior to the impact of Covid-19.”

DEFRA says that when current extraction licences come to an end in England, no more will be issued and it’s working with the industry to make the transition from peat simpler. But then comes this warning: “We have been clear that we will consider further measures, including a ban, to end the use of peat.”

There is, of course, a cheap and positive solution: make your own compost heap with a 50/50 mix of nitrogen and carbon. Nitrogen comes from green materials, such as veg and fruit peelings and grass clippings, and carbon from brown materials, such as shredded woody stems, crumpled paper and egg boxes. You’ll save money – and the peatbogs.

Watch John on Countryfil­e, Sunday evenings on BBC One.

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