Are you thinking about making your garden soil even better this year? The following information will help you learn why and how to use peat moss.
How to use peat moss
Peat moss is a natural soil conditioner. It is often found in the potting mix that we add to the garden as an amendment. You can also use peat moss to mulch your flower beds.
The advantages of peat moss
Why should you use peat moss in your garden? Well, its properties make it a choice ingredient for horticulture because:
- It helps with drainage
- It favours the absorption of nutritive elements
- It generates micro-organisms that are beneficial for the growth of vegetables
- It increases the soil’s water retention capacities
- It amplifies soil aeration
- It facilitates the retention of minerals
- It increases the buffering capacity of the soil (it is less sensitive to pH variations)
Where does it come from?
Sphagnum is a plant that grows in Canada’s acidic wetlands. Horticultural peat, which is commonly used to fertilize gardens, consists of decomposed organic matter in addition to sphagnum.
A limited resource
Did you know that peat is virtually a non-renewable natural resource? In fact, it does renew itself, but it takes approximately 100 years for it to reach a height of five centimetres. Therefore, the extraction of peat is highly regulated.
If you wish to respect the environment, there are garden soils available that contain less peat while still offering the conditioning qualities of peat moss. Ask a garden centre employee for more information.
Plants that love peat moss
Because it increases the soil’s capacity to retain water, peat moss is ideal for moisture-loving plants, such as ferns, begonias, astilbes and irises. The acidity in peat moss also makes it ideal for the growth of carnivorous plants, orchids, heather, rhododendrons, blueberries and strawberries.
Less work, better results!
Thanks to the properties of peat moss, your garden is sure to look great this year! In addition, you won’t need to water it as frequently. For more advice on how to use peat moss, go ahead and talk to a garden centre expert.
