Hydration of Peat Moss Ratio

About Peat Moss

• Peat moss is formed at the rate of 1 to 2 mm per year in very acid bogs. The acidity preserves the moss from decay, but the resulting peat also has a low pH, about 4.0. Peat moss absorbs and holds large quantities of water, reducing the need for frequent watering of sandy soils. It holds nutrients, releasing them slowly over time, and its fibrous structure loosens and aerates heavy clay soils.

Hydrating Peat Moss

• After peat moss is removed from the bog, it is dried to make shipping and storing easier; it must be rehydrated before use. In this dry state, however, peat will repel water, making wetting difficult. When used in potting mixes, manufacturers often add a surfactant, or wetting agent, to the mix. At home, using warm water can be helpful.

  Add enough water to the peat moss to give it a moist feeling to your hands. This will also expand the material considerably. In general, this will be about a pound to two pounds of water, 1 to 2 pints, for every pound of peat.

  Once moistened, you can add peat moss to soil mixes or dig it into the ground. Avoid excessive wetness. This will destroy the soil structure and create a dense, muddy texture.

Using Peat Moss

• Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of moistened peat moss over the surface of your soil and mix it into the top 6 to 8 inches until there are no clumps of peat visible. A large bale of peat, 3.8 cubic feet, will cover 90 square feet.

  While sometimes suggested as a mulch, peat moss is better mixed with the soil since its water-repelling properties make rewetting the mulch difficult.

Effects on pH

• If your soil is alkaline, peat's acidity will drop the pH, creating a more favorable environment for many plants. If your soil tends to be acid already, you may need to add ground limestone to the soil also. Limestone raises the pH, creating a better environment for vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Acid-loving plants such as azaleas and potatoes, however, may thrive in a peat-amended soil. Test the pH before planting.