In this episode of The Underground Podcast, Phil and Kate sit down with Nikki Burton, Managing Director, and Dr Victoria Wright, Technical Manager at Melcourt, the UK’s leading peat-free growing media company.

Melcourt has been at the forefront of sustainable horticulture for over 40 years, building its reputation on bark-based innovation, technical excellence, and consistent quality, epitomised by their RHS endorsement. Nikki and Victoria share the company’s journey from forestry roots to Royal Warrant holders, with insights into how they pioneered their peat-free products long before it became a national priority.

Listeners will discover:

• Why Melcourt has always been peat free and how its SylvaGrow range has become a benchmark for both professionals and home gardeners.

• The challenges of consumer education in a market where “peat free” often tells you what a product isn’t, rather than what it is.

• How consistency, raw ingredient knowledge, and supply chain expertise are critical to building trust in growing media.

• The importance of industry collaboration, from DEFRA to the Responsible Sourcing Scheme.

• Future opportunities and the role legislation, standards, and education will play in accelerating the industry-wide transition.

Packed with practical insights for garden centre teams, retail buyers, and brand marketers, this episode sheds light on one of the most debated issues in horticulture and highlights how Melcourt is helping shape the future of sustainable growing.

http://melcourt.co.uk/

Your hosts:

Phil Wright: ⁠⁠http://wrightobara.com⁠⁠

Kate Turner: ⁠⁠http://www.gardenerguru.co.uk