Monty Don, the beloved host of BBC's Gardeners' World, has issued one of the strongest condemnations yet of peat-based composts, declaring them fundamentally detrimental to both gardening practices and the environment. Writing for Gardeners' World magazine, Don emphasized, "Let me be very clear, there is no excuse or reason to use peat under any circumstances. To do so is, at best, naive and uninformed. Using peat is simply bad gardening. Just say no." His remarks challenge gardeners across the United Kingdom to reconsider their choices.
The use of peat as potting compost seemingly has deep roots, but Don's analysis reveals it’s not as traditional as many might believe. The promotional push from Britain's horticultural industry only really started around the mid-20th century. It was driven more by economic factors than genuine gardening benefits, as the lighter weight of peat led to lower transportation costs and, hence, higher profits for manufacturers. Despite conservationists raising alarms about the environmental toll of peat extraction back in the 1980s, peat-based potting mixes are still available on the shelves of garden centres nationwide.
Don highlights the irony behind peat’s popularity: "Using peat is not just bad gardening; it is also very bad for the environment," he said, pointing out the sterility of peat as a growing medium. To remedy this, manufacturers often add "wetting agents"—essentially detergents—to allow water to penetrate peat, as plants would struggle to thrive without this aid. This practice not only compromises the health of the soil but also raises questions about the ethics of its continued use.
Reflecting on his childhood experiences, Don recalls helping to sieve homemade compost, remarking, "When I was a child, we never bought seed or potting compost. It was made entirely from sieved leaf mould, loam from turf stacks… and a little sieved garden compost." Although he admits he found it challenging as a nine-year-old, he insists the results were always worth the effort. This connection to traditional gardening methods has shaped his philosophy today: making compost at home using natural materials fosters stronger, healthier plants.
While Monty recognizes the potential for home-made compost to generate weeds—"I regard this as a healthy sign and weeding them out is no problem," he said—he urges gardeners not to shy away from the learning process associated with home gardening. Instead, he encourages them to embrace the possibility of imperfections along the way. This philosophy is rooted not only in fostering garden vitality but also what he describes as the mental health benefits of gardening.
During various podcast episodes, Don has shared how gardening has helped him cope with mental health challenges, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). "Gardening gives them hope, gardening connects them to something bigger than themselves, it connects them to the rhythm of seasons," he stated. For Don, gardening serves as both refuge and therapy—a space to manage feelings of loss, hopelessness, and anxiety. Regularly, fellow gardeners express similar sentiments, illustrating just how impactful the hobby can be for mental well-being.
Drawing on the natural cycles of growth and dormancy, Don reassures garden enthusiasts: "It's to be aware of all good times are followed by fallow times, but which are also followed by good times." This cyclical perspective, he believes, is empowering and reminds individuals to appreciate the rhythm of life beyond the confines of their gardens.
Monty Don's rich history with gardening began with newspaper columns, but it was his stint on ITV's This Morning and his eventual appointment as the host of BBC's Gardeners' World—in 2003—that solidified his fame. Announcing his intention to stay with the show at least until 2026, when he turns 70, Don continues to inspire new generations of gardeners.
With his recent insistence on avoiding peat-based composts and his promotion of homemade compost practices alongside reflecting on mental health benefits, Monty Don remains at the forefront of modern gardening dialogue, advocating for sustainable methods along the way. Carrying these teachings forward, this horticultural expert is more than just a television personality; he serves as both a mentor and environmental advocate for new and seasoned gardeners alike.