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You can read here why you should avoid using peaty potting soil and why peat-free soil is a real benefit.
Peat-free soil - a real benefit
Anyone who gardenes in an environmentally conscious manner will have already noticed that the range of peat-free soils on the market is increasing from year to year. So there are no more excuses not to use peat-free soils. Peat-free potting soil is suitable for all crops, whether fruit, vegetables or ornamental plants. Even for the acid-loving hydrangeas, there is already soil that does not require peat. In most cases, the peat in these soils is replaced by compost, wood fiber, coconut fiber, clay or perlite. These peat-free soils behave quite similarly to a peat soil. Often it is just that it has to be watered more often. However, this disadvantage is made up for by a significant advantage. Most gardeners are familiar with the problem of peat once it has dried out. When dried out, peat becomes water-repellent and can no longer store water. The peat-free alternatives don't have this problem and fare a lot better in this regard! Although the alternatives are usually more expensive than peat soil, you can use the peat-free soil with a clear and, above all, clear conscience.
Proven soils without peat
After clarifying why peat-free soil should be used and what advantages and disadvantages this entails, the question now arises as to which alternatives are already commercially available. Pressed briquettes made from coconut pulp are particularly suitable for domestic use or just for the balcony. Because they are pressed and sold dry, they are easy to transport and store. You only need a bucket and water to use it, where the coconut pith swells into ready-to-use soil. If you prefer the soil in the usual sacks, then that's no problem either.