With no Government legislation on a Peat ban, no official guidance on Peat Free definitions and little funding, the RHS is having to introduce concessions at its world leading Flower Shows to support growers in their final stages of transitioning to 100% Peat Free up to 2028.
The RHS had been striving to be Peat Free across all its operations in 2026.
Next year in 2026, an estimated 40% of nurseries exhibiting in the Floral Marquee at RHS Shows will be allowed to sell Peat Starter Plants, which started life grown in a small plug containing peat and were then grown on peat free. The decision is due to a complex horticultural supply chain where 60% of young plants, many grown in peat, are sourced from abroad and to help safeguard nurseries who are vital to maintain Britain’s extraordinary plant diversity.
However, the horticultural industry has made significant headway in transitioning to peat free and in 2026 all Show Gardens, Judged Floral Displays and Trade Stands at RHS Flower Shows will be No New Peat Plants (either 100% peat free plants or plants grown in an element of peat before Dec 2025). The UK continues to lead the world in the transition to a peat free future.
RHS Director General, Clare Matterson CBE, says: “Every decision we make is about growing an environmentally sustainable industry and maintaining our position as world leader in peat free horticulture.
“However, without any Government legislation on banning peat, it’s not a level playing field for growers leading the charge and the RHS as a charity can’t steer this ship alone. Despite the lack of legislation, we along with the industry, have made great headway, but it’s disappointing with so much effort, investment and trailblazing work we’ve had to make this decision today.
“Whilst some nurseries have excelled at going peat free, it would be damaging not to support the nurseries still making huge investment in their transition to be peat free. As the UK’s gardening charity, we need to support them, not punish them, for their efforts and through the final stages of changeover.
“The more growers producing peat-free plants, the better for the planet.”
