RHS to allow Peat Starter Plants at future shows
Amidst a legislation ‘black hole’, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is allowing a concession on Peat Starter Plants for the next three years.
The RHS estimates that next year (2026), 40% of nurseries exhibiting in the Floral Marquee at RHS Shows will be allowed to sell Peat Starter Plants.
This refers to plants that began life in a small plug containing peat but have gone on to be grown peat free.
The charity says this decision is due to a “complex” horticultural supply chain where 60% of young plants are imported overseas, all of which are “vital” to Britain’s plant diversity.
RHS director general, Clare Matterson spoke at the RHS Spring conference on 31 March, commenting on charities commitment to becoming 100% peat free by 2026.
“We continue to ask the government to put more money into that work, and that is a great achievement, and it is showing a lot of promise. We’re almost there.”
She says it would be “damaging” to not support the nurseries currently still investing in their transitions to being peat free.
The RHS have invested £2.5m into peat free research, promising all five gardens will have 100% no New Peat Plants from June 2025.
While show gardens, judged floral displays, and trade stands at RHS Show will include No New Peat Plants (either 100% peat free plants or plants grown in an element of peat before Dec 2025).
The concession will be in place until 2028.