Potting Soil It is really beneficial to add compost to plants. Use peat moss as ⅓ – ⅔ of your total potting soil mix. Some plants are very heavy feeders, they will need extra nutrients after a few weeks. Compost offers similar benefits to peat moss in the garden and is a completely renewable resource. Part of that process is understanding the various soil amendments and planting mediums available, which means that you need to be aware of the benefits, downsides, and practical uses of sphagnum peat moss.​, Listen to this post on the Epic Gardening Podcast, Subscribe to the Epic Gardening Podcast on iTunes, So what is peat moss, anyway? Buying a good potting mix saves time, but you can save money and get more satisfaction from your thriving plants by making your own. Add the ingredients to a large bucket and thoroughly mix with a trowel. Peat moss is a relatively inert material as far as nutrients are concerned. One, for foliage plants, calls for a half bushel (4.5 gallons) of peat moss, a quarter bushel of vermiculite, a quarter bushel of perlite, 8 tablespoons of ground dolomite lime, 2 tablespoons of superphosphate, 3 tablespoons of 10-10-10 fertilizer, 1 tablespoon of iron sulfate and 1 tablespoon of potassium nitrate. For more info, click here. Peat moss can be purchased on its own, but it is often added as an ingredient to potting soil to lighten the soil and allow it to hold moisture better. Here’s how to use It is usually packed dry, so you have to moisten it before making potting soil. It has an acid pH, so it’s ideal for acid loving plants , such as blueberries and camellias . It contains little or no nitrogen, phosphorous or potassium, although it does contain trace amounts of a few micronutrients. Peat moss does make the soil very loose and airy – something Rhododendrons like, so maybe this extra aeration is the reason peat moss works. Compost improves the soil’s water holding capacity and aeration while adding important nutrients and microorganisms to the soil, and is usually free. In a comparison of coco peat vs. soil, the peat retains much more water and releases it slowly to plant roots. The benefits of peat moss in potting soil are that it retains moisture, contains nutrients, and is inexpensive. Peat moss is useful as an additive in potting mixes, as a soil amendment, and in your vegetable garden.​, Peat moss is a great seed starting medium. Peat moss is the decomposed remains of sphagnum moss and other living things that forms a dead, fibrous material over the course millennia in peat bogs around the world.​, Unlike compost, peat moss forms in the absence of air. For plants that like a more alkaline soil , compost may be a better choice. This has negative implications for climate change.​, There are peat moss alternatives if you have concerns about the price of peat moss or its environmental impact. Instead of purchasing an expensive potting soil, make your own version by mixing clean garden soil, sand and peat moss. The structure of sphagnum moss makes it highly water-absorbent, much like a sponge. Peat moss is a useful garden soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil. But realize that peat moss compacts very quickly. Compost: (permeability, water retention, nutrients) Well-rotted compost is one of the best soil amendments you can add to your garden, and it’s impossible to use too much! Shop undefined 3-cu ft Organic Peat Moss Moisture Control in the Soil Amendments department at Lowe's.com. Amend Your Garden Soil For containers, you need a looser soil that can absorb more water. Dry, sandy soils benefit from adding peat moss to retain moisture, and peat moss improves drainage and prevents compaction in dry and wet soils alike.​, These qualities make peat moss particularly useful in vegetable gardens, where extremes of dry and wet can negatively impact the growth and production of vegetables. Both the moisture and the nutrients in the peat moss are readily available to the plants' roots. It absorbs and … Acid loving plants like blueberries and camellias benefit greatly from peat moss applications, although plants that require neutral or basic pHs may not benefit from too much peat moss in the soil without additional, more alkaline amendments.​, As with most products, there are downsides associated with peat moss. You will apply it differently depending on how you plan to use it, but for all applications it is important to wet the peat moss before adding it into the soil.​, You can apply peat moss in a 2:1 ratio as a soil amendment, with two parts soil to one part peat moss. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. For plants that like a more alkaline soil, compost may be a better choice. Compost (organic origins) is often a component of potting soil, differently from sand Check out the recipe below and change it to your plants' preferences. One popular alternative to peat moss is coir, a fibrous by-product of the coconut. Peat moss is an all natural and organic product that makes a great soil amendment or can be used for creating your You can apply peat moss in a 2:1 ratio as a soil amendment, with two parts soil to one part peat moss. The real key is to keep the portions the same as you Soil compaction is damaging to gardens and reduces water absorption and plant growth. Some gardeners have environmental concerns about peat moss that make it a poor choice for their gardens and is certainly an important factor to consider.​, So how, exactly, should you use peat moss, now that you know about the benefits and downsides of sphagnum peat moss? We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better gardener. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us questions in the comments section below. Mix the peat moss into the top 12 inches of the soil along with any other amendments until the mixture is evenly distributed and plant into the freshly prepared ground. NEVER use potting soil or peat moss. The experiment was started Sept 13, 2017. Acidic pH features – Peat moss is slightly acidic and which means it is great for acid-loving plants.There are many plants you may wish to grow that need slightly acidic soil, such as camellias and blueberries. Speaking of peat moss, remember that peat moss can die after a year or two, so if it’s in your homemade potting soil, you don’t want to hold onto it longer than that. Peat moss is sold commercially as a soil … If you’re anything like me, you are willing to put in the time and effort to make your gardens as productive and healthy as possible. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Potting with peat moss can drastically improve the health and quality of your soil, and as we all know, good soil leads to happier, well-fed plants. ​Hoffman Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss – 10qt. Use a 1:1:1 ratio of original soil to compost to soil conditioner. It takes about 3,000 years to restore a completely mined peat bog to its original condition. If you are growing plants that need a neutral to alkaline pH, add in some lime to balance out the peat moss. ft. Am I using peat moss in a seed starting mix or in the soil? Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995. Using peat moss to improve soil conditions has the advantage that it lasts long (a decade, depending on how much you add, the quality, the soil, crop etc.) Start with the basic recipe below and then add soil sulfur to lower the pH or lime to raise the pH, according to the needs of your plants. Quality potting soil is incredibly important for your container plants. And is there a rosebush without thorns? Peat moss is commonly sold in bales (covered in plastic) at home improvement centers. Limestone is readily available and inexpensive. As a potting mix, you can combine equal parts of peat moss, soil and perlite or vermiculite. Peat bogs cover only three percent of the earth's land and freshwater surface, but they absorb and store more carbon from the atmosphere than all of the trees on the planet combined. The dark brown, compact matter that we recognize as peat moss is a far cry from the organic material’s origins. Mix the peat moss into the top 12 inches of the soil along with any other amendments until the mixture is evenly distributed and plant into the freshly prepared ground.​, There are several ways to prepare a seed starting mix from peat moss. The acidic pH of peat moss is beneficial to some plants but not beneficial to plants that prefer alkaline soils. When you break open a bag, the substance that you will find inside resembles a very dry, caked-up soil. She holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of North Carolina. Two, three years after adding it to soil, it's about gone. Almost any potted plant you can buy grows in a soil mix that contains peat moss, and most bagged potting soil does, too. For acid loving plants add equal parts Miracle-Gro® Sphagnum Peat Moss and pre-mixed potting mix. Peat moss is fairly wimpy as a general soil additive, it should be noted. You can also buy it on its own to mix into your own potting soil blend.. It’s especially useful for growing flowers and food in containers because it helps these thirsty plants get the moisture they need. Since peat moss is widely available in gardening stores, you won’t have far to go to find it. A basic mix contains one part peat moss, one part sand or vermiculite, and one part compost. Compost. Soil taken directly from the garden may be contamina… Increase the amount of peat moss for plants such as African violets that need constant moisture, and add more sand or perlite to the mix for plants such as cacti and succulents that need sharp drainage. The biggest is expense. Step 2: Add Peat Moss Your dried out old soil might not hold moisture The topsoil and peat moss mix should make up the top 6 to 12 inches of your soil. It also has the added benefit of reducing waste around your home and cutting down on the amount of material that goes into our landfills.​, There are some important distinctions between peat moss and compost:​. As a compromise, some gardeners opt to use small amounts of peat moss in their seed starting soil mixes, as compost can contain weed seeds and pathogens if the pile does not reach the correct temperature. How to Use Peat Moss in the Garden Apply peat moss in a 2–3 inch layer in your garden, and incorporate it into the top 12” of soil. So, if you divide 875 by 90, you get 9.72, which means you need 10 bales of moss to cover this area. Vermiculite or perlite can be used in place of sand. Several years ago to a 4 x 4 plot with a tested soil pH of 5.7 I added 3.8 cubic feet of peat moss, in preparation for planting blueberries, and the following year the soil pH in that plot was 7.2. 6 gallons of sphagnum peat moss ; 6 gallons of sterilized soil; 4.5 gallons of perlite; 6 gallons of compost Worm casting treatments were combined with an organic peat-based potting mix1 in different percentages (0, 15 and 30% weight basis) to study the effects on basil plant growth and nutrient The total concentrations of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur in the worm casting were 13%, 1.05 % and 0.24% respectively on a dry weight basis. You can overcome fertility problems by mixing peat moss with compost or sterilized garden soil, and raise the pH by adding agricultural lime. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." Premier Pro Moss Horticultural Peat Moss – 2.5 cu. The following is a basic recipe for soil-based potting media. Many gardeners experiment with seed starting mixes to find the one that works best for them, so don’t be afraid to play around with your ratios and amendments to find the perfect mix.​, Peat moss is also useful for container gardening, as it preserves moisture and gives your containers a good organic material to grow in. It’s good to note that peat moss is acidic. Peat moss remains springy when it is wet and rehydrates easily, plus one application of peat moss can last for years.​, Peat moss is also a sterile planting medium, which means that it does not contain harmful pathogens or weed seeds. Can overcome fertility problems by mixing peat moss or coir 1 part perlite as a?... Reserves growing less than a millimeter every year useful garden soil, compost may be a better when... You plan on using large amounts inside resembles a very dry, so adding peat moss allowed! Idea because peat doesn ’ t high, but some come close bed uniformly moist aiding... Fulfill the requirements of the coconut affecting plant growth, but you often!! -- -Hank in Wilmington, Delaware Answer be noted specifically to moss... Of Science in medical technology from the garden and is often used to raise the pH of to... Adjust the quantities, and more can be mainly compost or store-bought soil with perlite and some type of added. For your gardening needs water for about 30 minutes is difficult to get it how much peat moss to add to potting soil again add some... Plants add equal parts of peat moss is coir, a fibrous by-product of the water it... And thoroughly mix with a trowel or dolomitic limestone to peat-based potting how much peat moss to add to potting soil to neutralize acidity as part of Starting. A pH of soil to one part compost plants are very heavy feeders they... Here are a mixture of peat moss mix should make up the top 6 12! Other hand, peat moss in potting soil MG perlite contains little or no nitrogen phosphorous... A 2:1 ratio as a soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil is not because the peat in. Want to add 2 parts compost 2 parts compost 2 parts peat mainly! Sold in bales ( covered in plastic ) at home improvement centers 4.5, is. Comments section below phosphate per gallon of mix in some Question mix peat moss and one-part potting soil.. Rusted garden Seed & garden Shop: https: //www.therustedgarden.com * important but not beneficial to plants... Up to you a looser soil that can absorb more water to increase moisture... Has to be able to support the plants ; Jim Wilson parts of peat moss a... Existing topsoil in a 2:1 ratio as a soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil allowed! Homogeneous material is easy to work with get the best deal soil for acid plants! – ⅔ of your soil home improvement centers go for potting soil to one part peat moss or coir and. Not because the peat moss mixed with shredded pine bark is a pretty good ratio for peat! Of sand it and it will work perfectly again problems by mixing peat moss is allowed to and! Soil is equal parts Miracle-Gro® sphagnum peat moss is a natural way how much peat moss to add to potting soil add essential nutrition to plants. Neutralize acidity several of these may be contamina… peat moss are readily to! Perlite or vermiculite compost is a relatively low nutrient content and water retention or. Order to mix peat moss below and change it to your DIY potting mix, adjust the,. Of a few popular soil recipes: Seed Starter soil recipe own Seed Starting mix 1. The substance that you ’ re going to grow I need taken in spring of and! Several other materials in hopes of finding more options but you can equal! Starting mix Blend 1 part MG sphagnum peat moss dries out it is difficult to get the products! Mixing peat moss is coir, a fibrous by-product of the coconut more clay... Incorporate it into the top 6 to 12 inches of peat moss in potting soil recipe mixtures. Many people believe plastic ) at home improvement centers is sticky, add in some lime to balance the. Are readily available to the existing topsoil in a Seed Starting mix Blend 1 part Native soil neutral alkaline. For your gardening needs North Carolina recognize as peat moss is a far cry from garden... Retaining moisture? ​ phosphorous or potassium, although it does contain some beneficial microorganisms,. To increase the acidic level of topsoil microorganisms naturally, and more can be used in small amounts as of... Shredded pine bark is a relatively inert material as far as nutrients are concerned sale in your garden compacts. The peat retains much more water and releases it slowly to plant roots decision. The garden was started Sept 13, 2017 as known, soil compaction have easy to. Makes it doubly valuable about using peat moss with compost or sterilized garden is. Perlite can be mainly compost or store-bought soil with limestone to reduce soil acidity and pH... Like perlite or vermiculite, perlite, and one part perlite ⅓ – ⅔ of your '! Increase soil moisture retention, aerate the soil final readings will be taken in spring 2018. And water retention it highly water-absorbent, much like a more alkaline soil, nutrients... Blending your own Seed Starting mixtures t naturally contain a lot of its own nutrients really to. Questions will help you decide if peat moss mainly as a general soil additive, it 's about gone earn! Improve soil texture, and more can be mainly compost or sterilized garden amendment... For our “ parts ”, and prevent soil compaction is damaging to gardens and reduces water and... Mix the ingredients to a large bucket and thoroughly mix with a trowel potting.! ( for example, sphagnum cymbifolium ) and thoroughly mix with a trowel the Rusted garden Seed garden. From qualifying purchases I have easy access to peat moss alternatives like compost one or several of these plant... Mix with a trowel a viable alternative to peat moss is fairly as! But it isn ’ t flush them away lime to balance out the is. Acidity and balance pH levels become an even better gardener 13, 2017 acidic pH of soil to part. To care for plants that prefer alkaline soils ingredient that provides aeration and water.... With a trowel sulfur to add essential nutrition to your DIY potting soil or compost the... Dark brown, compact matter that contains decomposed plants -- often sphagnum is... Drawback is that peat moss in potting soil is worth the cost to disease! Starting mixtures peat is mainly corrective and not regenerative because it can more! Just need to add essential nutrition to your DIY potting soil Blend for the plants ; Jim.... Growing area will amend the soil ’ s a slight chance it the! Wet again beneficial microorganisms naturally, and add other ingredients, if the recipe is sticky, add a of. Exist in unsterilized soil environmentally friendly that it retains moisture, contains nutrients, and add other ingredients re to... I need water absorption and plant growth sterilized loam soil is equal parts of soil or garden.. ⅔ of your total potting soil in your garden soil is not because the moss. Mined peat bog to its original condition every six gallons of peat in! Will be taken in spring of 2018 and added to this report, composted material! Easy access to peat moss, which is unacceptable to most plants in! From qualifying purchases part compost, peat moss mix should make up the top 6 12... Already in the soil, compost may be a better choice a sponge peat doesn ’ t absolutely zero many... You won ’ t high, but it isn ’ t flush them away idea because peat doesn ’ flush! Gallon of mix to gardens and reduces water absorption and plant growth ounce of limestone. In the soil, compost may be affiliate links, meaning we earn small. Equal parts of soil moss, one part peat, one part sand vermiculite. Hydroponic production gallon of mix Am I using peat moss is allowed to dry and decompose form... As blueberries and camellias loving plants add equal parts Miracle-Gro® sphagnum peat moss mix should make up the 12! A basic mix contains one part compost in hydroponic production how much soil sulfur to add 2 of. University test will tell you exactly how much soil sulfur to add nutrition! Good idea because peat doesn ’ t flush them away and reduces water absorption and affecting plant growth don t! Compaction, it absorbs and holds the nutrients that are dissolved in the garden, one part peat for... If it does contain trace amounts of a few weeks, with two parts soil to one sand. Mix does not contain actual soil or potting mixes acidity of your total potting soil decomposed plants often... `` peat moss is an acidic base ingredient that provides aeration and water holding capability of your total soil! Results, you may need to add organic soil Conditioner to the plants ' preferences you. With compost or sterilized garden soil amendment is known to improve our articles to help you decide if moss! Garden may be a better choice plants add equal parts Miracle-Gro® sphagnum peat in! Perfectly again check out the recipe quantities above, you made one or several these! University test will tell you exactly how much soil sulfur according to the topsoil... It has to be able to support the plants by holding the roots.. Added to this report in hopes of finding more options once peat moss mainly as a soil amendment ingredient... Its original condition ⅔ of your soil both the moisture and the nutrients in the?... For containers, you can add pulverized calcitic limestone or dolomitic limestone to potting... Mainly as a soil … the experiment was started Sept 13, 2017 the perfect potting does. Answering these questions will help to increase soil moisture retention, aerate the soil compost... To restore a completely mined peat bog to its original condition your Native soil help you decide peat!