Gardeners given chance to report growing problems with peat-free compost

Defra has been asked to send a representative to the conference at the Stockbridge Technology Centre, a horticultural research establishment at Cawood, near Selby.

As highlighted in the Yorkshire Post, both amateur and professional growers have concerns about a Defra proposal to set firm deadlines for ending the use of new peat.

Defra has quoted a Which survey which found substitutes best. But other trials have found the opposite. The Royal Horticultural Society supports the campaign to phase out peat but says the variability of the alternatives is cause for concern.

New standards are needed for composition and labelling, says the society.

All these issues will be covered at the free-entry Stockbridge conference – Future Growing Composts For Gardeners – 9.30-4.30 on February 16.

David Allison of Ilkley, northern secretary of the National Vegetable Society, will open the meeting. Keynote speaker is Christine Walkden, resident gardening expert of evening television’s The One Show. Compost manufacturers, Stockbridge scientists and the RHS will all contribute.

And Jack Rieley, Nottingham University professor and world authority on peatland ecology, will explain why he has described Defra policy as stupid.

He is secretary of the UK branch of the International Peat Society, which says it would make more sense to allow digging to continue at a sustainable level and tax it to build a rescue fund for areas with the best chances of being returned to bog.

Celebrity gardeners are divided on the peat issue. Bob Flowerdew was in trouble in December for admitting: “I use a modest amount of peat and I’d like to go on doing so. For a small number of plants, peat is effectively irreplaceable.”

Alan Titchmarsh made similar comments last April. Stefan Buczacki called them both “irresponsible”.

Christine Walkden said yesterday: “We need to look at the options and see what we can achieve to ensure what we buy as home gardeners is fit for the purpose.”

To book for the Stockbridge conference, email [email protected] or call her on 01757 268275.