Add Peat Moss To Potting Soil: 140 Facts

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140 Facts Add Peat Moss To Potting Soil | What Is Peat Moss? Uses in Gardens and Potted Plants

• Peat moss is not only organic, and has excellent water holding capacity, but it is also completely sterile. As we mentioned in the last section, there are no chemicals used in processing peat moss. Because there are no fungi, bacteria, and weed seeds, this media is clean as a whistle. Peat moss also has antiseptic qualities that originate in polysaccharides which suck harmful bacteria into cell walls. There’s a long and very interesting history of the use of this moss in medicine and as bandages. - Source: Internet
• Sterile medium – Peat moss provides a sterile medium, which is ideal for planting and growing your vegetable plants . It doesn’t have any harmful chemicals, weed seeds and other bad things you don’t want for your plants. This is why peat moss is an ideal starting medium, mainly for tender, vulnerable plants that require a lot of care. It is a good practice to add a bit of peat moss to any starting mix. - Source: Internet
• When you think of potted plants and container gardening, soil alternatives come to mind. If you were to use soil straight from your garden for your pots, it is likely that the plants will not grow as strong as the ones in your garden. It is for this reason that gardeners and plant owners select potting soils for their container plants. Where does peat moss fit into the picture? It is a component of most potting soil mixes, and it is an important ingredient in “soilless” gardening. - Source: Internet
• You can also use peat moss for organic gardening. In this case, make sure to use organic peat moss. It is important to check the labels before you buy any product. Once you have organic peat moss you can mix it with soil and use it in many different ways in your organic vegetable garden . - Source: Internet
• Although sometimes referred to as “peat” for short, peat moss and peat are not, technically, the same. “Peat” is the broader term: Peat moss is just one of the products harvested from peat bogs. Other kinds of peat come from the partial decomposition of other organic materials. The “moss” in “peat moss” refers specifically to sphagnum moss (for example, Sphagnum cymbifolium). - Source: Internet
• Like peat moss, sphagnum moss is harvested for the horticultural trade. For example, it is commonly used to line wire baskets for hanging plants to retain the soil. But the sphagnum moss used for this purpose was a plant growing in nature not long ago. You can also tell from its appearance that it is a type of moss, whereas peat moss bears more resemblance to soil. - Source: Internet
• First, “sphagnum moss” refers to a living plant. There are 120 species of this type of moss plant. Sphagnum moss is native to many countries across the globe, but it is especially prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere. “Peat moss” is not alive; it’s long dead. - Source: Internet
• Sphagnum peat moss has a course texture and contributes to good aeration, yet provides waterholding capacity to prevent soil from drying too quickly. Adding too much sphagnum peat, however, can restrict soil drainage by holding too much water. Sphagnum peat moss can be difficult to wet and should be moistened prior to mixing in other ingredients. - Source: Internet
• Potting Soil From company to company, you may find slight variations in the ingredients in potting soil. The most common ingredients are peat moss, vermiculite (a natural mineral that aerates the soil), perlite (to lighten the soil), and sometimes loam and shredded tree bark. Added fertilizers and enhancements make potting soil mixtures suitable media for growing and supporting plants. When you think of potted plants and container gardening, soil alternatives come to mind. - Source: Internet
• But peat moss has other uses, as well. Outdoors, it can be tilled into a planting bed where the soil is not sufficiently friable. Peat moss will lighten up the soil in your garden, which may have become compacted over the years, resulting in inadequate drainage. - Source: Internet
• There are several ways to prepare a seed starting mix from peat moss and the mix you use will vary depending on your preferences. Soilless seed mixes use peat moss as the base with equal parts of perlite or vermiculite and add small amounts of lime and fertilizer to lower the pH level and give your seeds some plant food.​ - Source: Internet
• This moss is an excellent amendment, particularly in sandy soils or in potted plants that have difficulty retaining moisture. We’ll talk more about how to use peat moss later. First up, a few distinctions! - Source: Internet
• An ideal soil will retain enough moisture to keep your plants irrigated. But you do not want all of the water to pass quickly through your soil. It is a delicate balance, and peat moss, with its ability to retain water, will help you achieve that balance. - Source: Internet
• Peat doesn’t have any nutrient content, unlike compost, animal manures, and other soil mixes. Therefore, it’s only good for consistency and water retention. Peat moss soil is never just peat moss. Mixing peat moss with soil is what creates these blends. If you’re growing plants in peat, you’ll always need some source of nutrients in addition to the moss. - Source: Internet
• In a word, peat is springy. Just squish it between your fingers. You’ll see what I’m talking about. - Source: Internet
• It is a great seed starting medium. It is sterile, absorbent, and the homogeneous material is simple to work with. This keeps the seedbed uniformly moist, aiding in seed germination. Most seed starting mixes have peat moss, and you can make your seed starting mix by mixing peat moss with other soils or by making a peat moss based potting soil and by adding fertilizer and vermiculite.​ - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is a wonderful natural organic way to condition the soil and provide its nutrients, but knowing how to mix it well with other ingredients to get the proper growth from specific vegetables and plants is very important. Use equal parts peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and compost to make small little mounds for your seeds. A bit of wood ash must be thrown into the mix to counteract the acidity. Peat moss provides organic matter for fine-textured soils. It improves the moisture-holding capacity of coarse soils and it is an excellent growing medium for plants in flats because of its physical nature. - Source: Internet
• Sphagnum peat moss works well as a seed starting medium. It has numerous benefits that make for a fantastic starting mix and peat moss is sterile, homogenous and absorbent. These characteristics can make a fantastic seed starting medium. The material stays uniformly moist, which helps in the germination of your vegetable seeds. - Source: Internet
• Potting soil or potting mix is the basis for healthy plants, from indoor houseplants, to container gardens and raised vegetable beds. Making your own allows you to tweak the ingredients based on your plants’ needs, and is also often far more cost-effective than purchasing it by the bag. Potting soil isn’t actually soil at all – in fact, potting soil doesn’t even contain soil. It’s comprised of ingredients that help the medium drain better than garden soil, allows you to balance pH and nutrients to suit your plants’ needs and is lighter weight and easier to handle than garden soil – a plus when it comes to hanging plants and containers. - Source: Internet
• Virtually devoid of nutrients. Unlike other organic materials such as manure compost, peat moss is very poor in nutrients. It also doesn’t contain any helpful microbes. So that means you can use peat moss as an amendment to the soil and other materials, but you cannot use it alone and expect the plants will grow strongly and properly. - Source: Internet
• Most of the time, the appearance of these mildews that grow on the soil means absolutely nothing to the health of the plants you are about to plant; other than an indicator that perhaps the soil is too moist or has too much organic material in it. If you want to eliminate the mildew issue, open the bag a few days before you use it and spread it out on a sheet or cloth, expose it to the sunlight, and then re-bag or put it into a soil bin when it is dry. You can use the soil without worry either fresh out of the bag or “conditioned and dried”. - Source: Internet
• Another one of the best peat moss uses is in soilless potting mixes. These are great for plants that don’t need a lot of nutrition to grow but do require air circulation and drainage. Most soils (even peat soils) host bugs, fungus, or bacteria. That’s why a soil-less mix is one of the best uses for peat moss. - Source: Internet
• Another thing organic gardeners appreciate is all-natural sources. Not only is peat moss organic, but it’s also only one step removed from the plants in the peatlands it comes from. Bog moss is essentially organic matter used in soil mixes, and bulk peat moss is sold on its own too. Peat moss doesn’t have any chemicals in it either. It’s free of fungus, bacteria, harmful chemicals, and weed seeds. - Source: Internet
• basket with peat image by Han van Vonno from Fotolia.com - Source: Internet
• Both have similar applications, but in general, the decayed form of peat moss is much more acidic than the one that still looks plant-like. Typically, the only peat you’ll find at the garden center is the lower, more decomposed material. It takes genuine work to find the dried sphagnum moss; typically, it’s only through pet stores or specialty reptile shops that you’ll find good quantities of it. - Source: Internet
• Some are bagged separately, and some are combined with decayed organic materials to be incorporated into potting soils sold worldwide. Some are made into peat pellets, and some are sold as simply peat moss. Then it hits the shelves, where you’ve likely seen and bought it. - Source: Internet
• Can you mix peat moss with soil? Absolutely. Just like compost, it’s a great addition to garden soil, as well as most kinds of soil. Soil amendments with these materials provide water retention and aeration that can help house plants grow more easily. - Source: Internet
• The dark brown, compact matter that recognizes as peat moss is a far cry from the organic material’s origins. Peat moss is the decomposed remains of sphagnum moss and other living things that form a dead and fibrous material over the course millennia in peat bogs around the world.​ Peat moss doesn’t compact, so it can last for years in soils, providing excellent aeration and water holding. - Source: Internet
• Acidic pH features. Peat moss is slightly acidic, which means it is great for acid-loving plants. There are many plants you may wish to grow that require slightly acidic soil, such as camellias and blueberries. If your garden soil is not acidic, add a bit of peat moss to make your acid-loving plants thrive. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss consists of various sphagnum moss species that have decomposed. Sphagnum moss is often referred to as peat moss because it is marketed and sold in this decayed state. The plant’s cell structure allows it to hold almost 20 times its dry weight in the water, making it an extremely effective material for other plants to maintain hydration. - Source: Internet
• As peatland stores a great percentage of carbon. Many environmental groups are beware of peat moss mining. The International Peat Society indicates that the harvesting process emits a large amount of carbon into the atmosphere. And the emission continues even after the mining. - Source: Internet
• Sphagnum peat moss is used in soilless potting mixes. So if you have started plants indoors from seed, you have likely already dealt with peat moss. A soilless potting mix is much better to use for starting seeds than regular soil for the following reasons: - Source: Internet
• What can I use instead of peat moss? There are several choices! One of the most commonly used alternatives is coconut coir, a material made of coconut fiber that is extracted from broken-down coconut shells. Coconut coir can have a high salinity content, though, making it necessary to water more. Other materials like worm castings serve a similar function, adding water retentive properties to the soil which helps gardeners grow plants. - Source: Internet
• One of the most useful roles of peat moss is in seed starting because this material is very sterile. Its antiseptic qualities naturally prevent bacteria and fungi from the seeds. It also gives excellent drainage, good aeration, fine texture, and low fertile, making it very ideal for germination. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is a highly absorbent material. It can retain water much better than other types of soils. This is a great agent to include in your garden soil. - Source: Internet
• More and more you see bagged potting mix with highlighted improvements on the bag. One of the more common ways potting soil is enhanced is with either a starter charge of fertilizer in the mix or slow release fertilizer mixed into the soil. Both are great ideas and help make things easier for you as a gardener, but there are a couple things you should know. - Source: Internet
• Acidic pH features – Peat moss is slightly acidic and which means it is great for acid-loving plants . There are many plants you may wish to grow that need slightly acidic soil, such as camellias and blueberries. If your garden soil is not acidic, add a bit of peat moss to make acid-loving plants thrive. - Source: Internet
• Although soil-based potting media may not initially require fertilizer in the mix, additional nutrients are usually helpful for plants that will remain in the same container for several years. A slow release complete fertilizer (e.g., Osmocote) can be added to both soil-based and soilless potting media at rates recommended on the fertilizer label. Slow release fertilizers will assure that nutrients are available for your plants through the coming months. - Source: Internet
• Many countries have strict rules when it comes to mining peat moss. For example, any peat harvested in Canada is carefully analyzed first whether it has any long-term effect on the environment. And it must be mined in sustainable and conservable ways. - Source: Internet
• Properly applying peat moss to soil mixes and as an amendment is very important for the success of your vegetable garden. You will apply it differently depending on how you plan to use it, but for all applications, it is very important to wet the peat moss before adding it into the soil.​ - Source: Internet
• Acidic pH features. As much as acidic features of peat moss can be great for some plants, these can also be a disadvantage if you want to grow plants that are alkaline-loving. If you wish to grow plants that like alkaline soil, it is better to use compost. - Source: Internet
• Non-renewable resource. As explained, the process of decomposing the peat moss take even thousands of years. So it’s really considered as non-renewable and not eco-friendly. That’s the main reasons that many environmental-aware growers are going away from it, and finding an alternative. - Source: Internet
• People interested in gardening will probably encounter references to peat moss. Peat moss is very common in gardening so it is important to understand what it is, how it works and how to use it to make your plants thrive. There are many uses of peat moss, such as improving soil, starting seeds, adding it as an amendment, and more. Peat moss is excellent for making your garden more productive than ever. - Source: Internet
• Potting soil used in containers should be light and fluffy. Look for a potting soil made up of peat moss, pine bark and perlite or vermiculite Fertilizer may be added in the form of a “starter charge” or slow release formulation. Adjust your fertilization practices accordingly Potting soil may use moisture retaining treatments, watering patterns may need to be altered if you use a potting soil containing these substances. - Source: Internet
• Add rice hulls to your garden when you fertilize in the spring and then mix them into the top 6-12 inches of soil. Alternatively, for potted plants, you can add 10-50% rice hulls to potting soil. Rice hulls can also work like straw as a mulch to retain moisture and fend off weeds. Rice hulls also come with a neutral pH, making them an excellent organic way to balance soil. - Source: Internet
• Most of the US’s sphagnum moss resources come from Canada or the northern parts of the United States. Sphagnum moss grows specifically in wetlands in tundra areas. There are sphagnum peat bogs in South America as well, but our commercial peat moss comes from the north. - Source: Internet
• The top portion of the sphagnum peat moss has its uses, too. While it’s stringier than the deeper decayed moss, it is often used in reptile cages or terrarium use. It is not as decayed, and still resembles the plant it used to be. - Source: Internet
• Potting media, which has a coarser texture than garden soil, is commonly used in container gardens and in trays for sowing seeds. Ingredients recommended for potting media have changed over the years as research conducted by professional horticulturists has identified components that are beneficial for sowing seeds and plant growth. Before the mid-1900’s, soil-based potting media was commonly used; however, in recent years, peat-based soilless mixes have become more popular. Many ingredients are now available to gardeners who choose to create a homemade potting media instead of buying one from a retailer. - Source: Internet
• The base-level peat moss pH is 5.5 (sometimes even more acidic at 4.0) at least at the start of its use. While this may not seem like a problem for people who love to grow acid-loving plants, the low pH of acidic soil may be an issue for plants that need alkaline or neutral soil. Using peat may initially make your soil pH low, but studies have shown it will neutralize within a day or so. - Source: Internet
• Coarse, sharp, or builder sand, often used in construction, is a primary ingredient in potting media. Like peat moss, sand improves drainage and aeration, but does not improve water-holding capacity. Too much sand will make containers too heavy to move. Sand should not be mixed with a clay-based soil. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is a soil amendment that is a dark-brown fibrous material used as a planting medium for growing plants. Peat moss is naturally made or formed after 1,000 years and harvested from peat bogs. There’s much debate about its environmental safety since it’s not sustainable and gives off carbon dioxide when harvested. - Source: Internet
• Additionally, it become apparent that despite its water absorption qualities, potting soil was just not staying wet enough for my container gardens through the heat of summer. By July the plants were wilting daily and requiring TWO or THREE doses of water a day. I love gardening, but NO ONE has time for that! Hydrophobia was another issue that became a big problem in my seedling trays. When potting soil gets very dry it can be difficult to rehydrate, which will lead to stunted plant development and nutritional deficiencies. - Source: Internet
• Over the years, as my gardening experience has increased, I found that not all soil products sold at garden centers are for the best. In fact, anytime I walk into a box store in search of soil I am left with deep disappointment. This has led to a great deal of angst, particularly when educating others on best gardening practices. - Source: Internet
• And finally, peat moss is not renewable. So if you are environmentally aware, you may want to reduce your use of peat moss to just seed starting, pot, container, and soilless mixes instead of soil amendment, and lawn work in large quantities. Or you can completely replace it with other alternatives like compost, coco coir, pine bark, and other organic matters. - Source: Internet
• Another one of the environmental concerns is that removing plants in bogs to access sphagnum moss contributes to global warming. The vast majority of plants in peat bogs sequester carbon dioxide. When all the plants are removed, the decomposition process peat goes through releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Top that off with the fossil fuels used to power the harvesters, and you may be able to see where the concerns lie. - Source: Internet
• Compaction prevention. Peat moss is not compact, which is a great advantage over other organic materials. It is important to prevent soil compaction because such soil becomes less useful. Compaction reduces water absorption and doesn’t provide a good medium for any plants to grow. Peat moss is great because it can easy be re-hydrated and even one application prevents soil compaction for years. - Source: Internet
• So we’ve dedicated this piece to this interesting moss, what it is, and how to use it in the garden. We’ll also touch on why it has been looked down upon by gardeners who appreciate an ecologically sound practice. All this will help you as a gardener make the best possible decision about using it or an alternative. - Source: Internet
• When I say I use Soil³ for EVERYTHING, I mean it. From seed starting to container gardens to in ground growing, Soil³ is the ONLY product that I grow in. After 5 years I have yet to experience any problems and have found the management to be significantly less compared to the days of using peat moss. Because Soil³ is compost it holds more water and nutrients, lowering my maintenance considerably. Both food and flowers thrive in it making it the logical answer to grow every plant that you love. - Source: Internet
• Sterile One of the best features of peat moss is its sterility. It doesn’t have any bacteria, fungus, harmful chemicals, and no weed seeds. This makes the material perfect for seedlings, which are quite vulnerable to the surrounding environment. - Source: Internet
• Uses Potting soil mixtures are used to support the growth of plants in pots. The mixtures are already formulated for this purpose and may require periodic enhancements as its components, including fertilizers and peat moss, break down or are absorbed by the plant. Peat moss is used as a soil conditioner that, when mixed into soil in a garden or a container, will improve the soil’s structure. Peat moss lightens heavy soils, adds weight and structure to lighter, sandier soils, helps it to retain moisture longer and improves the soil’s ability to support root growth and expansion. - Source: Internet
• You may have heard that using peat moss in the garden is bad for the environment. But how can it be? Peat moss has been used in gardens everywhere since the 1940s. It’s been the go-to amendment for many growers to help lighten soil and aid in water retention and drainage. While peat moss provides very few nutrients, it does supply beneficial bacteria and is a natural fungicide for your garden plants. But while this is all great for the grower, it’s not so great for the planet. - Source: Internet
• Peat is the broader term for the material harvested from the bogs. Peat moss is the combination of peat and various species of sphagnum moss, a living plant such as Sphagnum cymbifolium. There actually 120 species of sphagnum moss that grow around the globe, and it is prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere. Both peat and sphagnum are harvested for the horticultural trade and ultimately are sold as a major component of potting soil. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is useful for container gardening , as it preserves moisture and gives containers a good organic material to grow in. For containers, make sure to mix peat moss with adequate amounts of soil, compost, and fertilizers to keep your container gardens happy.​ - Source: Internet
• You can use peat moss as a soil amendment. Dry, sandy soils advantage from adding peat moss to retain moisture and peat moss improves drainage and prevents compaction in dry and wet soils alike.​ - Source: Internet
• Roots must be able to breathe and not rot once you plant your container. Most people don’t think about this, but it is critical to have a good amount of air in the soil. Not enough and usually the plant roots have a hard time surviving. To support your plant, providing anchorage for the roots. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss comes from peat bogs, many of which are found in the wetland areas of Canada. Peat bogs are formed, over the course of very long periods of time, as organic materials partially decompose. Because of the water in these bogs, anaerobic conditions are maintained. Anareobic conditions slow down full decomposition. The result is that the peat moss is preserved almost indefinitely. - Source: Internet
• Cleanliness You will love this characteristic the most if you know that lots of growing materials, especially organic ones are not really clean. With peat moss, you’ll find it easy to work with. And if you happen to drop some wet mosses, just pick it up, get it dried, or sweep it up. - Source: Internet
• Carefully, you can apply peat moss in a 2:1 ratio as a soil amendment, with two parts soil to one part peat moss. Mix the peat moss into the top 12 inches of the soil along with other amendments until the mixture is evenly distributed and plant into the freshly prepared ground.​ - Source: Internet
• Orchids require excellent drainage and most general potting soils are too heavy and hold too much water, so if you want to have healthy orchids you may want to purchase a specialty potting mix. Also, cacti and succulents require better drainage than annual flowers and in many cases prefer clay pots as well. Many succulent collectors use a regular potting mix and mix it with 50% sand, it makes the mix very heavy, but very fast draining. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss isn’t better or worse than soil; it’s different. It’s soilless but is often added to soil to lighten, aerate, and help retain moisture. Although it’s great for keeping moisture and aerating the soil, peat moss is not often used for lawns since its acidity hinders grass growth and can kill earthworms. However, adding peat moss to your soil is excellent if you have acid-loving plants. - Source: Internet
• A: Untreated moss may contain fungi that can cause illness. Most of those you find in stores are well-treated. This is not a concern for most gardeners. - Source: Internet
• As I mentioned earlier, Soil³ is a living soil, teaming with beneficial microbes that will lead to stronger, healthier plants. This concept was borne from the soil food web, a community of organisms living all or part of their lives in the soil. Though this generally refers to in-ground plantings, the same ideas can be applied to container gardening, minus the moles and voles! - Source: Internet
• Compost is chock-full of beneficial microbes and nutrients and is commonly referred to as “black gold.” Made from the breakdown of yard and kitchen waste, compost is rich in microorganisms that are beneficial for the soil. “Black gold” helps with drainage, attracts beneficial earthworms, and provides nutritional value. - Source: Internet
• If you use peat moss for container gardening , make sure to mix it with a lot of soil, compost, and fertilizer. Peat moss works great for containers because it provides container plants with a lot of organic material. Peat moss is good because it preserves moisture, which is important for container plants. - Source: Internet
• Although compost is nutrient-rich, it doesn’t compare to peat moss when it comes to anti-compaction capabilities. Much of this is related to the moisture-retentive properties of peat, which keeps the soil it’s in aerated and light. It’s an excellent amendment for topsoil, which can compact quickly and easily. I know peat in soil would have been a welcome addition to my first raised bed, which I readily filled with the cheapest topsoil I could find, only to plant my crops in what was essentially cement. - Source: Internet
• When it comes to the uses of peat moss, seed-starting is one of the places where it shines. Mix peat with perlite and vermiculite and you have a great seed starting mix that is also soil-less. This mixture provides seeds with the right amount of drainage and aeration that will help plant roots grow strong and healthy. Add a little compost to feed plant roots some nutrients too! - Source: Internet
• The term peat moss most often refers to the lower levels of peat found in a peat bog. Sphagnum peat moss is the plant from which the peat moss we use for gardens is derived, but most of the peat we like to use is the long-decayed form that collects deeper in the bog layers. Over time, it becomes packed down, compressed, and decays into a lovely spongy mass. The lower levels may also contain other decomposed organic material, like other rotted plants. - Source: Internet
• One of the best things to happen in the peat world in recent years is efforts toward making peat a renewable resource. Through organizations like the International Peat Society, ethical and ecologically sensitive harvesting has been put into practice. Living plant material is relocated to make extraction more ecological. They have developed initiatives to mitigate the conflicting interests of land protectors, conservationists, and peat producers. - Source: Internet
• Manure products are great for the outside garden since they are rich in nitrogen, but not so good for pots since all that nitrogen tends to burn up your flowers instead of fertilizing them. Without making this a chemistry lesson, manure products need to be diluted into your landscape at a rate of about one part manure to two parts landscape soil. Using a manure based soil amendment directly on the roots of landscape plants or flowers will usually cause all the roots to burn and actually delay the plant getting a good start in your garden. So use them with care! Also most manure related products contain a LOT of sand, which makes them heavier - too dense for good use in containers. - Source: Internet
• Many homeowners are graced with a yard full of evergreens, making pine needles easy to come by. Pine needles make a readily available and renewable peat moss alternative. While pine needles can alter the texture of your soil, they do not significantly affect nutrient levels. The tannic acid in pine needles makes them acidic but does not necessarily affect the pH of the surrounding soil. - Source: Internet
• There are certain similarities between peat moss and compost. Compost consists of decomposed organic matter, but this decomposition happens with the help of air. To create peat moss, the air has to be absent. It makes the decomposition process very slow but results in a more homogeneous material. Peat moss is an absorbent material so it’s ideal for many different garden uses, such as creating fertile soil and helping plants grow faster and healthier. - Source: Internet
• But when it comes to growing everyday vegetables, seed starting and improving the organic matter and water holding capacity in your garden soil, there are more environmentally friendly choices. Generally, Rice Hulls and Coco Peat can meet these same goals using repurposed plant-derived waste products. Compost and worm castings are good for a source of organic matter. - Source: Internet
• Coconut coir has an ideal 6.0 pH level, which is perfect for most garden plants, and it contains natural antifungal properties. The processing and shipping of coconut coir make it a less favorable green alternative; however, coconuts are grown and harvested for consumption already, so it is considered an eco-friendlier alternative to peat moss. - Source: Internet
• NOTE: If you buy a bag of straight peat moss and it is very dry, you may find that it repels water. If you run into this problem, the best thing you can do is soak the peat moss either in the bag you bought it in or in a wheelbarrow or bucket. Usually soaking it overnight will get things well saturated and then it can be easier to use. Once it has been saturated, it will usually go back to retaining water with no further issues. - Source: Internet
• A recent article in the New York Times written by Margaret Roach piqued my interest. In it, my friend Dr. Brian Jackson, a soil scientist at NC State University, explains the peat moss dilemma: from environmental impact to shipping considerations to ease of use. The discussion around peat moss is complicated and multi-faceted, but for me, it brings up a long-standing dissatisfaction with commercial potting soil. So let’s dive in and find out more about peat moss and how it compares to other growing materials like Soil³ compost. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss tends to be expensive and this is particularly true if you need large quantities of it. You can cut the price a bit if you don’t use peat moss only, mix it with your garden soil to add benefits but avoid using large quantities of peat moss. Alternatively, you can prepare own mix than buying a commercial mix for a large amount. - Source: Internet
• Peat was dried and was used as a source of fuel in some countries for centuries. Because, like any fossil fuels, it is rich in carbon. It was only till the 1940s that peat has a place in horticulture. - Source: Internet
• Perlite can be used in both peat-based and soil-based potting media in place of sand. Perlite is expanded volcanic rock (fluoride-based), manufactured when heated to 1,800°F. Like sand, perlite provides great drainage, but is lighter in weight and holds more air. Although more expensive than sand, the advantages may outweigh the additional cost. Disadvantages of perlite include: 1) a tendency to float to the top of the medium when watered; 2) an inability to hold or retain water; and 3) a need to be moistened before it is mixed into other ingredients to reduce dust, which is harmful if inhaled. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss alone does not make an excellent potting medium. It should be mixed with other ingredients to make up between one-third to two-thirds of the total volume of the mix. Peat moss is sometimes known as sphagnum peat moss because much of the dead material in a peat bog comes from sphagnum moss that grew on top of the bog. Florists use sphagnum peat moss to line wire baskets or add a decorative touch to potted plants. - Source: Internet
• Woody materials, such as wood fiber, sawdust, or composted bark aren’t the most ideal peat moss alternative, but they do offer some benefits. Wood-based materials have been added to commercial potting mixes for decades as a way to improve water retention and add organic matter. It opens the soil for better air circulation and water movement. The pH level in wood can be low, making the soil more acidic, which is good for acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas, but not be the best option for plants that prefer a more alkaline environment. - Source: Internet
• Pretty much every store you go to will have some form of peat moss available, whether it be a potting mix, peat moss, or specifically sphagnum peat moss, you’ll have no trouble locating a source. So many growers rely on this plant for soilless mixes, starting seeds, and soil amendment and peat moss has been on the market for a long time. Therefore, it’s reliable. - Source: Internet
• Because of the cellular structure of sphagnum moss, peat moss is an excellent resource for water retentive properties. Sphagnum moss has two kinds of cells: those that assist in photosynthesis and those barrel-shaped cells that retain water. Both of these are necessary for thriving peatland, as much of the main source of nutrition for sphagnum is in the water and decayed moss below. - Source: Internet
• Pine needles are best used as a top dressing or mulch for plants or trees. The needles knit together, creating a mat that water can penetrate, but the wind doesn’t easily blow away. Unlike peat moss, however, pine needles do not retain water and can’t help with increasing water retention. - Source: Internet
• Expensive. Even though peat moss is not the most expensive growing material, it is also not cheap. Especially if you use peat moss in bulk and price is an issue, a better alternative is compost. - Source: Internet
• The basic idea here is simple: synthetic fertilizers present in peat moss potting soil are a short-term fix for a long-term need. You are much better off gardening with organic products as they provide what the plants need for the long haul. This includes using Soil³ compost in place of potting soil. Because every bag of Soil³ is derived from organic matter and is inoculated with microbes you can start with a growing media that is LIVING! - Source: Internet
• Start by pouring two gallons of peat moss into the bushel basket. Add two gallons of either perlite or vermiculite and mix thoroughly. Moisten the mix before using in pots or flats. - Source: Internet
• Then the top layer of the vast sphagnum patch is removed and relocated to other areas of the bog which have not been disturbed, where it can thrive. The decayed, dried sphagnum moss is allowed to lay in the sun for 2 to 3 days where it dries. It’s then scraped up with the harvester and sucked into a receptacle. Then it’s moved to a factory for processing and packaging. - Source: Internet
• Soilless mixes or peat-based potting media do not contain any soil, but generally consist of peat moss combined with horticultural grades of vermiculite and/ or perlite and added fertilizer. Peat-based media are useful for seed germination because they are relatively sterile, light in texture and weight, and uniform. The light texture enables seeds to readily germinate and emerge, allows tender roots to grow, and makes transplanting seedlings easier. - Source: Internet
• We’ve talked generally about how peat moss is created. Now let’s take a closer look. Sphagnum moss grows freely in peat bogs or wetland areas of cool-climate tundras and conifer forests. A look at the video posted in this article will give you an idea of just how lush this plant is. - Source: Internet
• The most significant disadvantages of peat moss are it’s too acidic for non-acid-loving plants, it’s not renewable, and it doesn’t have any nutrients. The upside to peat moss is it’s sterile and free of weed seeds; however, weeds can still grow in peat moss once you start using it and it’s exposed to the elements. Also, once you start using it, peat moss can attract bugs like fungus gnats since it’s also decaying. - Source: Internet
• Soil that is mixed with peat is much less dense. It behaves like lignin (decomposed wood cellulose). It doesn’t get compacted, which can suffocate new seedlings or cause root veggies to become stunted because they can’t push through dense clay soil types. - Source: Internet
• When should I use peat moss on my lawn? Peat moss uses can include lawn as well as garden. The timing is key, though. It’s best to use this material when you are planting sod, rather than using it while your lawn is growing. That’s because of the acidity spike it can create in the existing soil. - Source: Internet
• Rice hulls are the “skin” from the rice grain that is removed before rice is packaged and sold for consumption. These hulls are generally discarded, however, when preserved, they can be used as a beneficial soil additive. Thin and nearly weightless, they help lighten the soil, improve drainage and aeration, and aid in water absorption. Non-toxic and biodegradable, rice hulls feed the soil as they break down, yet they are sustainable enough to benefit your garden for an entire growing season. - Source: Internet
• Acidic Most of peat moss low in pH from 3.5 to 6 on average depending on the source of the peat moss is mined. It is very suitable for acid-craving plants such as strawberries, blueberries. - Source: Internet
• What is peat moss? Peat moss consists of decomposed organic materials, typically decomposed sphagnum moss coupled with other organic materials. After decomposition, sphagnum moss and other organic materials form a characteristic dark, fibrous and compact material. This is a process that happens in nature but you can also create your own peat moss to use in the garden. - Source: Internet
• One of the most effective and controversial materials to garden with is peat moss. Effective because it works well in tons of situations, and controversial because of how it is sourced. Many gardeners buy it on the regular without even knowing what it is or what it’s doing in their practice. - Source: Internet
• These qualities make peat moss mainly useful in vegetable gardens, where extremes of dry and wet can negatively impact the growth and production of vegetables. Just remember that too much peat moss can change the pH level of the soil, so garden accordingly.​ - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is sometimes maligned among eco-conscious gardeners. While they’re not wrong to question the origin of peat moss sold in stores, the truth is more complicated than one might think. Therefore, the topic deserves examination and discussion. - Source: Internet
• In the vegetable garden, peat moss can moderate extremes in soil dryness and soil wetness. This is very important when growing juicy-fruited plants with tender skins, such as tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries. These acid-loving plants and many other fruits and vegetables benefit from peat moss’s lower pH level. The product’s sterility means it won’t begin weeds, diseases or pathogens that can quickly ruin a vegetable garden. - Source: Internet
• So given that a good potting mix does these things, any number of different materials can be used. I know many gardeners use soil from their garden in their pots, some make their own compost and add this to their containers. You can do any of these things, but if you are making your own potting soil at home you will also need to change the way you water and fertilize in order to get the best results. From hydroponics to sewer sludge, there are a million ways to mix up potting soil, however, the potting soil you buy at most garden centers is a simpler blend of some basic items. - Source: Internet
• Additionally, peat bogs provide a unique ecosystem, which supports numerous insects, birds, and plants. Scientists consider peat bogs to be as fragile and important as the rainforests. Thus, exploiting this valuable flora is a valid cause for concern. - Source: Internet
• Peatlands store nearly a third of all the world’s soil carbon. Once harvested, the harmful carbon dioxide is released back into the environment. And while peat moss is technically renewable, the rate of growth is extremely slow, taking centuries to fully develop. It is being harvested faster than we could ever grow it, essentially making it non-renewable. - Source: Internet
• Mixed in with the highly water-absorbing peat moss material is “the white stuff” also known as perlite. This is a lightweight granular material made from expanded volcanic glass. It is totally sterile, long lasting, and offers nothing but drainage to the potting mix, which is exactly why it is incorporated. Traditional potting soil is noted for its water absorption, which can be excessive, hence the need to incorporate an amendment to make water drain out. - Source: Internet
• Sterile medium. Peat moss provides a sterile medium, which is ideal for planting and growing your plants. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, weed seeds and other bad thing you don’t want for your plants. This is why peat moss is ideal starting medium, particularly for tender, vulnerable plants that require a lot of care. This is why it’s a good practice to add a bit of peat moss to any starting mix. - Source: Internet
• If you wish to use peat moss for pure hydroponic growing, you should know some facts about why it is not appropriate. Because peat moss is an organic matter, if provided with plenty of oxygen and nitrogen, it will start to decompose. When that happens, the material can compress around plant roots and will choke off your plants. - Source: Internet
• While peat is very moisture retentive, the fibrous material is also hydrophobic when it dries out. Therefore, it takes a significant amount of water to re-activate the retention it provides when slightly moist. Peat soil that has dried out may require some kind of surfactant, or wetting agent to break the tension and allow it to absorb water again. - Source: Internet
• Does not compact Even though peat moss absorbs water well, it does not compact, unlike soil. The problem with compaction is that it makes it hard to create any space for the water and the air to pass through. By introducing peat moss to any compact material, the compaction problem is solved and makes the growing mix drain better. - Source: Internet
• A: It doesn’t have any nutrition, and doesn’t compact as much as compost does. If you need a soil amendment that has macronutrients and micronutrients, go for compost. For aeration and lightening, go for peats. - Source: Internet
• Watch the pH of your mixture Though strictly acid-hungry plants love peat moss with its low pH level, that does not mean others will do. You will need to add some pH-high materials like lime to create a neutral or alkaline environment. And be ready to monitor the pH level of the growing environment to ensure it does not drift too much. Another issue with soil pH is that with too many amendments added to change pH level, the soil can suffer. When it comes to growing, natural soil is ideal. - Source: Internet
• A peat definition is in order! How did this material gardeners spring for at the local nursery go from its natural source to a plastic bag? Peat moss comes from sphagnum moss, harvested from peat bogs in the Northern Hemisphere. The moss is then decayed and dried in the peatland, meaning it is allowed to lie exposed to the sun. What results is a dark brown fibrous material that is excellent for gardening. - Source: Internet
• Compost is not a new amendment for most gardeners; however, it can also be used as an effective peat moss alternative. When added to soil, it can improve soil structure, increase water infiltration and retainment, and add beneficial microbes. Using compost helps to reduce landfill waste, while providing your soil with rich nutrients, reducing your need for chemical fertilizers. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is a very important component of most potting soils and seed starting mediums. It holds several times its weight in moisture and releases the moisture to the plant roots as required. It holds onto nutrients so that they aren’t rinsed out of the soil when you water the plant. - Source: Internet
• Perlite – Perlite are those little white balls you see in bagged potting mix that look like tiny pieces of Styrofoam. They are, in fact, mined, volcanic rock, that expands into the small pearl shapes when heated. Pearlite helps aerate soil (very important for delicate new roots), improves drainage and holds 3-4 times it weight in water for moisture consistency. - Source: Internet
• Meanwhile, sphagnum moss is a plant grown on the surface layer above of the peatland, soil or a swamp. It thrives in cold and wet weather. As time goes by, the old parts sink into the lower layer. The process of decomposition takes place very slowly in the oxygenless layer. But it is patient, and over a long period of millennials, a thick layer of dead homogeneous material named peat moss is formed. - Source: Internet
• You can find a variety of “recipes” for making your own potting mix based on what you’re looking for. You can create a mix primarily for starting seedlings, for specific plant types like cacti, or for potted trees and shrubs. Here, we’re going to provide you the steps to create a good, all-purpose potting soil that works for plants, flowers and vegetables. - Source: Internet
• Coir Fiber – Coir fiber is a by-product of coconuts. Coir looks and functions much like sphagnum peat moss, but has more nutrients, lasts longer and has a pH close to neutral, but is also more expensive to purchase. It is sold in compressed bricks and is considered to be more sustainable than sphagnum peat moss by many. - Source: Internet
• Use a wheelbarrow or large tub to make your potting mix. If you want to make a smaller amount than this recipe, simply keep the ratio of ingredients the same, and just lessen the amounts. Here’s a good basic potting soil mix formula: - Source: Internet
• Most of the quality seed starting mixes already have peat moss. However, you can also make your starting mix to add peat moss to it. Simply mix soil with some peat moss to make a good seed starting medium. You may use potting soil with added fertilizer, vermiculite and peat moss to it. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is a carbon-rich material, which makes it an excellent source of carbon in compost piles. The moisture-retaining quality of peat moss reduces the need for frequent watering, which makes it doubly valuable. The downsides of using peat moss in compost are the expense and the environmental concerns associated with sphagnum peat moss.​ - Source: Internet
• In general, standard media recipes are created based on the types of plants being grown (ex. bedding plants, potted plants, or for seed germination). A standard recipe for a homemade soilless mix consists of half sphagnum peat moss and half perlite or vermiculite. To mix ½ bushel basket or four gallons of media: - Source: Internet
• Until I first dipped my hands into a bag of Soil³ I would never have considered using “compost” for containers and seed starting. Most compost is just not well drained enough and will cause water to pool resulting in anaerobic conditions, much like those peat bogs. But not all compost is created equal which is why Soil³ is such a special product. - Source: Internet
• You will need to exercise a little extra care not to overwater your flowers when the temperatures are still cool since the soil will not dry out as quickly as you are used to. You also need to realize that most of these ‘moisture retainers’ will not allow you to leave for three weeks and have everything stay looking good. The water retention of the soil breaks down over the season and by mid to late summer it is likely not doing much anymore. So when you most need water holding ability - when it is really hot - it may no longer be working. - Source: Internet
• Peat bogs are formed over a long period of time, like millennia, and are found predominately in the Northern Hemisphere. Most of the peat used in the US is harvested from Canadian bogs. The simple explanation is that peat bogs are formed as organic matter decomposes. Because of the environmental conditions—aka water—the material doesn’t fully decompose, resulting in peat that is preserved indefinitely. Technically, peat is not living, in fact, it has been dead for a longtime. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss tends to be expensive. This is particularly true if you need large quantities of it. Think about this before opting to use peat moss. You can cut the price a bit if you don’t use peat moss only: mix it with your soil to add benefits but avoid using large quantities of peat moss. - Source: Internet
• The moss will release the water to maintain the wetland as well. This is why peat moss is such an essential addition to gardeners’ soil. Much of what we do is figure out the best possible ways to carry out good water retention in the garden. Peat moss bogs and in turn peaty soil are the main sources of moisture retention for many. That’s why it’s commonly used in potting soil, and to line wire baskets. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss has a low pH level, so if you use much, lime should be added as well. Plants that do well in acidic soils, termed “ericaceous” such as blueberries and rhododendrons, advantage from peat moss. Compost generally has a neutral (pH 7) or slightly alkaline soil reaction. - Source: Internet
• Let’s start with the environmental concerns. On the whole, peat is a non-renewable resource. The fact that it outperforms other materials in the garden is why it was overharvested for a long time with little thought about how using moss for plants was contributing to ecological decline. - Source: Internet
• Pathogens. The first thing that motivated me to reconsider potting soil was a widespread disease issue that killed all my container-grown tomatoes. For most people having a few tomatoes die is not big deal, but I lost over 100 plants! Tests concluded that a soil borne pathogen knocked my crop out. Since the tomatoes were not planted in the ground the culprit was easy to identify: The bagged potting soil I had purchased from a garden center. - Source: Internet
• Despite being organic, peat moss is not fertile and it doesn’t contain nutrients plants need to grow. Peat moss does have a bit of nutrient, minerals and beneficial microorganisms. In this sense, peat moss will not ruin the fertility of the soil. However, you will probably want to use more than just peat moss to make your plants grow strong and healthy. - Source: Internet
• A “starter charge” of fertilizer means there is a minimal amount of fertilizer in the potting mix, but it is minimal and does not mean you don’t ever need to fertilize. It just means you don’t need to fertilize right away. Most starter charges are gone from the potting soil after watering two to three times. A starter charge can help you a little at planting, but you still need to regularly fertilize as well. - Source: Internet

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