If you've ever visited a garden center, you've no doubt seen bags of peat moss piled high. Peat moss is a versatile gardening material that can come in handy for various landscaping tasks. There are concerns about whether the peat moss industry harvests it in a sustainable manner, so conservative use of the material is probably best.
Peat moss is a common ingredient in potting soil. It is lightweight and fluffy, so it allows in enough air for the plant's roots to breathe effectively in the soil. Peat moss also holds moisture well, which allows your potted plants to retain nutrients necessary for healthy growth. Because it compacts easily, it also surrounds the plants' roots and anchors them in the pot so the plants are sturdy and aren't knocked over by the wind.
Trees and shrubs add texture and dimension to a yard without requiring much maintenance. But transplanting large plants can sometimes be a challenge if the soil where you plan to plant them doesn't promote healthy growing conditions. Peat moss can come in handy when transplanting trees and shrubs, particularly if you have sandy or clay-based soil. The fluffy texture of the peat moss helps add body to sandy soils, while its lightweight consistency helps loosen up dense clay soil so the tree or shrub's roots get enough air. Peat moss also absorbs and holds water so the plants receive adequate moisture when re-planted. For the best transplanting results, combine 1 part peat moss with 2 parts soil and surround the tree or shrub's root ball.
Fortifying Your Lawn
If you want a lush, healthy lawn, peat moss is a good soil conditioner to encourage the healthy growth of grass. Just as with potted plants or transplanted trees, peat moss helps aerate the grass plant's roots and maintains a healthy moisture level for the lawn. It also helps grass grow because it prevents the soil from losing nutrients by releasing them gradually instead of all at once. For an existing lawn, add a thin layer of peat moss to the top of the grass to slowly condition the soil. You'll get better results if you aerate your lawn first to remove soil plugs and loosen any compacted areas.
Building a compost pile allows you to fertilize your plants and lawn in an earth-friendly way by recycling decomposed organic materials. Grass clippings, leaves and food scraps all make good compost material. But for the most effective compost, add peat moss to the mix. Peat decomposes more slowly than compost materials, so it helps ensure the long-term nutrient content of your soil by balancing out other organic material that decomposes more quickly but is still rich in nutrients. For the best results, mix 1 part peat moss to 4 parts compost and toss the pile every two weeks or so. If you notice a strong odor from your compost pile, adding a layer of peat moss on top can also help cut back on the smell.
- Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion: Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace; Shane Smith
- Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association: Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
- Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association: Getting the Most From Your Compost
- Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association: Easy Care Lawn & Lawn Repair Tips
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