Peat Moss: How to Use it in Your Garden

At Valley Carriers, we know how beneficial peat moss can be for creating a healthy garden. That is why we carry a wide range of wood and mulch supplies that are perfect for productive plant life. If you are uncertain about using peat moss, here are some of the ways that it can be used to help benefit your garden space.

What is Peat Moss?

Peat moss is a compound found in peat bogs that is made up of decomposed sphagnum moss and other living materials. Unlike the compost that gardeners form in their backyards, peat moss, which is mostly composed of moss, decomposes without the presence of air. This means that the rate of decomposition is much slower than other types of compost materials. Peat moss can help improve the texture and consistency of a garden’s soil by efficiently managing water and holding onto nutrients.

How to Use Peat Moss in the Garden

Peat moss works to provide gardens with a wide range of benefits, such as absorbency, compaction prevention, a sterile planting medium, and acidic pH, and can be used in many ways throughout the garden.

1. Seed Starting

One of the best uses for peat moss is as a seed starter for both potted plants and gardens, especially when planting soilless seeds. Peat moss is commonly mixed with equal parts vermiculite or perlite, plus fertilizer and lime. This mix will help seeds keep a uniform moisture, which will help with the germination process. Peat moss is homogenous, sterile, and absorbent, making it easy to handle and the ideal way to provide moisture and nutrients to seeds.

2. Soil Amendment

Peat moss can also be used for soil amendment, especially for soils that are particularly sandy and dry. This is because peat moss can help retain more moisture, while also allowing the solid to drain better, preventing it from becoming soggy or too compact. Using peat moss as a soil amender is extremely easy and can work wonders on any garden.

3. Transplanting Plants

When transplanting plants or trees, it is important to ensure that they are getting enough moisture in order to help them become accustomed to the new location. Peat moss can help with this as it absorbs water, holding onto it for a substantial amount of time, so that plants do not have to be watered as often. If the space that is being used to house the newly transplanted tree has clay-based or sandy soil, peat moss will work to ensure that the plants roots are able to receive enough air to develop properly.

If you would like to learn more about peat moss and how to use it in your garden, or if you are interested in one of our products or services (log hauling services, trucking services, and wood recycling), please contact Valley Carriers at 604-853-1075.