The Biodegradable Garden Tray

B&Q, the Uk’s largest garden retailer has announced that it is set to ditch plastic trays used for bedding plants, and replace them with biodegradable packaging, allowing them to be placed directly into the ground.

Each plant will be packed into an environmentally friendly “teabag” made from compostable corn starch and coir, a natural by-product of coconut husks. The “easygrow” technology roots each bedding plant in 95% peat free compost, and will be incorporated into twenty types of bedding plant this spring.

The move is part of B&Q’s wider strategy of becoming more environmentally sustainable. The company has also pledged to remove peat from all of its horticultural products.           

The RSPB, who have long campaigned for peat-free gardening, have welcomed the move. Peat is derived from lowland bogs, which are home to several species of bird, in addition to other wildlife.

Image courtesy of The Metro