Growing a Greener Garden: Miracle-Gro's Commitment to Responsible Peat Sourcing

So, why has peat moss been a staple in garden products for so long? For decades, gardeners have valued its ability to help transform soil. It provides unparalleled water retention, excellent aeration, and a consistent medium that’s perfect for giving young plants their best start. It helps prevent compaction, ensuring roots get the oxygen they need to flourish, making it an excellent choice for strong, vigorous plant growth.

Our commitment to sustainability begins at the source. The vast majority of the peat moss used in Miracle-Gro products comes from Canadian peatlands. Less than 0.03% of Canada’s almost 282 million acres of peatland are harvested for horticultural-based peat. These areas operate under some of the world's most stringent environmental regulations and governmental oversight, ensuring that harvesting is conducted responsibly and with conservation as a top priority. Canada is recognized globally for its leadership in sustainable peatland management. However, our goal is to be a leader in environmental stewardship, which is why we hold ourselves to standards higher than the minimum regulatory requirements. To us, "responsible sourcing" means going above and beyond. That’s why we proudly partner with rigorous, independent third-party certification programs like the Veriflora® Responsibly Managed Peatlands standard, certified by SCS Global Services. This isn't just a label; it’s a confirmation that our suppliers meet the highest international environmental, social, and economic criteria for sustainable peatland management. It covers everything from careful site selection, to employing harvesting techniques that minimize impact on the surrounding ecosystem, and a clear, unwavering commitment to the land's future. When we talk about "responsibly managed," we're talking about a holistic approach rooted in scientific best practices. It involves diligent planning long before any harvesting begins, specific methods designed to facilitate effective restoration, managing water levels, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring the long-term health of these vital ecosystems.

The story of responsible sourcing doesn't end when peat moss leaves the bog. It's truly a story of renewal, where active restoration is a cornerstone of our approach. This isn’t a passive process; it’s a dedicated effort to return harvested peatlands to thriving, functioning ecosystems, often accelerating natural regeneration.

We focus on re-establishing sphagnum moss, the dominant plant species in healthy peatlands, which is crucial for the natural formation of peat. This involves strategic re-vegetation, managing water flow, and fostering the optimal conditions for native flora and fauna to return and flourish.

Thanks to these responsible harvesting and active restoration techniques, a dense covering of plants can be re-established on harvested peatlands within just three to five years. Furthermore, the ecological functions, including carbon sequestration (capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere) and water filtration, can return to comparable natural levels within a remarkable 10 to 15 years. This commitment ensures that vital ecosystems are not just sustained, but actively renewed for future generations.

Our dedication to sustainable peat sourcing is also deeply rooted in collaboration and continuous learning. We actively partner with leading research institutions and environmental experts, including organizations like the Peatland Ecology Research Group (PERG). These partnerships are instrumental in ensuring our practices are informed by the latest scientific understanding of peatland ecology and the most effective restoration techniques. This scientific rigor ensures that we are always evolving, seeking out better ways to care for the environment. Beyond science, we value our relationships with local communities and Indigenous populations near sourcing areas, aiming for respectful engagement and open dialogue.

At Miracle-Gro, our commitment to sustainability extends far beyond peat moss. It’s part of a broader vision to foster a greener future for gardening, from responsible packaging to water conservation initiatives. We're continuously exploring and investing in innovative solutions that support both thriving gardens and a healthy planet.

As part of this forward-looking approach, we also understand and are responsive to evolving consumer preferences and the environmental conversation. That's why we’ve been at the forefront of developing and offering high-quality peat-free alternatives. We utilize innovative materials like upcycled green waste, nutrient-rich compost, and sustainable wood fibers to provide gardeners with excellent choices that deliver fantastic results without peat. Many of our peat-free growing mixes utilize materials that might otherwise go to landfills, transforming them into valuable resources for your garden.

Whether you choose our trusted peat-based products, knowing they are responsibly sourced, or opt for our growing range of peat-free options, you can trust that Miracle-Gro is dedicated to empowering you to cultivate a beautiful garden while caring for our shared Earth. Together, we can continue to grow a greener world, one beautiful garden at a time.