Peat Moss- Everything You Should Know About This Remarkable Plant

Although many people know peat moss is a natural product, they may realize peat moss is actually a small unnoticeable plant that is the partly decomposed remains of sphagnum moss that once lived in swamps.

In other words, peat moss is an exceptionally old soil that’s been enriched by decomposed plant material that has been deposited for years. The unique cell structure of peat moss helps to control moisture and air surrounding plant roots to create excellent growing conditions.

Peat moss (Sphagnum spp.) doesn’t bear flowers or blossoms. It’s softer and lighter than ordinary garden soil having a crumbly texture able to trap water and air. It can absorb, as well as release water slower than soil which helps keep roots evenly moistened which is conducive to plant growth.

Growth Rate of Peat Moss

The average peat moss increases by almost four inches (about 10 centimeters) during summer, with the highest growth rate at almost 16 inches (about 40 or more centimeters) each summer. In winter snow weight reduces growth due to the high water content of a plant’s dead parts becoming only partly decomposed.

Benefits

There are several benefits of using peat moss. Peat moss is an organic natural soil condition that helps to regulate surrounding air and moisture around plant roots. This helps create an ideal environment for plants to grow. Peat moss saves water as it absorbs and holds moisture. It gives the body to sandy soil and reduces the leakage of nutrients as it releases them gradually over time.

Largest Peat Moss Sources

Peat moss is mined world-wide, but the richest and oldest deposits are in Canada. Huge amounts are also found in Europe with roughly a third of Finland’s land covered with it. About a one-size of Ireland and Sweden are covered with peat moss. Two-thirds of the world’s supply lies in the Russia. In the United States, the most peat moss is in the northern Midwest with Michigan containing the most amounts.

Types of Peat Moss

There are three main types of peat moss: moss-peat (peat moss), peat humus, and reed-sedge pat. Moss-peat is basically made from sphagnum type mosses and is highly acidic. It’s tan or brown and is lightweight and absorbent.

Reed-sedge peat is the remains of various swamp plants such as reeds and sedge grasses. This type of peat moss is has a velvety dark brown color and doesn’t need to be soaked much.

Peat humus is ideal for plants that love acids such as azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and evergreens.

Warning and Problems with Peat Moss

Because peat moss has an acidic pH, it shouldn’t be added to soil that’s already acidic. Doing so can result in making the soil less productive for many plants such as azaleas and blueberries.

Peat moss is extremely messy and dusty which can irritate the lungs. It’s best to add peat moss to a garden on a very calm day, wearing a respirator. It needs tilling as soon as possible.