HortWeek Podcast Special - The End of Peat Episode 4: A whole new take on horticulture

HortWeek presents The End of Peat, a new four-part podcast series that will hear from leading horticulturists and garden retailers as they navigate a transition to peat-free that is piling pressure on a sector facing stresses on all sides.

Over the four episodes, Christina Taylor explores the story of the UK peat ban, how the horticulture industry is facing up to the challenge, and how it might shape the future of the sector.

In Episode 4 we hear from growers who have successfully made the leap to peat-free. Christina asks whether growers are ready for legislation and industry figures voice how it could work without destroying the horticulture industry in the process.

Written, produced, edited and presented by Christina Taylor

Listen to the other Episodes

If you have enjoyed The End of Peat, please consider rating and reviewing the series on Apple PodcastsSpotify or your podcast platform of choice.


Contributors

(In order of appearance)

Melanie Asker - managing director at Greenwood PlantsRob Dowling - nursery manager at Hyde Park NurseryAlistair Griffiths - RHS science director Michael Buck - head of horticulture at Creepers Nurseries
Steve Carter - general manager of Fleurie PlantsEliot Barden - Aftercare, purchasing and training director at Majestic TreesSimon Blackhurst - chair of the Growing Media Association and horticultural consultantSteve Harper - Responsible Sourcing Scheme chair and Southern Trident CEO
Jonathan Sheppard - plant collection holder and growerNikki Barker - RHS peat free transitition coordinatorKen Cox - managing director at Glendoick GardensGuy Watts - owner of Architectural Plants
Tony Johnson - managing director of P B HorticulturalDarren Everest - Darren Everest Dahlias and Sweet PeasSally Drury - horticulturist and HortWeek technical editor

Series writer, producer, editor and presenter: Christina Taylor

Special thanks to Jonathan Sheppard for his permission to use clips from his podcast In Conversation About Peat Free with the RHS.

Editor: Matthew Appleby

Further reading, listening and useful links

Hortweek Podcast: Should we ban peat for horticulture? Plant collection holder Jonathan Sheppard and dahlia and sweet pea grower Darren Everest debate the peat ban

Explore HortWeek's unrivalled and exclusive peat and peat-free coverage

The International Peatland Society: https://peatlands.org/

RHS Peat-free Hub:- https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/peat


Read These Next

Dutch ornamenta exports on a map

Post-Brexit data shows plant imports rising and exports falling

Post-Brexit imports into the UK have increased with multiple sources showing how we have not improved import substitution despite the promises of Brexit, with the Netherlands the remaining the largest trading partner.

Salix cuttings (L to R): acutifolia ‘Blue Streak’, alba var. vitellina, daphnoides, alba var. vitellina ‘Yelverton’, irrorata and rubra ‘Eugenei’ - credit all images: Bob Askew

Salix - these wonderful willows will add colour and beauty to the garden

Nepalese Orange has gorgeous rich orange bark, peeling in coppery-orange strips and prominent lenticels

Betula - some colourful alternative birches to the usual suspects


Opinion


Partner Content