Marie Antoine discussed the environmental impact of peat extraction and alternatives for gardeners during an interview released on Apr. 4 following her presentation, ‘All About Peat: Natural History and Human Uses,’ as part of the UC Master Gardeners of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties’ 2026 Speakers Series.
The discussion is relevant as peat is a common component in gardening products, but its extraction has significant environmental consequences. Understanding these impacts helps gardeners make informed choices about sustainable practices.
Antoine said that peat is widely used because it “has excellent water-holding capacity and cation exchange capacity” and serves as a good organic soil conditioner. She added, “Peat is naturally antimicrobial, so it makes a good sterile seed starting medium or a raw material for pressed pots.” However, she noted that peat forms very slowly—about one millimeter per year—and that extracting it involves draining wetlands. “Removal of peat irrevocably destroys habitat for a rich diversity of animals, plants, and fungi,” Antoine said. She explained that this process releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as either carbon dioxide or methane.
Some countries are responding to these concerns by restricting or banning peat use. Antoine said, “For example, the UK is doing a ‘phased ban’ starting with retail peat sales already being banned and working towards a ban on professional peat use in the coming years.” She recommended alternatives such as pulverized wood or bark fiber, composted vegetation or kitchen waste, coir, shredded cardboard or newspaper, coffee grounds, peanut hulls—emphasizing that many options exist besides peat.
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), which supports programs like the Master Gardener series through public contributions according to its official website, promotes sustainable practices to strengthen resilient ecosystems according to its official website. The organization operates nine research centers across California’s diverse ecosystems according to its official website and manages Cooperative Extension services throughout all 58 counties according to its official website. UC ANR conducts over 33,800 educational events annually with more than 18,400 volunteers involved in initiatives statewide according to its official website.
UC ANR extends university research through educational programs aimed at promoting sustainability in agriculture and natural resources while supporting community development through workshops and partnerships according to its official website. The organization’s work addresses state issues by mobilizing volunteers and leveraging research centers.
