Crossword Genius

In hope, at least, one can use it as a mulch (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

peat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one can use it as a mulch' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'in hope at least' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'PEAT' is hidden in the letters of 'hope at least'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for peat that I've seen before include "Dried turf" , "It's used for fuel and in the garden" , "Fuel from marsh" , "Some got energy from this" , "Vegetable matter in bogs, like turf" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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