Is Peat Moss Good for Gardens?

Identification

• Peat moss is made of the decomposed material found at the bottom of sphagnum bogs. When it is dried, it turns into a dry, light brown material and is sold in nurseries and garden centers. Peat moss is one of the most convenient forms of organic matter, since it is lightweight and commonly available. Peat moss generally has pH levels around 4.0. Peat pots are often used to germinate seeds and transplant garden plants.

Benefits

• Since peat moss has a low pH, it is often used to lower soil pH levels. It is an ideal soil amendment for plants that love acidic conditions, like blueberries and azaleas. Peat moss is much less likely to compact than compost and can last for many years in the soil. It also has high water retention, making it an ideal amendment for sandy soils with quick drainage.

Application Tips

• Peat moss should be incorporated into garden soil for optimal results. If it is placed on top of the soil without being incorporated, it may actually dry out the soil, since it absorbs any moisture in the soil under it. To apply peat moss to your garden soil, till it into the top 4 inches of the soil. Use about 1 inch of peat moss for best results. Since peat moss does not contain any nutrients, you might want to combine it with other soil amendments, such as fertilizer or compost.

Drawbacks

• Peat moss may be more expensive than other soil amendments, depending on your proximity to a source. It contains very few microorganisms, which are often helpful to garden soils, and does not contain nutrients or have the ability to suppress diseases. Gardeners and researchers continue to debate whether or not peat moss should be classified as a renewable resource. Peat moss is mined from peat bogs and plays a crucial role in these delicate wetlands. Environmentalists advocate using other soil amendments when possible to preserve the wildlife and flora of peat bog ecosystems.