Peatlands only cover ~3% of the Earth’s land area, with a large proportion of this located in Northern Europe and Western Siberia (shown above). These areas of the world have been perennially frozen for tens of thousands of years, where permafrost peatlands have developed, locking up almost 40 billion tonnes of CO2 (twice the amount held by Europe’s forests). Due to the effects of global warming, the permafrost is in danger of melting, which would therefore allow the organic matter within the frozen peat to decompose, releasing the billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, further exacerbating global warming. This relationship between climate change and environmental effects is called ‘positive climate feedback’, where an initial change in...
Creating a lush and vibrant patio garden in the UK, especially in shaded areas, requires careful consideration of plant choices. A well-designed shady patio can be a soothing retreat, offering a cool respite during warm summers. In this guide, we'll explore five fantastic plants that thrive in the shade, transforming your patio into a green oasis. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner looking for BBC Gardeners' World-approved ideas, read on for inspiration on landscape design and container planting. Ferns: Ferns are a classic choice for shaded areas, offering elegance and grace to your patio garden. Known for their feathery fronds, ferns are low-maintenance and thrive in moist, shaded conditions. Their adaptability makes them perfect for container planting, creating...
Having a balcony garden is a wonderful way to bring greenery and beauty to your urban space. If you're a gardener in the UK looking for the best plants to thrive in balcony conditions, we've got you covered. And when it comes to choosing the right growing medium, coir compost emerges as a sustainable and practical alternative to peat, offering the added benefit of reduced watering needs.Coir compost, derived from coconut husks, is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to peat, which has come under scrutiny due to environmental concerns. By choosing coir compost, you support eco-friendly gardening practices, making a positive impact on the planet.Now, let's talk about the best balcony plants for the UK. First and foremost, consider...
When it comes to sowing seeds, the choice of a suitable growing medium is vital for ensuring healthy germination and robust plant growth. Peat has long been a popular option, but its environmental impact has led gardeners to seek sustainable alternatives. One such alternative gaining recognition is coir compost. So, the question arises: Is coir compost good for seeds?Coir, derived from coconut husks, is a renewable and eco-friendly resource. It is a byproduct of the coconut industry, making it a sustainable alternative to peat, which is harvested from fragile ecosystems. Coir is quickly gaining popularity among gardeners due to its sustainable nature and impressive performance as a growing medium.The good news is that coir compost is indeed an excellent choice...
In recent years, the global push for sustainability has led to a search for eco-friendly alternatives in various industries. One such area of concern is gardening and horticulture, where the use of peat as a growing medium has come under scrutiny. Peat extraction can have harmful effects on delicate ecosystems, leading to a demand for sustainable alternatives. One such alternative gaining popularity is coir, but the question remains: Is coir compostable? Coir, also known as coconut fiber, is derived from the husks of coconuts. It is a natural byproduct of the coconut industry, making it a renewable and sustainable resource. Unlike peat, which is harvested from bogs and takes centuries to form, coir is readily available and its production has...
