The most ethical garden suppliers
Which garden retailers and suppliers are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Garden Suppliers Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
The most ethical garden suppliers
Why is it important to buy from ethical garden suppliers?
The Good Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on ethical and sustainability criteria since 2001. Gardening is one of the UK’s most popular pastimes, and with UK households collectively spending billions of pounds on garden products each year, the ethical practices of garden suppliers have a significant cumulative impact on the environment. Our Ethical Garden Suppliers Ratings Table gives consumers a clear, independently researched way to compare brands and support more responsible businesses.
Taking care of the garden is a hobby for some and a chore for others. Whatever your feelings on it, gardening is a necessity for all garden owners! Data from STIHL’s 2021 census indicated that UK gardeners spend an average of £670 per year on their garden.
With all this money going into the gardening industry, it is crucial that we consider the ethics of both the products we are purchasing and the garden supplier companies we are purchasing them from. This article will explore the ethical issues in the gardening industry and examine the ethics behind the UK’s biggest garden suppliers. We also offer some advice and recommendations for how to be a more ethical gardener. Our research assesses brands across Environment, Animals, and People criteria — see our How We Rate page for a full explanation of our methodology.
Why is peat bad?
One of the major concerns within the gardening industry is the extraction and use of peat, which is now known for its detrimental environmental impact. Traditionally, peat has been used in gardening to manage soil pH, increase water retention and foster disease resistance. However, as a society, we have been moving away from using peat in gardening, as we have become increasingly aware of its harmful environmental impact. But why is this? What makes peat so bad for our planet?
Peat is now well-known for its role in exacerbating climate change. According to Science.org, peat is an even more polluting substance than coal. A 2022 study by The Wildlife Trusts revealed that as much as 31 million tonnes of carbon dioxide may have been released into the atmosphere since 1990. The study claims that this is a direct result of using peat in gardening and farming.
Additionally, peatlands, where peat is extracted from, are home to wildlife, such as rare species of plants and animals. By taking peat from these areas, we are destroying important habitats and contributing to biodiversity loss.
The UK government has introduced a phased series of measures to address peat use in horticulture. Sales of bagged peat compost for retail customers were banned in 2024. A ban on most professional uses of peat is set to follow in 2026, with some exemptions remaining until 2030 for specific production methods where alternatives are not yet viable. Defra is the government department responsible for overseeing this transition. The Royal Horticultural Society has been ‘no new peat’ across all its operations since 1 January 2026, setting a clear example for the wider industry. Some garden suppliers have already started this process — more on this later.
The environmental impact of pesticides
As pesticides and weedkillers are gardening staples, it is important that you are aware of their environmental impact. Unfortunately, these products contain numerous toxic chemicals that contribute to soil pollution and may harm bees and other pollinators. Neonicotinoids — a class of insecticide widely used in horticulture — have been repeatedly linked to serious harm in bee populations and other pollinating insects.
Garden Organic, an organisation dedicated to promoting organic gardening, offers a wide range of advice on how to garden without pesticides, as well as other tips and tricks on ethical gardening.
Rewilding, wildlife gardening and sustainable gardening trends
Interest in rewilding and wildlife-friendly gardening is growing rapidly in the UK. The RHS Bringing Nature Home campaign reports that UK gardens cover over 400,000 hectares — more land than all our National Nature Reserves combined — making the choices of individual gardeners collectively significant. Planting native species, reducing mowing, creating wildflower meadows, and adding ponds or log piles are among the most effective steps gardeners can take to support local biodiversity. Choosing garden suppliers that stock peat-free compost, organic seeds, and pollinator-friendly plants is therefore not just an ethical preference — it is an active contribution to wildlife conservation. Our Ethical Garden Suppliers Ratings Table helps you identify which brands support these goals and which fall short.
Our research findings: garden suppliers to avoid
The Good Shopping Guide’s latest research into Britain’s leading garden suppliers has revealed the most and least ethical companies to purchase garden products from. You can view the full ratings on our Garden Suppliers Ethical Comparison Table, though we will summarise our main findings for you here.
Our research is based on assessment of each garden supplier’s performance in three main categories: the Environment, Animals and People. Large retailers, The Range and Homebase, receive the lowest scores and therefore appear at the bottom of the table.
Both these garden suppliers received a bottom rating in the Environmental Report category. This indicates that neither company has a comprehensive sustainability plan, with clear targets and goals for improving their environmental record.
Homebase, the lowest scoring company, was found to be involved in a range of unethical activities. This is primarily because Homebase is currently owned by multinational management company, Hilco Global. Hilco Global has been linked to several controversial business practices, such as making political donations and involvement in the Aerospace and Defence industry.
As The Range and Homebase are both large household names, we are disappointed in their poor performance. We therefore recommend avoiding these garden suppliers and opting for more ethical businesses at the top of our ratings.
The most ethical garden suppliers
On the bright side, our research also shed light on the most ethical garden suppliers to purchase from. The top-scoring brands in the Garden Suppliers Ethical Comparison Table were Kabloom, Crocus and Patch Plants.
Kabloom and Crocus both received strong ratings in the Peat Free category. As Kabloom claims to be fully peat free, it receives a top rating. Crocus receives a middle rating, as despite not being 100% peat free, the company has set a goal to be completely peat free by 2026. As both brands have taken the initiative to go peat free several years before the mandatory government deadline, we believe they deserve some recognition for this. Crocus also holds Ethical Accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide, reflecting its independently verified commitment to responsible business practices.
There are also many more ethical brands on the full table, so take a look to explore your options. If you want to purchase your garden supplies from an ethical business, these are the brands to choose from!
We hope that after reading this article, you have some insight into what you can do to be more ethical in your purchasing decisions when it comes to your garden. By opting for peat free, ethical brands, you will be treating your garden, and the planet, with the care it deserves.
Ethical gardening: the bigger picture
If you are thinking carefully about the ethics of your garden purchases, it is worth applying the same scrutiny to related categories. The Good Shopping Guide has been independently rating garden and outdoor brands since 2001. Our Ethical Plants and Garden Ratings Table and Ethical Garden Furniture Ratings Table apply the same independent research methodology to other popular garden product categories. For businesses in the garden and outdoor sector that want their ethical credentials independently recognised, find out more about The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation.
See our Garden Suppliers Ethical Comparison Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Kabloom, Crocus, Patch Plants, Sarah Raven, Gardening Express, Ashwood Nurseries, Hortology, Wickes, B&Q, Dobies, Gardening Direct, Hayloft, J. Parker’s, Jacksons Nurseries, Primrose, Suttons, Thompson & Morgan, UK Garden Supplies, Van Meuwen, YouGarden, The Range, Homebase
Why is it important to buy from ethical garden suppliers?
UK gardeners spend an average of £670 per year on their gardens, meaning the collective impact of consumer choices is considerable. Many garden suppliers are involved in concerning practices, from selling peat-based products to sourcing from companies with poor environmental records. Choosing ethical garden suppliers helps protect natural ecosystems, supports responsible businesses, and can contribute meaningfully to reducing your personal environmental footprint.
Why is peat bad for the environment?
Peat is a surprisingly damaging substance, releasing enormous quantities of carbon when extracted — some scientists consider it more polluting than coal. A 2022 Wildlife Trusts study found that up to 31 million tonnes of carbon dioxide may have entered the atmosphere since 1990 due to peat use in gardening and farming. Peatlands are also crucial habitats for rare plants and wildlife, meaning their extraction contributes directly to biodiversity loss.
Will peat be banned in the UK?
The UK government announced in August 2022 that peat will be fully banned by 2030, with phased legislation to accelerate the process. Some garden suppliers have already begun transitioning ahead of this deadline. Kabloom claims to be fully peat free and receives a top rating from The Good Shopping Guide, while Crocus has committed to being completely peat free by 2026, earning a middle rating for its proactive progress.
How do pesticides and weedkillers affect the environment?
Pesticides and weedkillers are common garden staples, but they contain toxic chemicals that contribute to soil pollution and can harm bees and other vital pollinators. Given how widespread their use is, the cumulative environmental impact is significant. Organisations such as Garden Organic provide useful guidance on pesticide-free gardening methods, helping consumers make choices that better protect local ecosystems and reduce their contribution to broader environmental damage.
Which garden suppliers have the worst ethical records?
The Good Shopping Guide’s research identified The Range and Homebase as the lowest-scoring garden suppliers on its ratings table. Both received bottom ratings for their Environmental Report, indicating an absence of credible sustainability plans. Homebase performed particularly poorly due to its parent company Hilco Global’s involvement in controversial activities, including links to the aerospace and defence industry and political donations. Consumers are encouraged to seek alternatives from more responsible brands.
Which garden suppliers are the most ethical?
The Good Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table places Crocus, Kabloom, and Patch Plants among the highest-scoring brands. Kabloom is fully peat free, while Crocus has committed to becoming peat free by 2026. The table compares brands across key criteria including environmental reporting, peat-free credentials, and animal welfare. Consumers can use it to identify which suppliers best reflect their values and support a more sustainable approach to gardening.
Is Crocus an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Crocus sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though its Peat Free rating is acceptable rather than top. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s clear commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Crocus also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its progressive approach within the garden supplies sector.
Is Kabloom an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Kabloom sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, earning top ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Peat Free credentials, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful and recognised way to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Kabloom also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its forward-thinking approach.
Is Patch Plants an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Patch Plants sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Peat Free rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer a recognised opportunity to formally validate its commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. Patch Plants also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Sarah Raven an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Sarah Raven sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across assessed areas including its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials, with an acceptable Peat Free rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a valuable and recognised way to formally demonstrate Sarah Raven’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices within the garden supplies sector.
Is Gardening Express an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Gardening Express sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Peat Free rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, pursuing it could offer a meaningful way to formally validate Gardening Express’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Ashwood Nurseries an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Ashwood Nurseries sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free rating. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Ashwood Nurseries with a recognised means of demonstrating its commitment to responsible practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Hortology an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Hortology sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could offer Hortology a recognised way to formally demonstrate its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Is Wickes an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Wickes sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free rating. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a recognised means of formally validating Wickes’ commitment to ethical and sustainable practices within the garden supplies sector.
Is B&Q an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
B&Q falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand shows acceptable performance in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it falls short in its Animal Welfare rating. Consumers seeking garden suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Dobies an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Dobies falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Shoppers looking for garden suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more sustainable options.
Is Gardening Direct an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Gardening Direct falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in areas such as its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Those seeking garden suppliers that reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Hayloft an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Hayloft falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Consumers seeking garden suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is J. Parker’s an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
J. Parker’s falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Shoppers wishing to find garden suppliers that reach the ethical benchmark can refer to The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for higher-rated alternatives.
Is Jacksons Nurseries an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Jacksons Nurseries falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Consumers looking for garden suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is Primrose an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Primrose falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Those seeking garden suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
Is Suttons an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Suttons falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Consumers wishing to find garden suppliers that reach the ethical benchmark can refer to The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for higher-rated alternatives.
Is Thompson & Morgan an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Thompson & Morgan falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Shoppers seeking garden suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more sustainable alternatives.
Is UK Garden Supplies an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
UK Garden Supplies falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Consumers seeking garden suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Van Meuwen an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Van Meuwen falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Shoppers looking for garden suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible options.
Is YouGarden an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
YouGarden falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short in its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, though it performs well in its Animal Welfare and Fossil Fuels ratings. Consumers wishing to find garden suppliers that reach the ethical benchmark can refer to The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for higher-rated alternatives.
Is The Range an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
The Range falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short across several areas, including its Environmental Report and Peat Free credentials, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking garden suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Homebase an ethical Garden Suppliers brand?
Homebase falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand falls short across several key areas, including its Environmental Report, Peat Free credentials, Armaments and Political Donations ratings, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Those seeking garden suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Garden Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.