
Scotland Grows Show S10 E6: Growing Success in Peat-Free Compost with Scott Smith
From Scotland Grows Show by Scotland Grows
October 30, 2025 · 46 min
About this episode
Scott Smith discusses the transition to peat-free compost and shares insights from his hands-on trial comparing different composts.
"Manufacturers and the government have a duty to us as the amateur gardener, to really try and help us with this transition to peat-free." Horticulturist Scott Smith returns to the Scotland Grows Show to share the results of his hands-on trial comparing three peat-free composts with a traditional peat-based mix. Conducted in real-world home conditions in the northeast of Scotland, Scott’s project demystifies the challenges and surprises of switching to peat-free growing media, revealing what works, and what doesn’t, for everyday gardeners. Whether you're struggling to get your tomatoes thriving, confused by the ever-changing labels in the garden centre, or keen to help protect Scotland's precious peatlands, Scott offers practical advice and data-backed recommendations you won’t want to miss. Tune in for honest insights on watering and feeding plants growing in peat-free compost, which composts delivered the best yields, and why clearer packaging and guidance matter more than ever for home gardeners. Plus, learn about Scott's new book (OUT NOW)! If you’re ready to get reliable results from peat-free gardening, this episode is packed with tips, discoveries, and stories that will…
People in this episode
Host: Scotland Grows
Guest: Scott Smith
Topics covered
- peat-free compost
- gardening tips
- sustainable gardening
- plant care
- Scotland gardening
Keywords
- peat-free
- compost
- gardening
- horticulture
- plant care
- Scotland
- sustainable gardening
Mentioned in this episode
Places: northeast of Scotland
More episodes of Scotland Grows Show
- Scotland Grows Show S11 E6: Following Her Joy: Horticulture Learner of the Year, Sarah Forbes · April 3, 2026 · 38 min
- Scotland Grows Show S11 E5: A Celebration of Hellebores at Kirklands with Peter and Gill Hart · March 20, 2026 · 38 min
- Scotland Grows Show S11 E4: Gardening on Skye's Wild Edge with Úna Treanor · February 7, 2026 · 34 min
- Scotland Grows Show S11 E3: Plan Your Perfect Garden with Joanne Evans · January 23, 2026 · 35 min
- Scotland Grows Show S11 E2: Box, Blight, and Beyond with Lewis Swales · December 19, 2025 · 39 min
- Scotland Grows Show S11 E1: An Orchid Obsession with Luke Callaghan · December 4, 2025 · 39 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Scotland Grows Show podcast page.