What Is Peat Moss? And How To Use It In The Backyard
Utilizing peat moss for the backyard prompts frequent discussions amongst backyard growers. What’s it used for? Peat moss in soil offers the correct quantity of texture that retains it gentle and but retains moisture. Sphagnum peat moss is a sort of peat used to situation soil and provides crops the medium that’s good for root development and nutrient uptake.
What Is Peat Moss?
Peat moss for gardens is harvested from bogs, fens, or peatlands. Sphagnum peat moss is an aquatic plant that floats on the floor of waterways corresponding to the perimeters of ponds. Over time it builds up a thick carpet of the stuff, offering rising house for different riparian crops, or crops that develop alongside the sting of water. Because the peat plant matures, the older materials dies however new peat grows on prime. This results in a thick layer of each useless and reside peat moss.
Sphagnum Moss vs. Peat Moss
You probably have ever been to a craft retailer, baggage of sphagnum moss are offered. These price rather more than the “peat moss” present in backyard facilities. The sphagnum moss is used for ornamental functions, whereas peat is a soil modification. Each come from the identical plant however have totally different makes use of.
Sphagnum moss is the highest residing layer of the plant. It takes as much as 7 years to replenish this layer, so harvesting have to be performed rigorously to keep away from damaging the ecosystem. Peat moss is the principally useless decrease layer of fabric. It’s the useless, slowly decomposing previous Sphagnum moss in addition to twigs, sticks, and different objects that fell onto the layers. Peat moss decomposes slowly as a result of lack of oxygen in its moisture-saturated web site. With sphagnum moss, the plant components are recognizable, whereas peat moss has no distinguishable plant components.
Peat Moss Makes use of
Peat moss soil mixtures are quite common. Most of our bought potting soil will comprise some peat. It’s glorious for crops that like larger acidity and can decrease the pH within the soil.
Utilizing peat moss for backyard soil modification in arid zones helps the soil retain moisture and aerates it, and is straightforward to include attributable to its crumbly texture and looseness. In container mixtures, peat helps maintain moisture within the pot that’s vulnerable to evaporating away earlier than crops can uptake the water.
FAQ: Sphagnum Moss vs. Peat Moss
1. What is the difference between Sphagnum Moss and Peat Moss?
Sphagnum moss is a living moss that grows on the surface of bogs and wetlands, whereas Peat moss is the partially decomposed form of sphagnum moss that accumulates over time at the bottom of bogs. They both originate from the same plant, but differ in structure, purpose, and environmental impact.
2. Which is better for gardening: Sphagnum Moss or Peat Moss?
It depends on your specific needs. Peat moss is typically preferred for soil amendment due to its high water retention and ability to hold nutrients, making it ideal for plants that need moisture. Sphagnum moss is commonly used for orchids, ferns, and other plants needing well-aerated environments because it retains less water and offers more structural support.
3. Is Peat Moss environmentally friendly?
Peat moss harvesting has environmental consequences. Peat bogs take thousands of years to form and are vital for carbon storage. Overharvesting peat moss contributes to carbon release and habitat loss. Sphagnum moss harvesting is less damaging as it is a renewable resource and grows back quickly when harvested sustainably.
4. Can Sphagnum Moss be used in place of Peat Moss?
While sphagnum moss can be used similarly to peat moss for certain plants, it has a looser structure and doesn’t retain water as efficiently as peat moss. Sphagnum moss is best for aeration and drainage, while peat moss is ideal for moisture retention in soils.
5. What are the main uses of Sphagnum Moss?
Sphagnum moss is often used for lining hanging baskets, providing a supportive medium for orchids, and creating ideal conditions for ferns and carnivorous plants. It’s also used as a top dressing to maintain humidity.
6. How can I choose between Sphagnum and Peat Moss?
Consider your plant’s needs: for moisture retention and nutrient-poor soils, use peat moss. For plants needing aeration and a loose medium, go with sphagnum moss.