Coir is the new peat

Government plans to phase out peat in garden compost by 2030 are stalling, according to a report by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). It found that although there has been a decline in peat use, some 2 million cubic metres of peat were used in British horticulture in 2019.

Environmental experts say the switch to peat-free compost isn’t happening fast enough and are urging the government to ban peat use by 2025.

Former geography student George Davies has come up with an innovative coir-based compost sold in lightweight 600g blocks (right), called For Peat’s Sake. “Once the blocks are hydrated with water they make about 11.5 litres of compost,” George explains. “The packaging is also recyclable and the carbon emissions of transporting the coir from Sri Lanka are offset through a tree planting scheme.”

Coir is made from the fibrous husks found inside coconut shells – a by-product from food and cosmetics industries. “The fibres have great moisture retention qualities, are odourless and sturdy enough to be reused multiple times, so are perfect for growing plants in,” says George. “Coir is also rotresistant, taking a lot longer to decompose, so it lasts well and can be reused. Its porosity allows good air circulation too.

“The form of our coir block is compact and lightweight, so it’s easy to transport and store before hydrating.”