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Most garden centres now offer a good selection of peat-free composts, and the options are increasing all the time. They’re usually made of a combination of materials, including coir, composted bark

Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants. , composted green waste

Plant-based waste that is suitable for composting, such as dead leaves, clippings from pruning or grass mowing and discarded annuals. Many local councils have green waste recycling schemes if home composting isn't an option. , grit and sand. Further alternatives are also being trialled and tested.

Due to their high content of composted materials, peat-free composts are usually richer in beneficial microbes than peat-based composts. This can help to protect plants from harmful pathogens. However, over time, the microbes can use up some of the available nitrogen in the compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. , so extra feeding may be required.

Peat-free composts are a good option for seeds and cuttings. But if you’re used to peat-based composts, you may need to make a few adjustments to your plant-care routine to achieve the best results, as we explain below.

For more on choosing peat-free composts, see:

Peat-free compost choices

Peat-free composts have different properties to peat-based, but you can achieve equally good results if you follow these simple tips:

1 Choose the right compost

For sowing seeds and rooting cuttings, use specific seed and cuttings

A method of growing new plants from parts of an existing plant, such as sections of root, stem, leaf or bud. When prepared correctly and planted in the right conditions, they can produce roots and eventually become independent plants. There is a wide range of different methods for taking cuttings, depending on the plant and time of year. peat-free compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. . These are milled to a fine texture, which is especially important for smaller seeds. Multi-purpose composts are better suited to more established plants

Established plants have been in their current location for two or three years and so have well-developed root systems able to support strong growth with healthy foliage and flowers. , as they usually contain more fertiliser that is released slowly over three to six months, which seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. don’t need or like.

For full sowing advice, see:

2 Water with care

One of the key adjustments you may need to make when changing from peat-based compost to peat-free is with watering. Peat-free composts, especially those containing composted bark

Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants. , often hold water for longer, so may need watering less frequently.

They also tend to look dry on the surface, making it easy to overwater. So use your fingers to check the moisture levels under the surface where possible, or lift the container to feel how heavy it is. Also water using a small watering can or even a mist sprayer, so it’s easier to control the amount you apply.

Before sowing seeds, make sure the compost is moist but not soggy. Saturated compost is colder, which can slow down germination

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light. and may cause seedlings and cuttings to rot.

3 Apply liquid feed

Seed and cuttings compost contains very few nutrients, so start feeding once your seedlings have produced their first true leaves (the leaves that look typical of the plant) – as shown above.

You could use liquid seaweed feed or similar, or home-made options such as diluted comfrey feed or liquid from a wormery. You don’t have to feed every time you water, but apply often enough to keep the plants looking healthy – this might be once a week, but increase if needed.

Fertilisers

Seaweed products

Worm composting

4 Transplant to larger containers

Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and cuttings are well rooted, move them into a larger container to keep them healthy and growing strongly. If roots are just showing through the bottom of the cell or pot, that’s another good indication they’re ready to move.

Use peat-free multi-purpose or potting compost, which contains more nutrients.