Can You Use Peat Moss In A Vegetable Garden: 136 Things You Need To Know

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136 Things You Should Know About Can You Use Peat Moss In A Vegetable Garden | What is Peat Moss? What is it used for?

• John is the original Proven Winners employee and is an incredibly well-versed gardener. He currently has 11 raised beds—eight of the beds are 4’ by 6’ by 12” tall and are used for veggies. The other three beds are 2’ by 12’ by 18” tall and are used for garlic, onions, and cut flowers. - Source: Internet
• Fire Ash: I recommend against putting any fire ash directly into your garden beds. If your fire ash is all wood-based, it can be a good addition (in a small quantity) to your compost pile. Don’t use charcoal fire ash, as that can include some ingredients that aren’t good for your organic garden. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss and sphagnum moss differ in texture. Whereas peat moss is chopped, sphagnum fibers are fuzzy and long. Florists dress up potted plants by covering their topsoil with sphagnum. - Source: Internet
• If your soil is high in sand or clay, adding peat will make it suitable for your crops. To do this, spread peat moss over your plot in a 3-inch layer. Then, mix it to a 12-inch depth until evenly distributed. - Source: Internet
• Peat mining is controversial. Environmental watchdog organizations say that peat moss isn’t sustainable. However, harvesters maintain that it is renewable. - Source: Internet
• Despite these restoration efforts, peat probably can’t be harvested again for a thousand years or more, at least not in the same quantities from the same bog. “It’s almost impossible to get it back to the way it was,” says Chalker-Scott. “I compare it to cutting down old-growth forests. Sure, you can plant new trees, but it’s going to take a long time.” - Source: Internet
• Still, peat moss is not perfect. It’s more acidic than some alternative media, and if the expanded pellets dry out completely, it is tough to bring them back to a fully moistened state. Plus, peat plugs are too small to sustain seedlings until they’re ready to plant, so eventually the seedlings must be potted up. Pellets can cost more than other methods, but they offer the convenience of a quick and clean seed-sowing experience, especially when sold with a tray and lid. - Source: Internet
• Gardeners use peat moss mainly as a soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil. It has an acid pH, so it’s ideal for acid loving plants, such as blueberries and camellias. For plants that like a more alkaline soil, compost may be a better choice. Since it doesn’t compact or break down readily, one application of peat moss lasts for several years. Peat moss doesn’t contain harmful microorganisms or weed seeds that you may find in poorly processed compost. - Source: Internet
• Prepare your dream garden by identifying its soil pH and type, either testing it yourself or with an extension agent. Then, add any needed soil conditioners and recheck the pH. These preliminary steps are vital for plant-friendly soil. - Source: Internet
• I prefer to use food grade, polyurethane hoses from Water Right Inc. They’re lightweight and durable. I need my garden to be television-ready, so I also like that they come in various earthy colors that look good without standing out. - 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
• 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
• Almost any potted plant you can buy grows in a soil mix that contains peat moss, and most bagged potting soil does as well. You can also buy it on its own to mix into your own potting soil blend. It’s especially useful for growing flowers and food in containers, because it helps plants maintain the moisture they need. Despite the fact that this brown, fibrous substance is so common and useful in the gardening world, peat moss has long been a sore point for those in the industry, due to its sustainability—or more accurately, the lack thereof. Here’s what you need to know about the downsides of peat moss, and what you can use instead. - Source: Internet
• Peatlands absorb carbon dioxide from the Earth’s atmosphere, markedly reducing air pollution. The live sphagnum presses against the peat below it, preventing carbon dioxide from escaping the bog. However, peat mining exposes the stored carbon dioxide, releasing it back into the atmosphere. - 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
• Gardeners who already have peat pellets handy should use them if they like how they work. Coconut coir pellets offer similar convenience and a more eco-friendly approach for starting seeds. A sterile potting mix made for seed starting offers the best results for most growers, but it also requires investing in a tray and new (or cleaned) small plastic or biodegradable pots or a soil block maker for those who want to start a large quantity of seeds and avoid use of pots. Filling a grow tray or pots directly with soil is an inexpensive approach for many gardeners, but can get messy. - Source: Internet
• You’ll easily find organic peat. You may come across coco-peat, but this is another name for coconut fiber. Don’t make the mistake of buying sphagnum moss or spag moss, which are too coarse for gardening. - 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
• 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
• Note that you cannot use peat moss dry, as it will repel water. Therefore, wet it well beforehand. To do this, pour the amount you need in a wheelbarrow or large bucket. - Source: Internet
• Some alternates to peat moss are composted bark (preferably made from hardwoods), Coir which is coconut fiber and rice hulls. While rice hulls are pretty much on size, it is best if you choose coarser versions of composted bark and coir. Like peat moss, larger fibers will take longer to break down and will give more porosity to your soil. - 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 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
• Peat moss is often sold in plastic-wrapped bales in garden stores. The material is very dry, lightweight and dusty. Because it is sterilized and doesn’t have any bacteria, fungus or weed seeds, it’s a favorite for using for seed starting. - Source: Internet
• For the last 12 years, Canadian peat producers have employed a new practice to facilitate bog restoration. This entails letting the wetlands re-flood and planting moss grafts. As the sphagnum grows, its top layer is replenished within five years. Restoring ecological balance can take 15 to 25 years. - Source: Internet
• Cleanliness: When you spill peat moss, you don’t make much of a mess. Just sweep up the dry material. No dirty streaks are left behind. - 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
• 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
• Ground bark is a good carbon source. It will break down over time, and its coarse texture provides space for the movement of water and oxygen through your garden beds. Topsoil, compost and most of the other ingredients I’ve listed here are similar in texture. Ground bark brings a diversity of particle size that can really amp up your plant health. - 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
• 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
• When mixed with other growing media such as perlite or vermiculite, it creates a nice balance of moisture and aeration for hydroponic growing. Growing Acid-loving Plants Peat moss is acidic, and is excellent for use with acid-loving plants, like blueberries, azaleas and tomatoes. Because it can make your soil more acidic, you may need to add lime to the soil. - 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
• Because peat moss is lightweight, moisture retentive, doesn’t compact, is readily available and is acidic, it has many uses in the garden. It’s often used with acid-loving plants, like blueberries While peat moss, unlike compost, and peat moss is good for growing tomatoes (both seed starting and mixing into the soil to moderate moisture). Because of its composition, peat moss is often mixed with clay soils to improve their drainage and reduce compaction. Its sterile, moisture retentive qualities make it a favorite for seed-starting too. - Source: Internet
• PittMoss has many of the properties of peat but without its ecological impact. For example, PittMoss enhances soil aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability. Regarding texture, it’s fluffy, lightweight, and drains well. - 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
• I have all the details on the why’s, when’s and how’s of watering in my upcoming Efficient Watering Resource Guide (stay tuned!) Each of these options are inexpensive, easy to use and available at any home improvement or garden center. If you are on a well, you will appreciate that each of these systems are low-pressure. Here’s a brief rundown: - Source: Internet
• The U.S Composting Council encourages all gardeners and growers to “strive for five.” This refers to the goal of making the organic matter in your soil 5% of the total (by weight). - Source: Internet
• Chalker-Scott recommends avoiding it completely. “It doesn’t do anything that’s crucial for plant life,” she says. “Otherwise there wouldn’t be any plants except right around peat bogs.” Peat moss makes soil better able to absorb and hold water, but it isn’t required. Given how slowly peat moss forms in nature, collecting it is hard to do in a truly sustainable way—and if you don’t need it, why use it at all? - Source: Internet
• Yes, in two ways. One is using small quantities of peat. For example, mix it with potting soil for seed starting or container gardening. - Source: Internet
• A one– or two-inch layer of wheat straw, arborist wood chips, shredded bark, grass clippings, composted leaves, etc.- anything natural is okay here. Shredded leaves happen to be my favorite mulch and are just another key to the success of my or any garden. - Source: Internet
• Artificial Fillers: Although it may be tempting to take up space with fillers as you first build those raised beds, I advise against them. Although they might save you some initial cost, even organic fillers can be problematic. Over time, they will break down, and the surface of your garden bed will sink, requiring you to add more soil later. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss first became available to gardeners in the mid-1900s, and since then it has revolutionized the way we grow plants. It has a remarkable ability to efficiently manage water and hold on to nutrients that would otherwise leach out of the soil. While performing these amazing tasks, it also improves the texture and consistency of the soil. Keep reading to learn more about peat moss uses. - 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
• None of these substitute materials work quite as well as peat moss. They certainly help, but don’t result in such forgiving soil: with peat moss, you can underwater or overwater your plants and they’ll still be fine. With the alternatives, you may need to pay a little more attention when watering. “I think for gardeners there’s going to have to be a little experimentation to see what works best for them,” says Chalker-Scott. - Source: Internet
• Did you know that peat moss can defeat your soil’s ability to take in moisture? Ironically, it’s often recommended for its water holding ability. It can aid water retention, but once peat moss dries out, it is difficult to re-hydrate. Have you ever watered a dried out container, but the water just rolled off the surface? Often, that’s due to peat moss in the container soil. - Source: Internet
• A soil food web is complex, so building that healthy ecosystem doesn’t mean a trip to the home improvement store, buying lots of bags of garden soil to fill up all your raised bed space. Sure, you can go that route, but it will be expensive, and it won’t provide you with robust growing medium. You build a healthy growing medium. - Source: Internet
• Castings are the waste products of farmed earthworms. Castings contain enzymes and minerals, providing crops with easily absorbed nutrients. Like peat moss, they enhance water retention, aerate the soil, and inhibit fungus. - Source: Internet
• Your soil can be improved by ensuring there is good drainage, and lots of organic matter present. Compost is one of the best soil enhancers you can possibly find. If you’re not already composting, start soon. It’s a great use for food scraps (except for meats and dairy products) and an ideal way to “recycle” leaves, grass clippings and garden vegetation. If you don’t have compost, try mixing some peat moss or composted manure into the garden. - Source: Internet
• In planning your food garden, if your soil is alkaline, consider adding peat moss. If the pH is fine, but the ground is too powdery or compact, amend it with peat alternatives. Organic possibilities are compost, coconut fiber, PittMoss, and earthworm castings. - Source: Internet
• The best way to transition from less sustainable peat pellets to a new way of starting seeds is to phase the plugs out gradually and double up. For example, gardeners wanting to start two tomato plants should start a few seeds in pellets and a few in the new medium the first time around until they learn the nuances of a new method. Finally, learning to compost is a highly sustainable alternative to peat as an outdoor soil amendment. - 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
• Its sterile and lightweight qualities make it a favorite for seed starting too. Seeds started in a peat moss mix are less likely to rot–and when they germinate, they have an easier time pushing through the lightweight peat moss. It’s also free of weeds. Usually peat moss is mixed with other growing media like perlite, vermiculite or . Hydroponic Growing When mixed with other growing media such as perlite or vermiculite, it creates a nice balance of moisture and aeration for hydroponic growing. - Source: Internet
• If you can’t find a peat-free potting mix that you like, you can look for the logo of the CSPMA on bagged mixes. When you see it, you’ll know that at least there’s been an attempt to restore harvested bogs. Even if it’ll take hundreds of years for the peat to regrow, the bogs are on their way to becoming functioning ecosystems again, even if they won’t ever be identical to the way they were before. - 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
• To save bog ecosystems from extinction, government agencies regulate peat mining. For example, Canada limits extraction to .016 percent of its bog reserves. Canadian harvesters can only access one in 6,000 acres at any given time. - Source: Internet
• It is tempting to think of raised beds as really large containers, but that isn’t quite the right mindset. Raised beds are a hybrid between a landscape bed and a large container and thus the soil used in raised beds is a hybrid as well. You can’t just use the soil in your garden which will compact too much for plant roots to be happy. However, potting soil is too light and fluffy for this purpose. So what exactly should you be using? - Source: Internet
• This is organic material degraded by the action of moisture, oxygen, bacteria, and heat. Like peat moss, compost helps the soil retain water. It’s a rich source of plant nutrients. - 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
• Soil is the basic foundation for any garden, which is why we have multiple articles in our ‘Dirt on Dirt’ series. After several questions from gardeners asking us what is the best soil to use in raised beds, we’ve decided to add an article that covers the ins and outs of creating soil for raised bed gardens. Taking the time to get the soil right in your raised bed will make the rest of your gardening season much easier…after all, happy roots are the path to happy plants. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is sometimes called sphagnum peat moss because much of the dead material in a peat bog comes from sphagnum moss that grew on top of the bog. Don’t confuse sphagnum peat moss with sphagnum moss, which is made up of long, fibrous strands of plant material. Florists use sphagnum moss to line wire baskets or add a decorative touch to potted plants. - Source: Internet
• – Make your own, or If you live in Arizona the compost from Arizona Worm Farm is great. If you use bagged, then a mix of several different types is best. 1 part peat moss * or washed coco coir - Source: Internet
• Furthermore, coir supplies plants with minerals. Coir also differs from peat by being denser, costlier, and less acidic. Its pH ranges between 6.0 and 6.7, close to neutral. - 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
• Last week, I covered benefits and drawback of raised bed gardening as well as site selection, layout planning, material selection, and site preparation. It was rich with information learned through my many years of raised bed garden experience (also detailed last week) and a lot of research. If you haven’t checked out last week’s podcast, I strongly recommend you start there. - Source: Internet
• Increased use of peat in soilless methods like hydroponics has led to more sales of the medium for its water-retaining properties. The number of home vegetable garden growers is on the rise, as is the number of cannabis growers worldwide relying on peat moss. Production of peat in Canada alone averaged more than 1.34 million tons a year from 2014 to 2018. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is used to add structure and water holding capacity to your raised beds. Oddly it both promotes great drainage and holds water that plant roots can access as needed. Peat moss has a rather wide quality range and using the best quality peat moss you can afford is recommended. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss prevents soil compaction. In dense soils, the particles are jammed together, making it hard for plant roots to breathe, drink, and grow. However, since peat moss is spongy, it loosens tight soils, such as those high in clay. As a result, air and water can circulate better, making roots less prone to rot and stunting. - Source: Internet
• A peat bog is a type of wetland, a low-lying, flooded landmass, containing saturated soils and aquatic plants. Originally, peat bogs evolved from lakes. Over thousands of years, sphagnum moss overgrew the lakes. As the surface vegetation thickened, the lower layers gradually died and decomposed, leaving brown, spongy peat. - Source: Internet
• Peat is dead material that has been submerged in bogs for thousands of years. Most peat moss used in the United States comes from peat bogs in Canada. Because peat forms so slowly (often taking 20 years to form 1 inch of peat), it is not considered a renewable resource. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is an excellent soil amendment for your acid-loving plants and vegetable gardens. There are approximately 12,000 species of moss, but it’s only the 380 species of sphagnum moss that create peat. Bogs and fens form where Canadian sphagnum grows because both living and dead moss absorb and store water. As it grows, it spreads onto drier areas and turns those into bogs as well. - Source: Internet
• If you are trying to block the growth of weeds or any other undesirables in your garden spot, weed cloth is just not necessary. The depth of the soil you will be adding will smother most, if not all, undesirable growth. What little does make it to the surface can be easily pulled out. This little bit of maintenance will be well worth having soil that drains properly. - 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
• 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
• 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
• If you’ve been gardening for a while, you’ve probably encountered humus. I… Read More - 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
• The fibers help the soil retain and release water. For this reason, peat moss balances sandy soil nicely. Sand quickly drains water from plant roots before they get a chance to drink. However, plants can easily draw water from peat, along with soil nutrients. - Source: Internet
• Plant vegetables your family will enjoy eating (i.e. you can probably get Junior to weed the peas more easily than the turnips, if you’re making the garden a family project). - Source: Internet
• To start plants from seed, consider buying peat pots. Once the seedlings have sturdy stems and leaves, put the containers directly in your garden. Be sure to cover the rims completely with soil. Otherwise, the peat will draw moisture from the seedling roots and surrounding earth. - 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
• 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
• Coconut fiber comes in several forms — granules, pots, sheets, bricks, and bales. Whatever the type, you must soak the fibers before use.Additional names for coconut fiber are coco-peat, coir-peat, coir dust, coir fiber pith, and coco coir. - Source: Internet
• Vermicompost (Worm Castings): I have seen dramatic differences in my garden when I’ve added worm castings (aka worm manure). If you can find this in bag or bulk, buy it. While it’s not readily available, nor is it inexpensive; it’s worth it. Fortunately, a little goes a long way. You won’t need much to make a big difference. - Source: Internet
• To this day, the cycle of moss growth and decay continues. Live sphagnum floats above the dead peat, ranging up to 10 feet in depth. Peat bogs are also called peatlands. - Source: Internet
• Life is so busy for all of us these days. So, having a good watering system in place will make it much easier to reap abundance in the garden. Myself, I go a step further and take full advantage of some quick, easy and inexpensive tools to automate the irrigation of my beds. - 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
• If this is your situation, I still recommend against tilling the soil. Instead – using a pitchfork or a broadfork, stab the garden soil deeply and wobble the fork around to create a little space around the tines. Then, fill those spaces with compost. Here again, I highly recommend you start with a soil test, so you have a better understanding of what you need to “deposit” into those stale beds to get them ready to be available for “withdrawals.” - 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
• Look in gardening sheds across the country, and you’ll likely find peat moss. For decades, gardeners have used this soil amendment for seed starting, improving the soil and for creating potting mixes. In recent years, there’s been some environmental concerns about using peat moss because it’s not a sustainable resource. This blog explores what peat moss is and the best uses for it in the garden. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss has been a top growing medium, especially for starting seeds, since the 1960s. Compressed pellets of peat moss surrounded by a thin fiber bag, like those made by Jiffy, offer a convenient, mess-free, and effective method for starting plants from seed to grow in a vegetable garden or flower beds. But peat is not a sustainable product in the long run, and harvesting the material for horticultural use has come under fire because of declining peatlands. - Source: Internet
• In a wheelbarrow, measure out two parts of soil and one part peat moss. Thoroughly combine and spread over the raised bed. Then, mix to a 12-inch depth. - Source: Internet
• Mineralized Soil Blend: Here’s another case where finding a good landscape supply company is important. Years ago, I discovered the value of adding soil containing minerals. It made a noticeable difference to the success of everything growing in my garden. - Source: Internet
• Potting mix used for container gardening has to be able to drain well to avoid root rot, but also has to hold enough water for the plants to have a chance. As a solution to this challenge, “peat moss is a marvelous substance,” says Linda Chalker-Scott, a horticulture professor at Washington State University. She points out that it actually helps with both of these needs, acting like tiny sponges throughout the soil that hold the water and slowly release it as a plant’s roots need it. - Source: Internet
• Simplify matters with container gardening and a soil-less medium. One option is using PittMoss exclusively. Or, create a mix of peat moss, coco coir, and earthworm castings. - Source: Internet
• Moisture retention: Peat moss retains moisture. This makes it useful for seed starting. When mixed into garden soil, it helps the soil retain moisture. For plants like tomatoes, a regulated water supply produces better fruits. - Source: Internet
• Make sure you allow enough room for each type of vegetable to get the light it needs, and grow to the full size. Once the risk of spring frost has passed, you can plant seeds or transplant directly into the garden. Or if you prefer, you can start them indoors in containers and then transplant. - Source: Internet
• Biochar: I’ve heard good things about Biochar. I’ve only recently begun adding it to my garden, so it’s too soon to give you any personal observations. Biochar does have some nutrient value. It’s a pure carbon source that doesn’t break down, but it does help make existing soil nutrients available to plants. - 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
• 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
• Horse Manure: It bears repeating. If tempted to use horse manure, be sure to check out the link for the bioassay test. That little bit of time could save you years of grief. - 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
• Peat Moss: This may come as a surprise. Peat moss is, however, not a sustainable material. It takes hundreds of years for peat to develop in peat bogs. - Source: Internet
• Replacing your existing bed soil is laborious, expensive, and time-consuming. Unless the soil has become contaminated somehow, it’s best to revitalize the soil through amendment. You might be surprised at how quickly garden beds, even those that have been neglected for years, can be rejuvenated. - Source: Internet
• In this podcast, we continue our discussion on raised bed gardening. In case you missed it: I had invited my email group to send me any questions they hoped I would answer on the topic of raised bed gardening. I received a huge response, many from folks who plan to start raised bed gardening for the first time this season. If you would like to join the conversation and contribute to future topics, click the red “Get Free Updates” button at the top of this page. - 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
• Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden. - Source: Internet
• Soil Amendment While peat moss, unlike compost, doesn’t have lots of nutrients, it can improve the soil structure. For example, when mixed into clay soil, it improves aeration and drainage. For fast-draining soils, it can be used to improve water retention. Because it is sterile, peat moss does not introduce pathogens into the soil. When used as a soil amendment, use two parts soil to one part peat moss. - Source: Internet
• Take the time to measure your garden area, and draw it out on paper. That way, when you’re at the garden center, standing in front of the seed packet display, you won’t be tempted to pick and choose like you would at the salad bar. This approach is a recipe for frustration. - Source: Internet
• Just like with your bank account, it’s critical to make deposits that keep up with (or better yet exceed) your withdrawals. How do you do that? Amend your soil once or twice each year with organic nutrients (like those I described above) – not synthetic fertilizer. By amending your garden beds, you will see better soil in season two, great soil in season three, amazingly rich soil in season four, and so on. - Source: Internet
• When we’re talking about peat moss for gardening, at least in the US, we’re talking about sphagnum moss. Sphagnum is a type of moss that’s most notable for its amazing ability to absorb. It’s capable of taking in 20 times as much water by weight as its dry weight, so it’s basically a natural sponge. Sphagnum moss prefers growing in moist tundra-type areas, and most of what gets used for gardening in the US comes from peat bogs in northern Canada. As the sphagnum moss dies in these bogs, it very slowly decays into what becomes the peat moss that’s so popular for gardening. - Source: Internet
• To gauge appropriate wetness, take a handful of peat moss and squeeze it. If this yields a drop or two of water, that’s perfect. If squeezing produces a water stream, add more peat moss until it passes the moisture test. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is an important component of most potting soils and seed starting mediums. It holds several times its weight in moisture, and releases the moisture to the plants roots as needed. It also holds onto nutrients so that they aren’t rinsed out of the soil when you water the plant. Peat moss alone does not make a good potting medium. It must be mixed with other ingredients to make up between one-third to two-thirds of the total volume of the mix. - 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
• I do not add horse manure – anymore – because horses are more likely to consume hay which may have come from fields sprayed (or oversprayed) with persistent herbicide. Persistent herbicide doesn’t break down for several years. It passes through the horse’s digestive system and goes through the composting process without losing any of its killing power. The traces of herbicide (no matter how minute they may be) will kill or severely disrupt the normal growing habits of many garden edibles as effectively after being composted as the day they were manufactured. - Source: Internet
• Peat does not decay very easily in the bog conditions, due to the sphagnum cell structure and to slower-acting anaerobic conditions. Although it grows very slowly, it can accumulate to a depth of many meters. The live moss grows on top of the dead moss, and it is the dead moss that forms the peat we use in the garden. - Source: Internet
• Alternatively, mix your own seed medium. One way is combining peat and equal parts vermiculite and perlite, volcanic materials that aerate and drain soil. For this purpose, buy fine-textured peat, encouraging the growth of roots and tender shoots. Here’s detailed information on using peat to start seedlings. - Source: Internet
• can meet similar goals using repurposed plant-derived waste products, as an alternative to peat. Compost and worm castings are just as good of a source of organic matter within a potting mix. Use sphagnum peat moss for your specialized gardening needs, and grow organic for life! - 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
• John has nice loam soil in his garden. Yes, I know the rest of us are jealous. John’s raised garden bed mix is about 1/3 native soil, 1/3 well-aged compost, and 1/3 peat moss measured by volume. Plus plant food, and for the root veggies perlite is added. - Source: Internet
• Ground Bark: There are many varieties of ground bark from which to choose, but pine is the most commonly available. Although pine bark is slightly acidic, I’ve never found that to have much effect on the overall pH of my garden soil. Be sure to use aged bark for this application. Freshly-chipped wood will rob from rather than benefit your soil during initial decomposition. - Source: Internet
• However, there are some drawbacks to utilizing peat moss in your garden. Peat moss is a finite resource. It takes hundreds of years to form again after being removed from the bog. - Source: Internet
• You’ll have to keep a constant watch for all kinds of pests, too. All kinds of critters, from rabbits to insects will want to help you enjoy the garden. Fences will keep out the larger types, while a variety of options are available for insects. - Source: Internet
• Sphagnum peat bogs are fragile ecosystems that are slow to regenerate after being harvested. It takes one thousand years for them to grow a yard in depth. Even though harvest is carefully regulated, peat moss is not considered a renewable resource or a sustainable product. - Source: Internet
• If you don’t have the time or the inclination to create your own raised bed garden soil, you can buy bagged soil formulated for raised beds. It’s a legitimate option, especially if you are creating fairly limited raised beds. However, if you are installing multiple beds or a large raised bed bagged soil will get expensive. Look for soil mixes that are specifically mixed for raised beds. For many of us, mixing our own soil will be a better option. - Source: Internet
• Pro tip: On its own, peat moss is just crumbly or powdery dry matter, but once soaked and allowed to absorb water, it becomes a spongy, workable medium. So make sure to pre-soak before adding to your mix. Pre-mixed composts or other growing media already containing peat moss will eventually rehydrate. - Source: Internet
• The annual rate of sphagnum growth is barely measurable — less than one millimeter or about 1/16 inch per year. For a bog to naturally generate one meter of peat moss, it can take 100 years. However, peat harvesters have discovered ways to expedite moss regeneration. - 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
• 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
• Peat moss sits well below live sphagnum. To reach the decayed material, harvesters must remove the sphagnum covering it. Then, they drain the bog and suction the peat with vacuum-type equipment. After harvesting, peat moss is dried, shredded, and chopped for consumer use. - Source: Internet
• Measure your soil’s pH. Before using peat moss, you should consider what you are growing and what your soil’s pH is. Because it is so acidic, it should only be used for acid-loving plants such as blueberries, or in soils that are naturally neutral or alkaline. - Source: Internet
• Peat moss is dead fibrous material that forms when mosses and other living material decompose in peat bogs. The difference between peat moss and the compost gardeners make in their backyard is that peat moss is composed mostly of moss, and the decomposition happens without the presence of air, slowing the rate of decomposition. It takes several millennia for peat moss to form, and peat bogs gain less than a millimeter in depth every year. Since the process is so slow, peat moss isn’t considered a renewable resource. - 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
• Most of the peat moss used in the United States comes from remote bogs in Canada. There is considerable controversy surrounding the mining of peat moss. Even though the mining is regulated, and only 0.02 percent of the reserves are available for harvest, groups such as the International Peat Society point out that the mining process releases massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, and the bogs continue to exhale carbon long after the mining concludes. - 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
• Luckily, plenty of other options exist. When it comes to bagged potting mixes, you can find ones that don’t use peat moss, so check the label before you buy. They may instead contain other plant-based materials such as coconut coir (a fiber extracted from discarded coconut husks), recycled paper fibers, and compost. You can also try making your own mix from these alternatives. - Source: Internet

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