Gardening Advice
Sustainable Gardening
How to have a Sustainable Garden
Sustainability and the impact on the environment have been an increasingly important factor within the gardening industry. While many horticulturists and keen gardeners understand the need for environmental change and the negative impacts of certain products and materials commonly used, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the proposed sustainable alternatives to allow for an informed decision.
Here we will look at several of our key sustainable product ranges which offer a more environmentally friendly alternative without sacrificing on the quality of your gardening experience and final product. We will also share some of our top tips for being more sustainable in your garden, from how to reduce water wastage, how to reduce your carbon footprint, how to use peat-free compost and ways to encourage pollinators to your garden.
Why should I use Peat-Free Compost?
Peat-Free compost has been the spotlight topic in recent years. While peat-based composts have been the only option for many years it can be hard to make a substantial change to routine without all of the information. Here we have created a comparison of peat-free and peat based composts to allow a side-by-side comparison and give you everything you need to make the right choice for you:
Peat-Free Compost | Peat Based Compost |
Key Environmental Details | |
Peat-Free compost is made from a variety of materials, commonly wood-based alternatives, that can be tailored to the requirements of plants specific needs. Some peat-free composts can be made from coir which is a waste product of coconuts which is deemed as a recycled material. However, Coir can be seen as a less sustainable material due to the greenhouse gas impact to transport it from places like Sri Lanka. Looking at the long-term impact of both, the removal of peatlands has a far larger and long lasting effect. |
Peat based compost is a tried and tested way to successfully grow plants and veg, however the impact of extracting peat bogs is a major issue. UK peat bogs are a vital absorber of CO2, storing approx. 3 billion tons of CO2 and the removal of these peatlands is forcing this back into the atmosphere, contributing majorly towards climate change. In comparing peat bogs to amazon rainforests, a peat bog which is 30m deep is equivalent of one hectare of amazon rainforest trees and soil combined. While being a vital support in the diverse range of fauna and flora, UK peat bogs act as a natural sponge to prevent flooding and supply moisture to the surrounding land. |
Products made from Recycled Materials?
Seeing a product which is made from recycled materials is a great way of knowing you are reducing the waste contribution. Did you know? That many of our growing trays are made from recycled materials and bottles. We actively work with suppliers to provide a selection of sustainable gardening products, including seed trays, plant pots and compost bags.
Try our Gro-sure range which is made from 100% recycled bottles!

What can you do at home to reuse products?
Use old pots and bottles etc. to give them a new lease of life and grow something new in. Our quality pots and planters are a great investment to continue using again and again, while your plant may continue to outgrow it’s pot you can never outgrow uses for it. Find out clever ways you can utilise your outgrown planters and containers HERE.
What Garden Products are Recyclable?
Traditionally many gardening accessories, pots and tools have been produced out of plastic. As we continue to increase our sustainable choice ranges, we can say that the majority of our plants are available in recyclable pots. While the black pots which our plants originally used to come in were hypothetically recyclable, the material which they were made from was not something widely accepted in recycling facilities. The move towards taupe pots and bags instead of black has meant that the majority of our pots are now widely accepted in recycling facilities making it easier for customer to dispose of in an environmentally friendly way. Here’s a quick guide to the recycling symbols you’ll find across the centre.






How you can recycle old garden products
When you are looking to recycle garden waste and materials it’s important to look at the guidance of your local recycling and which materials are accepted. By visiting your local recycling centre you will be able to see what you can recycle.
One of the most cost effectively and environmentally friendly ways to use compost is to make it yourself from waste materials in your home and garden. Check out our graphic on what to include in your compost. It’s also important to take note of waste products which can be biodegradable and added into your compost bin.
Here’s what you should be putting into your compost bins:

Why we Source Locally Grown Plants?
Transportation is one of the largest greenhouse gas polluters in the UK, with transportation producing 27% of the UK’s total emissions in 2019 (GOV, 2021). By ensuring that 95%+ of our plants are sourced within the UK by reputable growers we are reducing the need for overseas transportation, supporting local x UK growers, as well as offering products which are suitable to the UK climate.
The benefits to you shopping local
Shopping in your local garden centre not only supports a local business but it will also reduce the environmental impact of shopping online or from a distant business.
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