Should you use peat? Are peat-free composts as good as peat-based composts? Are you, like us, tired of seeing that headline 'For Peat's Sake'? As usual, you'll easily find masses of misinformation about peat and the alternatives - but not too many facts.

This section on the issues surrounding the use of peat is divided into three main sub-sections:

1 General information on peat and peat alternatives

• why is peat favoured?
• what are the nearest alternatives?
• where is peat not to be used?
• why not use composted green waste?

2 Tests with peat and peat alternatives

• Test No 1: Impatiens (Bizzie Lizzies) in peat and alternatives
• Test No 2: The Sunflower Test

3 Tips on buying and using growing media

• be wary of 'multi-purpose'
• if you want to reduce use of peat
• getting the best results with the peat alternatives