Peat Moss: Uses & Description

Peat Bog World Benefits

• More than 1 billion acres of peat moss bogs exist around the world. The decomposing sphagnum moss forms across the top of the bog to a thickness of approximately 16 inches. The bogs take thousands of years to form and often date back 10,000 years. The wetland bogs provide a valuable filtration resource for the surrounding waterways. They help to filter approximately 10 percent of the world's freshwater. The moss actively absorbs carbon dioxide as the plants grow. The harvest of the peat moss can release the carbon back into the environment.

Soil Additive

• Peat moss offers a sterile growing medium to start seeds or seedlings. The sterility of the peat moss helps reduce potential diseases. Consider working peat moss into the soil prior to planting grass seeds to help the soil to retain water for the seeds to germinate within. Spreading about 2 inches of peat moss across the lawn seeds surface will help keep the soil and seeds moist for germination. Adding approximately 3 inches of peat moss to the soil prior to planting trees, shrubs or plants will help the soil retain water, store nutrients and help turn the soil slightly acidic.

Composting

• Peat moss can help speed up the composting process. When using a compost bin, mix 1 inch of peat moss into the soil once per week. Work the peat moss into the compost. After working the peat moss into the compost pile, consider adding an additional 2-inch layer of peat moss across the top of the compost's surface to help significantly reduce odor. Peat moss can take three or more years to decompose in the garden. When added to the garden soil with compost it helps reduce potential compacting from occurring. Peat moss also helps reduce leaching, so the plant's root system can more readily absorb water and nutrients.

Additional Benefits

• Adding peat moss to the flower bed will help make weed cultivation easier. The fluffy disposition of the peat moss makes the soil less likely to compact, which makes pulling the weeds easier. Peat moss naturally retains water like a sponge. Adding it to the flower bed or to an existing lawn can help reduce water evaporation. Rake an existing lawn thoroughly before applying 1 to 2 inches of peat moss across the top of the lawn. The peat moss helps to keep the soil around the lawn moist during the intense summer time heat. Adding peat moss across a plant's root system will also help protect it from excessive heat.