If you are a gardener, you must have come across the name PEAT MOSS. It has revolutionized the gardening. There are a lots of benefits to growing with peat moss that you should know. Want to know what is Peat Moss & how is it useful in gardening? We are trying to provide answers of all your concerns in detail below.

What is Peat Moss? 

Peat Moss is a dead, fibrous material. It forms in peat bogs, over a million years, when dead plant material – mainly sphagnum moss and other living material deposited & decomposes in it. The difference between the compost and peat moss is, that the decomposition takes place in the absence of air in peat moss. This slows the decomposition process and forms a material which is very absorbent.​

Benefits of Peat Moss

Retains moisture and very absorbent – It is very effective for water retention. It can hold up to several times its weight in water, meaning the roots of your plants will never get dehydrated.  It can also hold on to nutrients that would otherwise rinse out of the soil after watering.

It is porous – This is extremely light & porous which allows roots to expand freely thus promoting healthy root development.

It is completely Organic – It is derived from the natural resource and can be used again and again.

Sterile – It doesn’t have weeds or pathogens & most garden pests do not like settling in peat moss.

Disadvantages of Peat Moss

Expensive – Peat moss is little expensive if you are planning to use in large amount. Alternatively you can prepare your own mix than buying commercial mix for large amount.

Less Nutrients – Peat Moss has very little nutrients within it. You need to add nutrients while using it.

Acidic pH –  The pH of peat moss is acidic. Though it is good for some acid loving plants like blueberries but not for other plants which prefer alkaline soil.

Tips

Add Lime (1/4 tablespoon per 4 kg of moss) to neutralize it’s acidic pH.

In Conclusion

Peat moss is a type of organic soil amendment that comes from decomposed sphagnum moss. It’s known for its ability to improve soil structure and water retention, making it a popular choice for gardeners. Peat moss has a slightly acidic pH, which is beneficial for acid-loving plants. There are many benefits of using peat moss for plants, and it can be easily added to soil to improve plant growth. If you’re looking for a moss alternative, peat moss is a great choice. It’s available by the yard and can be easily incorporated into your garden routine.

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