News & Offers
Celebrating Peat-Free Gardening with RocketGro
At Polhill Garden Centre, we’ve embarked on a journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible approach to gardening. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we’re not only reflecting on our past but, also looking to the future with a commitment to greener gardening practices. Part of our vision involves partnering with brands that share our dedication to sustainability, and that’s why we’ve chosen to stock RocketGro Peat-Free compost.
The Shift to Peat-Free Gardening
Sustainable gardening is more critical today than ever before. The United Kingdom, like the rest of the world, is grappling with the profound impacts of climate change. As a nation, we face the urgent need to conserve our countryside, protect our natural habitats, and make responsible choices in our gardening practices. One significant step in this direction is the transition to peat-free gardening.
The environmental repercussions of harvesting peat are irreversible over a human life timescale. Peat is formed slowly over thousands of years, and its extraction is detrimental to our environment, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Peat bogs, in good condition, are vital components of the Carbon cycle, as they can absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide. However, the farming of peat disrupts this natural process and turns these carbon reservoirs into carbon sources, negatively impacting our environment.
Recognising the ecological significance of peatlands, the government has announced a ban on the sale of peat to amateur gardeners by 2024. This decision highlights the need to shift to peat-free gardening and learn how to use peat-free composts for our gardening and growing activities. By choosing to go peat-free, gardeners are actively participating in the preservation of peat bogs and peatlands across the UK and Europe.
Why RocketGro is the Right Choice
So, why did we choose RocketGro for our peat-free compost selection? The answer lies in their unwavering commitment to sustainability and their innovative approach to crafting gardening products. RocketGro is fully Peat-Free, and they have always been dedicated to promoting eco-friendly gardening practices.
Sustainable Gardening Matters
Sustainable gardening is more than a trend; it’s a necessity. As we confront the challenges of climate change and the impact of our choices on the countryside and natural habitats, sustainable gardening becomes a key component of a brighter future. RocketGro aligns with this vision and offers an extensive range of peat-free composts designed to meet your gardening needs while preserving our environment.
A Message from Josh Novell, Director of Polhill Garden Centre
Josh Novell, our Director at Polhill Garden Centre, understands the importance of sustainable gardening for the future. As we celebrate our 60th year anniversary, Josh is actively seeking sustainable means to move forward. He emphasises the significance of making responsible choices to protect our environment and natural resources.
In his words, “In a world that’s rapidly changing, sustainable gardening takes on a new level of significance. As we mark the grand occasion of our 60th year anniversary at Polhill Garden Centre, it’s not merely a time for celebration but also a moment of reflection and forward thinking.
Gardening isn’t just about creating beautiful landscapes; it’s about creating a positive impact on our environment. Our commitment to sustainable gardening is more than a choice; it’s a responsibility we all share. We understand that the decisions we make today affect the world we’ll leave behind for future generations.
As we journey into the next 60 years and beyond, we’re unwavering in our dedication to sustainable gardening. We’re actively seeking innovative and eco-conscious solutions to pave the way for a brighter, greener future. Our mission is to ensure that the gardens we help grow, the landscapes we create, and the products we offer at Polhill Garden Centre embody the principles of sustainability as much as possible.
We believe that, just as we’ve thrived and evolved over six remarkable decades, our commitment to sustainable gardening will continue to flourish. Together, we’re sowing the seeds for a vibrant, greener, and more sustainable future for everyone.”
The RocketGro Production Process
RocketGro stands out not only for its commitment to sustainability but also for the innovative production process behind its products. The journey begins with Anaerobic Digestion (AD), a natural and environmentally friendly method.
How Are RocketGro Products Made?
RocketGro’s peat-free compost products are brought to life through Anaerobic Digestion (AD), a natural process that minimizes the environmental impact. The production process begins by feeding Rye, Maize, and Grass into their Biogas AD plant. Here, natural microbes break down these materials to produce biogas, a renewable energy source. The by-product of this process becomes the base ingredient for all RocketGro products.
The process is similar to the digestion system of a cow. As a cow chews on grass, enzymes in its saliva break it down. While the grass passes through the cow’s stomach, natural gases are produced. Anaerobic digestion mimics this process, creating biogas from organic materials.
Powering the UK with Green Energy
RocketGro takes sustainability to the next level. Their renewable biogas not only powers their farm and electric vehicles but also gets pumped directly into the national gas grid. This green energy source provides electricity to power 8000 homes daily, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and minimising the carbon footprint.
Closing the Loop with Digestate
The by-product of the Anaerobic Digestion process, known as Digestate, is separated into a fiber and a liquid. The fiber forms the base ingredient for RocketGro’s peat-free compost products. To create these composts, the fiber is blended with certified Soil Association approved finely graded composted down green waste and other substrates, resulting in all-natural and Organic approved growing media products.
Sustainable Crop Cycle
RocketGro goes the extra mile to ensure that sustainability is at the core of their production process. After packaging their Organic approved Compost & Soil Improver products, the remaining liquid and fiber are spread onto their fields. This sustainable approach helps grow the next crop of Maize, Rye, and Grass, creating a natural and 100% sustainable virtuous cycle.
By choosing RocketGro peat-free compost for your gardening needs, you’re not only nurturing your plants but also actively participating in sustainable gardening. Together with RocketGro, we’re making our gardens and the world a greener, more sustainable place for all.
If you’re interested in learning more about RocketGro’s sustainable farming practices, we invite you to watch the video below.
